Author: Lydia Vi

Back to School, and Back to the Ballot Box

Posted on by Lydia Vi

By the California State PTA Legislative Advocacy Team

July is prime planning season for PTA leaders, and this year there is an extra item for your agenda: civic engagement. With a general election in November, there has never been a better time to get started.

Californians will be voting not just for state and federal candidates, but also for school board members and other local officeholders, as well as ballot measures ranging from statewide propositions to local school bonds and parcel taxes. These are exactly the kinds of issues PTA was founded to engage with. Civic engagement, from voter registration to ballot measure advocacy, is one of the most meaningful things a PTA can do for its community.

Whether you are stepping into a leadership role for the first time or returning for another year, our Civic Engagement & Voting page on our website is your starting point. It brings together downloadable resources, voter registration tools, and guidance for everything covered in this post.

What PTAs Can Do (and There Is a Lot)!

California State PTA is a nonpartisan organization, which means we do not endorse or oppose candidates or political parties. But nonpartisan does not mean neutral on everything, and it certainly does not mean being on the sidelines. PTAs can and should:

  • Register voters and encourage voting and civic engagement in your community
  • Host or co-host with other nonprofits local candidate forums, with all candidates invited and more than one confirmed to attend
  • Share voter information and resources from your county office of elections, the California Secretary of State, or California State PTA (or other nonpartisan sources).
  • Take positions on local ballot measures (with a work study and an association vote), including school bonds and parcel taxes, and support or oppose those measures.
  • Engage on statewide ballot measures that align with our mission. California State PTA actively evaluates state propositions and provides guidance to local PTAs on those measures. Find our current statewide ballot measure positions at capta.org/focus-areas/advocacy/state-ballot-measures.

What we cannot do is endorse a candidate or allow our PTA name or title to be associated with any candidacy. Individual PTA leaders and members can participate in campaigns as private citizens, but not at PTA events or in their official PTA capacity.

For a handy reference on navigating these rules, download our PTA & Elections flyer and share it with your board at your first meeting of the year.

Plan a Voter Registration Drive This Fall

One of the highest-impact things your PTA can do is host a voter registration drive. It is a nonpartisan activity that can take place on school district property with the proper approvals, making it a natural fit for back-to-school nights, open houses, and fall events.

A few things to keep in mind as you plan:

  • Start early. Do the bulk of your registration activities well before major election deadlines.
  • Contact your county elections office to obtain key deadlines, ask about training, and request materials.
  • Pick the right moments. High-traffic school events like open house, arts nights, sporting events, or Candidates’ Forums are ideal.
  • Think multilingual. Voter registration forms are available in many languages from the California Secretary of State’s website. Be sure to have forms that reflect the languages spoken in your community.
  • Mark your calendar. National Voter Registration Day is September 15, 2026.

You can also promote voter registration on an ongoing basis by placing a QR code linking to registertovote.ca.gov in your school office, including a registration form in new-parent packets, and encouraging families who have moved to update their registration.

For detailed guidance, download our Voter Registration Drive flyer.

A Student Voter Registration Opportunity for PTSAs

High school PTSAs have a powerful and often underutilized opportunity: in California, 16- and 17-year-olds who will be 18 by the next election can preregister to vote. That means your PTSA can help the next generation of voters get ready before Election Day, right on campus.

PTSAs can work directly with students to organize student voter registration drives, and California State PTA is proud to partner with The Civics Center to make that easier. The Civics Center is a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to making voter registration a standard part of high school life. They provide free training, toolkits, and state-specific guides for student-led registration drives that PTSAs can put to use right away.

Students who participate in civic engagement activities may also be eligible for the California Department of Education’s State Seal of Civic Engagement. The State Seal of Civic Engagement acknowledges students who go beyond the classroom to participate in democracy, and it follows them on their diploma and transcript as they head to college and careers.

Your One-Stop Resource, and an Invitation

All of the resources mentioned in this post live on our Civic Engagement & Voting page. You will find downloadable flyers, voter registration tools, ballot measure guidance, and more, all in one place.

Civic engagement is one of PTA’s oldest and most important roles. Long before this November’s election, PTAs have been the connective tissue between families and the democratic process, helping communities register to vote, understand what is on the ballot, and show up informed. As you prepare for the year ahead, we strongly encourage you to carry that tradition forward. The work PTAs do on civic engagement does not just serve this election cycle; It builds the habits and communities that sustain democracy for years to come.

Welcome Families with California State PTA’s School Smarts Program

Posted on by Lydia Vi

Every year, California public schools welcome hundreds of thousands of new students and their families into school communities across the state, from rural towns to urban neighborhoods. Last year, transitional kindergarten and kindergarten alone accounted for almost 10% of the state’s total public school enrollment. Approximately 569,000 families entered the public school system last year, either with a new student or as a new family to public education. This annual influx presents California State PTA with a tremendous opportunity to grow and diversify our membership. It also raises a significant question at the start of each new school year: How can California State PTA welcome families into PTA?

