More presence, instead of more presents.
In PTA, volunteer time and attention are the most meaningful gifts at this time of year. In units around the Contra Costa County (Thirty Second District PTA’s region), PTA volunteers are
- arranging winter coffees for parents and families,
- holiday appreciation events for staff,
- Reflections art showcases,
- advocating for wraparound medical and meal programs on campus,
- sharing care options with parents of students with disabilities, and
- planning for speakers to address school communities on issues ranging from tips on gifts to boost young children’s creativity and inquiry, to common sense limits on your middle schooler’s online time this break, to keeping your teen driver safe during the winter/holiday season.
All this is done to serve the mission of positively impacting the lives of all children. #PTA4kids
There is another way that you are needed at your school, and it may not be as obvious, yet remains one of the most important places where your presence matters - the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) committee and process. The LCAP is a three-year plan that describes the goals, actions, services, and expenditures to support positive student outcomes that address state and local priorities. How is the LCAP being discussed, created, and reviewed in your school district and how does that communicated and implemented in your individual school? To find out, ask your principal and your PTA president. Parent involvement is not only key, it is required! For more information on LCAP, visit the California State PTA resources at http://capta.org/resources/
Another tool you might be interested in is the California Department of Education Dashboard. You can see how your school district , individual school, and county office of education are faring on various indicators of student success. You can see how your educational community is doing overall in comparison to specific groups of students, such as students with disabilities and students of color. Get informed and be part of the solution by advocating for programs to serve all our students well. https://www.caschooldashboard.org/#/Home
As always, I welcome questions or comments on issues affecting our children - the Thirty Second District PTA aims to support all our PTA Councils in serving their family, staff, and community members.
Marilyn C. Lucey,
dp32@capta.org
Thirty Second District PTA President
