The weather is beginning to turn and the memory of summer is fading. The chill in the air, that announces the change of seasons, is noticeably bracing in the early morning and at sunset. As nature begins to put on its autumnal sleeping gown, PTA is doing anything but settling into a sleepy pace!
In the Thirty Second District PTA, encompassing Contra Costa County, things continue to ‘move and shake’ in Antioch, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, Martinez, Richmond, Orinda, Concord and everywhere in between. We are 38,000+ members strong and continue to grow, especially in West Contra Costa. This fall we have already welcomed the addition of three new PTA charters, and have a queue of schools ready and waiting to welcome PTA onto their school campuses. The feeling is mutual! We had the privilege of being at an event to witness the selection and announcement of the Contra Costa COE Teachers of the Year in late September, celebrating all the deserving educators selected as their school district’s teacher of the year. When parents, education staff, and community members align - we are unstoppable!
Meanwhile the programs that make PTA a desirable partner for schools and school districts continue. The national PTA art program, Reflections, is in full swing at our PTAs across the county, in every school district that has PTAs. The student-created art pieces that come out of the Thirty Second District PTA always have a good showing at the California State PTA level of the Reflections program. We don’t expect this year to be any different and look forward to seeing the artwork produced from around the county. You can find out more information about Reflections here. This year’s theme is ‘Within Reach’ and participation is easy, exciting, and empowering!
PTA remains vital because of our hardworking volunteers and committed leaders. Training and support of our PTA leaders and volunteers are key to why many schools and school districts prefer PTA to other parent clubs. Being a part of an established national organization provides our educational communities with confidence that their boards have the structure and oversight to legally and financially manage and protect assets the communities have entrusted to PTAs. Those funds allow PTAs to provide access to award winning programs like Parent University, Advocacy Day, Reflections, Leadership Training, and more. California State PTA recently held a Northern California Regional Conference on September 23 and about twenty five of our local PTA leaders attended. On October 26, we will be providing officer training in conjunction with our association meeting at the Contra Costa County Office of Education - all PTA members in Contra Costa County are welcome to attend. You can find out more about the training and meeting here.
We are a productive and active group...and we like it that way because our kids and our community deserve it! Want to be a part of a PTA that makes good things happen for students in our county? Join your local PTA today!
President, Thirty-Second District PTA, 2017-19
