Under the new proposed bylaws (to be approved at our March meeting), the following have been nominated for the 2022-2023 Parras PTSA school year:
President: Karen Ford Cull
Executive Vice President: Jessica Rendes
1st VP of Programs: Evelyn Huang
2nd VP of Ways and Means: Deb Williams Stiffler
3rd VP of Membership: Chrissie Wallsh
4th VP of Communications: Gloria Macri
Treasurer: Rebecca Zino
Financial Secretary: Krystin Murray
Auditor: Jamie Fresques
Recording Secretary: Megan Cotugno
Historian: Monica Zalamea
Nominations will also be accepted from the floor.
SAVE THE DATE for our next PTSA association meeting via zoom on March 24th where we will be voting in our new bylaws and electing our new PTSA Board.
Since this is a voting meeting, the zoom link was sent out to only Parras PTSA members. The link will be sent out to all members again prior to the meeting.
If you would like to vote, there's still time to join!
Parras PTSA is looking for an enthusiastic and science-minded parent who really likes science and wants to chair the annual Parras Science Fair, especially if they have a 7th grader. The fair will be held in April/May.
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 62%, Parras is behind but we are catching up.
Together, we can do this!
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.
February Membership Opportunity Drawing!
Congratulations to our community member, Jeff Price who won our February opportunity drawing. Stay tuned for our March opportunity drawing.
Did you know becoming a community member that you are a member of all of the Redondo Beach PTA's?
As a member of California State PTA, you advocate for children, promote parent and family involvement in schools, and improve the lives of all children and families. To show our appreciation, we have partnered with several organizations to bring you some extra perks of membership!
Visit our website or download the Member Perks flier in English or Spanish to learn more and take advantage of your exclusive offers!
IMPORTANT DATES
MARCH
3/2-3/4 12:25P Early Dismissal / Student Led Conferences
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history.
25th - March 1st - Festival of Ayyam-I-Ha (Baha'i) - The Baháʼí Faith is a religion teaching the essential worth of all religions and the unity of all people. Established by Baháʼu'lláh in the 19th century, it initially developed in Iran and parts of the Middle East. Members of the Baha’i tradition celebrate Ayyám-i-Há, or “Days of Ha." These days are devoted to spiritual preparation for the month-longfast, Alá, that follows. These days are festive times in the community, characterized by hospitality, charity, service and gift-giving.
March~
National Women's History Month
During the month of March, we give a little extra attention to all of the amazing accomplishments of strong, determined women. Since 1987, the United States has formally recognized March as National Women’s History Month. Every woman has a story to tell and gifts to share with the world. So get ready, because this month is about honoring magnificent ladies, and we are ready to celebrate it to the fullest.
Brain Injury Awareness Month
Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month
Developmental Disabilities Month
1st-19th This is 19 day fast for those who follow the Baha'i religions path
1st Maha Shivratri – Hinduism - fast for day
1st International Wheelchair Day
1st Mardi Gras/Shrove Tuesday - Christian
2nd Ash Wednesday Christian
7th Clean Monday - Orthodox Christian
8th International Women’s Day
16th Greek Lent Starts
16th Magha Puja Buddhist
16/17th Purim – Judaism
17th St. Patrick’s Day
19th Holi – Hinduism
21st International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination
21st World Down Syndrome Day
21st-22nd Nowruz -Zoroastrian (Zoroastrianism is an ancient Persian religion that may have originated as early as 4,000 years ago. Arguably the world’s first monotheistic faith)
Beach Cities Health District has regular COVID testing Monday through Friday with expanded hours and is located at 514 N. Prospect Avenue. Please use this link to sign up for a test: BCHD Testing Link.The student ID can be found in PowerSchool. The BCHD School Well-Being Line will open tomorrow at 8:00am if you have any registration or testing questions at 310.374.3426, press option 2.
Your Parras Middle School Counselors Making a Difference
Our first Counselor Corner Newsletter of the school year went out in December. If you haven’t yet completed the interest survey, please do so. We value your input as it relates to your interest in learning more about topics that we can include in future newsletters. Please take this short survey by clicking here.
In March, our TUPE lessons will be delivered to all 7th grade students during science class! TUPE stands for Tobacco Use Prevention Education. Parras 7th graders will get an opportunity to learn all about the negative consequences of tobacco and other nicotine-based products. To learn more about our TUPE lessons clickhere.
Hang Out Spot takes place every Thursday during lunch. Students are welcome to join the counseling staff in the MPR where we have music playing, fun games to play and art supplies available. If your child wants to make new friends, then Hang Out Spot is the place to be! It is also ideal for students who just need a place to unwind and recharge.
COMMUNITY NEWS
The City of Redondo Beach has commenced a planning effort to establish a holistic framework plan to improve and enhance various public amenities within the City’s waterfront, King Harbor. With improved amenities, our shoreline facilities will provide more resources for residents and visitors alike. We want you to be a part of this vision for Redondo Beach.
Invite a Friend to the Center for Health & Fitness: FREE 3-Day Pass
Lacking motivation to get to the gym? Then grab a friend, make a gym date and hold each other accountable. Having a workout buddy will make exercise more fun, keep you on schedule and get you out of your fitness rut. Ask about a 3-day complimentary pass for a friend today!
Some Thoughts on Cyberbullying, by Joan Stein Jenkins, Esq.
"An abundance of digital content available at their fingertips, mixed with the boredom, anger, and resentment resulting from FOMO has created a perfect storm for poor decision making. This can include excessive exposure to social media creating unrealistic expectations, inappropriate websites, and cyberbullying. We are going to focus here on cyberbullying due to the high number of these incidents that I have handled since the pandemic."
Action Alert: Urge Congress to Prioritize Youth Suicide Prevention
The American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Children’s Hospital Association have officially declared a national emergency in children and adolescent mental health. PTA calls on Congress and the Administration to immediately address the many factors that contribute to the mental health crisis in the United States.
Take action today and urge your representative to prioritize youth suicide prevention and vote “Yes” on the STANDUP Act! Customize our pre-written email in the PTA Takes Action Center.
Demand Congress Acts Now on School-Based Mental Health Funding
Congress is in final negotiations for the FY2022 spending package and on the line are critical resources for school-based mental and behavioral health workers, including school counselors, school psychologists, and school social workers.
National PTA supports the proposed $1 billion in combined funding for the Department of Education’s Mental Health Services Professional Demonstration Grants program and School-Based Mental Health Services Grants program.
Together, these programs address the critical shortage of school-based mental health service professionals in two distinct and essential ways: by increasing the available workforce, and by helping school districts support increased positions to improve access to services. Join us in demanding support for our students today!