Welcoming all families is the first standard in best practices for establishing long-term family-school partnerships. For over 125 years, California State PTA has served as a trusted leader in advancing meaningful family engagement. Our exclusive School Smarts program comprehensively addresses all standards for family-school partnerships and introduces the power of belonging through PTA. This evidence-based curriculum for TK-12 parents and caregivers features an interactive train-the-trainer model. Offered in person, hybrid, or virtual formats, the program can be implemented at individual school sites or district-wide to bridge the gap in family engagement at the local level. It is customizable to each school community’s needs and is available in six languages. Over seven sessions, the program introduces core organizational focus areas and empowers families to navigate the public education system, build community, and help children and schools succeed.

Why does family engagement matter?

Research consistently shows that authentic family engagement is the strongest predictor of improved student outcomes and school climate, particularly for low-income, non-English-speaking, and other at-risk groups. School Smarts parent/caregiver graduates report being better equipped to actively support, encourage, monitor, and advocate for their children. Empowered with confidence, and information, graduates routinely serve on influential decision-making bodies including PTA, and school or district committees, such as School Site Council (SSC), English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC), or Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP). Ultimately, School Smarts builds a robust PTA leadership pipeline, bringing diverse, vital voices to the table in support of California State PTA’s mission.

How can we bring this program to our school?

Family engagement is a necessary year-round investment to meet families where they are and integrate them into our school communities. The California Department of Education recognizes family engagement as a funding priority for school districts through the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP). School Smarts helps districts meet this priority by providing an evidence-based family engagement program that delivers measurable results. 

Most School Smarts academies have been funded through the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP Priority 3), and Title I (Part A) funds. Districts may also leverage School Site Council and PTA funds to support implementation. Talk with your school or district administrators about these funding opportunities to bring School Smarts to your community this school year. Together, we can strengthen family engagement, build local capacity, and expand California State PTA’s statewide influence. 

Visit capta.org/school-smarts to learn more about the program. Ready to bring School Smarts to your campus? Contact our team today at programsupport@capta.org to get started.

Make an Impact with PTA this School Year

Posted on by Lydia Vi

By the California State PTA Membership Services Commission

PTA is for everyone–not just for families with kids in school. Everyone has something to offer and every voice counts. Our PTA should reflect the diversity of the community we serve. PTA needs all of us.

Being a member really does matter; It shows you care. It gives a voice to every child, no matter their background, and supports the advocacy work that California State PTA and National PTA do on their behalf. Join us in advocating for children and families in our schools and communities.

Showing your support is easy–become a member today! If you’ve ever thought about joining but weren’t sure, now is the perfect time. If you’ve already joined, thank you! Encourage your family and friends to join, too. Visit capta.org/join to find a PTA near you and learn more!

TOGETHER, we can make a difference TODAY, and build a brighter TOMORROW.

Welcome to the 2026-2027 PTA Term

Posted on by Lydia Vi

A Message from California State PTA President Heather Ippolito 

Welcome to a new PTA term! My husband and I are both educators, so our house has always been run on an academic calendar – which means that July is the start of our year. While we are still in summer mode, our lives begin to shift to thinking about the beginning of the school year and all that comes along with it. We begin to plan our fall lessons, think about going to bed and waking up a bit earlier, and just mentally prepare ourselves for all that August brings. 

The same is true for PTA leaders. Most boards begin their term in July, and while there isn’t much business to do this month, there are plenty of planning opportunities. July is a great time to have an informal retreat with your board. Get to know one another, develop some norms for your meetings, and discuss the process for workflow. This doesn’t have to be done over multiple days or at a fancy place- even meeting for a day on your school campus or at the community center in your neighborhood will work. Taking some time this summer to do activities like this will set your board up for success. 

Another strong recommendation from California State PTA is to take some time to focus on training this month. Examples might include reading the Toolkit on our website, attending a council or district training, or taking a few of National PTA’s Thrive learning modules. The more information you have about your job and the other roles that work alongside you in PTA, the smoother your year will go.

We are excited to welcome you all to the 2026-2027 term. Let’s make this a year of meaningful impact for children, youth and families- Today, Tomorrow, Together!

Sincerely,

Heather Ippolito
California State PTA President

Together We Made A Difference Through Membership

Posted on by Lydia Vi

By the California State PTA Membership Commission

As we wrap up another year of PTA, the California State PTA Membership Services Commission sends a heartfelt thank you to every PTA leader, member, volunteer, and supporter who helped bring our “Together We…” theme to life.

This year’s membership challenges reminded us that when we work together, we can accomplish amazing things for children, families, and schools across California. Together, we planned, grew, supported schools, celebrated successes, built connections, and positively impacted communities throughout the state. We were also introduced to our new friend, Petey A. Bear, who added more fun and California PTA spirit to membership efforts across the state.

