News You Can Use - November 1, 2017
Useful Information to Support Your PTAs Success
and to Share With Your Community
This message has been sent to all current PTA leaders in our database.
To Reason or Not to Reason

"You might be looking for reasons but there are no reasons."
- Nina LaCour, Hold Still

Which means you don't even need to think about it, your PTA just has to file the  990n/990EZ/990, 199n/199, and RRF-1 every year ...

  • if your PTA is filing a 990n, 199n and RRF-1, you MUST file by Nov 15, since the IRS does not allow for extensions.

 

  • if your PTA is filing 990EZ/990, 199 and RRF-1, and you will NOT finish the 990EZ/990 on time, then you must file for an extension before November 15 (aim to file extension before Nov 10).  Please file Form 8868 which will give you an automatic 3-month extension for all three returns (990EZ/990, 199, and RRF-1).
 
Information for filing your taxes:


Tax Help Day:
Tuesday, November 7
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Santa Clara Unified School District
1889 Lawrence Road [map]
Santa Clara, 95051
Use rear parking lot entrance on St Lawrence Dr.
Last appointment at 8:00 pm
RSVP appreciated by Nov 1

The Most Important Committee
 
It might seem early, but it's a great time to start thinking about who would be wonderful to serve on your unit's nominating committee. 
 
***********************************************************************
True or False
1. The president appoints the nominating committee.
2. The principal automatically is a member of the nominating committee.
 
***********************************************************************
 
Units need to elect their nominating committees at least 60 days before their annual election meeting. For most units, the election of the nominating committee will take place at your January or February association meeting (please check your bylaws).
 
Please visit CAPTA's website for more information on  Nominations and Elections. OR come to Nominations and Elections training on Tuesday, Nov 7 (more information below).
 
Answers:
  1. False - The nominating committee is the only PTA committee that is not appointed by the president.
  2. False - The principal may be elected as a member of the nominating committee. If not elected, the principal should at least be an advisor to the group.

When You Turn 18:
A Survival Guide for Teenagers

Adulthood also brings new responsibilities and consequences. 
  • Your parents no longer have to support you. 
  • You can now be sued personally. 
  • You are responsible for paying your own income taxes. 
  • You must register for the military if you are a young man.
  • You can register to vote. 
  • And if you commit a crime, you will not have the protection of the juvenile court and laws; you could wind up in jail for something that, at a younger age, might have resulted in no more than a stern lecture and a ride home in a police car.
 
This guide touches on some of the laws that may apply to you at this turning point. Keep in mind that laws are constantly subject to change. If you have a specific legal problem, you may want to consult an attorney.
 
Download the Guide  [English]  [Spanish]

Sixth District Legislative Round Table
 
Thursday November 16
6:30 pm - 7:00 pm-  Meet & Greet
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm - Legislative Round Table
FUHSD Professional Learning Ctr (rear building)
Fremont Union High School District Office,
589 W Fremont Ave, Sunnyvale [map] [campus map]
Free
RSVPs appreciated, but not required. 
 
This year's Legislative Round Table will explore three topics:
  • Adequate funding: Even with the Prop 55 extension of Prop. 30 taxes, our funding is below average, and California's schools rank in the bottom 5. LCFF improves equity, but does not address adequacy. How can we restore long-term increased stable funding for our children's schools?
  • Raising Teacher StatusIn countries with high-performing schools, teachers are better trained, better paid, better supported, and better respected than in the US. How can we change the way we view the teaching profession, so that we can better recruit and retain and properly compensate our children's teachers?
  • Early Childhood Education: Santa Clara County's Superintendent of Schools says the County Office's work on early learning is its highest priority project. How can we improve access to high quality, affordable, early learning for all of California's children?
 
Come discuss these topics with our State Senators & Assembly Members!
 
Send RSVPs & questions for legislators to [email protected]

Training Opportunities
For All Exec Board Members, Auditors & Parliamentarians

All classes will be held at:
Santa Clara Unified School District
1889 Lawrence Road [map]
Santa Clara, 95051
Use rear parking lot entrance on St Lawrence Dr.
 
Tuesday, November 7 
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
RSVP by Nov 1

How to Audit PTA Books
  • Don't wait until the end of the year to prepare for the audit. Get simple strategies and tips for making audits a piece of cake! Learn how to plan, conduct and report the outcome of your PTA audit. Reassure your members their resources are being managed in a businesslike manner which complies with all regulations. This workshop is not just for auditors; any officer, especially the president, treasurer and secretary, would benefit from understanding what is required to pass a PTA audit.

Parliamentarian: Nominations & Elections
  • The Parliamentarian begins the annual process for nominations and elections; we'll discuss the timeline, what's in your bylaws of who is involved, how to elect the Nominating Committee, how PTA elections happen, and finally discuss meeting procedures using Robert's Rules of Order for parliamentary procedure.  

Due Date Reminder - October 15 - Now Past Due

Thank you to the many PTAs/PTSAs that have already submitted the following:
 
  • 2016-17 Annual Financial Report (July 1 2016 - June 30 2017) - Sample
  • 2017-18 Budget (July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018) - Sample
  • Membership Dues
  • Insurance Premium ($228 for units)
  • Out-of-Council Administration Fee ($50 - Out-of-Council units only)
  • Tax Returns: 990n/990EZ/990; 199n/199; and RRF-1. Please send a signed copy of the 990EZ/990, 199, and RRF-1. 

And for those of you who have not yet turned them in:
  • Units in councils - please send to your council by their deadline.
                        Sixth District PTA
                        1290 Ridder Park Drive, M/C 214
                        San Jose, CA 95131

PTA Calendar of Essential Requirements
November 2017 -

  • Taxes - due officially to IRS, FTB, and AG no later than Nov 15
  • Nominating Committee - start asking for volunteers [Info] [Toolkit]
  • Founder's Day - Start planning now for February
               Info
  • Insurance Premium - $228 for units
  • Fiduciary Agreements - Info and Form
  • Please thank your October Volunteers
  • Give thanks with your family and friends

Previous Issues

Oct 25 - Its the Treasurer's Fault - Wrong Answer
     - Finance for All Officers - Why?
     - Tax Help Day
     - Ever Have Problems Accessing Your e-Bylaws Account Online?
     - Saturday Community Symposium: Creating Partnerships to Lead Beyond Limits

Oct 18 - How to Help the Communities Effected by Fire (and Hurricanes)
     - Questions to Ask During the Parent Teacher Conference
     - E-Membership Cards are Available
     - Training Opportunities: Finance for All, Parliamentarian, Auditor
     - School Funding: Is Bad Good Enough
     - Tax Help Day - Oct 30 and Nov 7

Oct 11 - Where are the Men?
      - Due Date Reminder - October 15
      - Legislative Round Table - Save the Date
      - October is Dyslexia Awareness Month

Oct 4 - Explaining the News to Our Kids
       - A Meeting Activity to Engage Your Parents
       - Parent Education - Screenagers Documentary on Social Media
       - FYI - Simply Shared
       - Community Concerns - Homeless Students
       - Three Contests for High School Students


Feel free to forward this e-newsletter to any and all PTA officers, members and other interested persons, and encourage them to   join our mailing list.      
 
As always, you are encouraged to send us your suggestions for articles and additional information you would find useful. Thanks!  
 
Questions? Comments? Contact
Wendy Akers-Ghose, eNews Editor, Sixth District PTA
Amin Fazal, VP Communications, Sixth District PTA
Vandana Kaushal, President, Sixth District PTA
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