Approaching the end of the calendar year, many Parras parents that I talk to share a sense of optimism that the challenges of 2020 and 2021 are thankfully behind us. PTSA is already able to support the school community with Hands on Art and assemblies in addition to teacher grants. Our school administrators, Dr. Erickson and Ms. Ramos are confident that our children will be able to enjoy the events that the PTSA have traditionally supported, that make middle school fun, including field trips, dances, Greek Day, Renaissance Faire, and the STEM Night and Science fair.
In order to effectively support these school events the PTSA relies on your donations. This year we are grateful to have received donations from many of you and have raised some funds with our Charleston Wrap and other fundraisers.
Unfortunately our income was not as high as we expected based on past years, so at our January 26th Association meeting (on Zoom), our Executive Board will propose several cuts to our Parras PTSA budget. Please save the date to attend this meeting - as a member you have a say!
Like me, you have probably received many messages about the changes to our tax deductions which means that 2021 will be the last year that deductions for charitable donations will be unlimited. Just a reminder that Parras PTSA is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit organization and your flat fee donations this year are fully tax deductible.
Did you know that Parras PTSA is part of a team? The RB Council of PTA's consist of 11 schools. All schools are close to achieving 100% membership. At 61%, Parras is behind but we can catch up.
WHAT IS THE PTSA DOING?We are working on some fabulous winter events. Details will be coming out soon:
Paint & Pour - Jan 12 @ 5:30p (see below)
Art of Candle Making
Fitness Under the Stars
Hands on Art
WHY JOIN?Your $12 membership not only helps pay for programs at Parras, it strengthens the PTA's ability to advocate for our children at the local level, the state level & the national level.
DO I HAVE TO VOLUNTEER? No, you only have to volunteer if you want. There's strength in numbers so sign up yourself, your student, grandparents, aunts, uncles - everyone who wants to make a positive impact on our children.
Let's go Parras, let's show our community that we can reach our goal!
Join us via zoom at our next PTSA association meeting, Jan 26th @ 6:45p. Dr. Erickson and Parras Counselors will be in attendance to answer your questions.
33rd District News
Mira Costa orchestra students are offering free Zoom lessons for Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass on Wednesdays from 5:30 PM-6:15 PM. Use the link below to sign up. 1st grade thru 8th welcome and you must have an instrument. If you have any questions please email mchsmusicwithmeaning@gmail.com.
Beginning November 10, RBUSD will be expanding its COVID-19 testing availability. This testing opportunity is completely optional and not required by LACDPH. Testing will be offered from 2pm to 5pm, Monday through Friday, at the Beach Cities Health District offices located at 514 Prospect Ave. This testing opportunity is for RBUSD students and staff only.
If you are a staff member or the parent of an RBUSD student and would like to sign up your student, please complete the Google form below. This form will also be available on the district website.
This form will be used to collect interest to test and verify that individuals are RBUSD students and/or RBUSD staff. Upon verification, you will receive a link to register to test. You should receive the link within 3 days of completing the form.
Please note, if individuals intend to participate in this testing on a weekly basis, the registration link you receive must be completed each week.
Open Enrollment for Covered California is open! If you're in need of health insurance, make sure to sign up before the Jan. 31 deadline. BCHD is also available to help and offering FREE enrollment appointments.
Visit our new SBFC Social Skills Page for videos featuring authentic stories from South Bay youth about their re-entry struggles, plus valuable insight from experts. Videos align with strategies parents and guardians can use to better understand their children's and teens' experiences and feelings, as well as help them connect in positive ways. For additional related resources, please visit the SBFC Healthy Relationships page.
With input from many South Bay parents, our December blog offers a list of ideas to help us unplug and reconnect with loved ones during the holiday break. There's something for everyone, including acts of kindness and giving, enjoying the many beautiful South Bay attractions and traditional events, going device-free, having a family movie night and so much more. We wish you all a meaningful and connected holiday season!
OTHER NEWS
National PTA
Explore Our Virtual Art Exhibit!
The new National PTA interactive DEI exhibit has over 1,400 views and counting. Help us continue to spread the word by sharing it with friends and family!
Get an Inside Look at PTA's New 5-Year Plan:
The future is NOW! Our 2021-2026 strategic plan builds on our values and reflects the needs and interests of the families and leaders we serve. Every stakeholder has a role and an investment in the plan’s success. Learn more.
Policy Briefs:
Are you familiar with National PTA’s 5 Public Policy Priorities for the 117th Congress? Each Congress, PTA chooses priorities to ensure that every child has access to a fair and equitable education. If you are not familiar with them yet make sure to read more here.
There are also Policy Briefs you can use to advocate in your own community!
For kids grappling with the pandemic's traumas, art classes can be an oasis
As health officials sound the alarm about the pandemic's impact on children's mental health, music, drama and other art classes are helping kids adjust to being in-person again. Read the article.
California PTA
Securing adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth is one of the purposes of California State PTA.
Student Voice: The Legislation Conference Strengthened My Confidence and Connections
Learn more about the Legislation Conference from a student's lens, "In my opinion, the most special aspect of the Legislation Conference is that students are welcome to attend. Legislators want to hear from students. They care about what we have to say. As a student, it’s not only important to understand what your role in PTA is, but to also learn about how you can make a change." Read Kathryn’s full article and learn more about the role students have in PTA advocacy.