Every effort helped strengthen the voice of PTA. Thank you for your dedication, creativity, enthusiasm, and commitment throughout the year. Your hard work continues to make a difference in the lives of students and families across California.

As this membership year comes to a close, we are already looking ahead with excitement. Be on the lookout for next year’s membership challenges, new opportunities, and another fun statewide theme coming soon. We’re preparing to launch into another exciting year of membership growth and engagement!

Together, we make a difference across California.

California State PTA Legislative Advocacy: Year in Review

Posted on by Lydia Vi

By the California State PTA Legislative Advocacy Team

The 2025–26 school year was one of the most active in recent memory for California State PTA advocacy.

We started the 2025-2027 term by expanding the Legislative Advocacy Team with two new advocates focusing on climate and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). The Legislative Advocacy Team also developed a new position statement “Democracy in Practice” to ensure California State PTA had clear organizational authority to respond to an unprecedented pace of federal action. From the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education to threats to SNAP benefits to the 2025 rescission of longstanding protections for immigrant families near schools and other sensitive locations 

In the 2025 California Legislative Session, California State PTA co-sponsored two landmark bills to protect students and families from immigration enforcement near schools. AB 49 is the Safe Haven Schools Act, which prohibits enforcement on school sites without a valid court order. SB 98 is the SAFE Act, which requires school districts to update their Safety Plans and notify families when enforcement occurs on campus. As the 2025 session wrapped up in August and September, our advocates pushed hard for both bills, and they are now California law. We also supported AB 495, the Family Preparedness Plan Act, which gives families new legal tools to ensure their children are cared for if a parent is detained. California State PTA’s safe schools resources are available at capta.org, including member training and presentations, a multi-page guide to help PTAs support their communities when federal immigration enforcement happens near schools, and multilingual materials for local distribution.

In February, over 150 advocates traveled to Sacramento for LegCon26, where they heard from legislators, policy experts, and agency leaders on everything from the state budget to AI in classrooms, then they walked to the Capitol to make the case personally for California’s children. Among the highlights was a presentation by Sharon Balmer Cartagena of Public Counsel on AB 495 and family preparedness planning, recorded and available alongside the full safe schools resource library at capta.org. Planning for LegCon27 is already in the works.

The 2026 California legislative session brought a new slate of priorities. California State PTA is co-sponsoring three bills – SB 1048 (California Seal of Climate Literacy), SB 747 (constitutional rights enforcement), and AB 2651 (school vaccination transparency) – see the Legislation Action Committee (LAC) Report tracking all of our positions at capta.org. Since our first meeting in February, the LAC has taken positions on more than 50 bills. Our advocates have delivered testimony at the state Capitol, participated in town halls, and met with education partners and state and federal legislators (and their staff) across California, ensuring the voices of PTA families are part of every conversation that matters.

California State PTA has also been a strong voice within the statewide Education Coalition, opposing the Governor’s repeated use of budget maneuvers to withhold constitutionally guaranteed Prop 98 school funding. When the January budget proposed withholding $5.6 billion, the education community pushed back hard. The governor’s May Revise proposed to reduce that number but did not fully restore funding. If it stands, $3.9 billion in guaranteed education funding will still remain withheld. California State PTA issued a Take Action alert urging the Legislature to fully restore the Prop 98 guarantee – and PTA leaders across the state rose to the moment, connecting with members and their communities as the school year came to an end. At the time of this publication, the June 15 legislative deadline was still ahead. The fight for our children’s guaranteed funding continues; find the latest information on our Prop 98 advocacy page.

At California State PTA’s Convention in May, the Legislation Advocacy Team offered workshops on civic engagement, local advocacy tools, and the hottest state and federal issues facing California’s children, youth, and families. We’re thrilled to share our Student Advocacy Voices webinar series, a new initiative that gives student advocates a platform to share their priorities directly with the PTA community. We are continuing to explore meaningful ways to broaden and deepen that engagement, and we can’t wait to share what’s next.

This summer, California State PTA is launching the District & Council PTA Advocacy Leadership Guide, A Train-the-Trainer Resource for Local PTA Advocacy Leaders. We are so grateful for the thoughtful feedback members shared during our Convention workshop. Look for virtual meetings this summer to walk district and council advocacy leaders through the new guide; details will be provided in the Summer Mailer. 

With the November 2026 general election on the horizon, now is the time to get your community ready. Visit California State PTA’s Ballot Measure page for our positions on statewide measures, and our Civic Engagement page for tools and resources to host voter registration drives, as well as information on your PTA’s role in elections. The state 2026 legislative session continues through next September; visit capta.org for updates on our legislative positions. One more thing to look forward to: as we head into the 2027 legislative cycle, California State PTA will have an advocate focused exclusively on special education legislation, a long-overdue and exciting opportunity to improve the lives of all children, youth, and families. 

Everything you just read happened because of you. State-level advocacy sets the stage, but local PTA advocates bring it to life- in school board meetings, community conversations, and everywhere families gather. That local work is not secondary to what you see in this year in review: It is the work. The California State PTA Legislative Advocacy Team is deeply grateful for your time, your voice, and your commitment to California’s children. It is a privilege to stand alongside you.

An Impactful Year of PTA

Posted on by Lydia Vi

A Message from California State PTA President Heather Ippolito

Welcome to summer! As you leave your school campuses for pool days, vacations, and family time, don’t forget to take some time to celebrate all of your wins this school year.  You have spent the entire year helping families feel more connected to your school and putting on programming for students and their families to enjoy together. You have raised funds for things not covered by your school’s budget and advocated on behalf of students in your community. 

At the state level we have been busy this year! Here is our year in numbers: 

  • 522,717 PTA memberships across the state
  • $34,000 in high school senior scholarships given out
  • $26,176 in program grants awarded to units and councils
  • $23,000 in leadership development grants allocated to 23 PTA Districts
  • $3,000 conferred in continuing education grants 
  • 800 delegates, vendors, and guests at the Fres-Yes convention
  • 154 attendees at the Legislation Conference in 2026
  • 82 members of the Board of Managers
  • 69 workshops provided to Councils and Districts via field service requests 
  • 14 Board of Directors
  • 10 PTA Connects newsletters filled with 76 articles to help our local leaders thrive

For those leaders who are concluding your PTA service at your unit, council or district,  thank you for all of the work you have done! If you ever want to return, there will be lots of opportunities for you.  

For the leaders who are continuing their PTA journey, take the summer to relax and recharge.  Attend training at your local council or district and explore National PTA’s Thrive modules. Investing in learning now can help make the year ahead more successful and less stressful. 

For the brand-new leaders who are coming on board, welcome! PTA is an amazing advocacy organization with a nearly 130-year legacy of serving children, youth and families.  We are excited to have you join us as we continue this important work together!

Heather Ippolito
California State PTA President

Building Advocates of Arts Education at California State PTA 2026 Convention

Posted on by Lydia Vi

By the California State PTA Arts Education Committee

California State PTA Convention 2026 in Fresno was a huge success! We had amazing art workshops and a dedicated Arts Education Room with resources on how to become an Arts Docent, advocate for arts at school, and access Proposition 28 funds. We also offered hands-on arts activities ranging from making blooming pipe-cleaner daisies to Kandinsky emulation artworks to Petey A. Bear coloring sheets. 

As part of the workshop Bringing the arts to every child – become an arts advocate!, attendees drew their school mascot/favorite animal during the icebreaker and guessed each other’s creation. We had such a talented group that each and every one of their sketches was guessed correctly! Stations represented each of the art disciplines recognized in the California Arts Standards. Participants created inventive musical instruments using recycled materials, followed by a skit where they tried to get new parents to become members of PTA. At the visual arts corner, they made hearts, learned about Kandinsky and made daisy chains from pipe cleaners! Finally, the audience went on a walking tour to the Arts Resource room that concluded the session with a group photograph.

In our Improv(e) Leadership and Communication workshop, participants tried out three improvisation games led by local drama teachers from Fresno’s Bullard Talent K-8 School. They learned how to have a “Yes, and” mindset and build on new suggestions instead of resisting them. Then they found what it feels like to switch status from powerful to powerless and vice versa in one scenario, and how to play “Fortunately, Unfortunately” to look for silver linings when the unexpected happens. We tied these experiences to the “soft skills” needed to build a PTA board into a team that works together toward the PTA’s goals.

Participants were able to take Arts Education Resources back to their communities from Fresno in the form of school arts night activities ideas and flyer templates, leadership skills, advocacy ideas, and artwork!

Empowered by Education in Fresno: What We Learned Together!

Posted on by Lydia Vi

By the California State PTA Education Commission

From classroom technology to the policy decisions shaping our school districts, today’s education landscape moves fast—and families deserve clear, trusted information. At the California State PTA Convention in Fresno (May 1–3), this series of expert-led workshops brought together educators, advocates, and families to explore practical strategies for supporting students both inside and outside the classroom at the California State PTA Convention in Fresno on May 1-3. Whether it’s mastering data tools, understanding AI, or engaging with local school boards, active and informed adult participation remains the ultimate catalyst for student success!

Here is a recap of the key takeaways and highlights from these impactful sessions:

Policy and Governance: Driving Systemic Change

  • Community Schools’ Positive Impact on Student Outcomes Efrain Mercado (Learning Policy Institute) highlighted the measurable success of California’s Community Schools Partnership Program. This statewide initiative is actively transforming student outcomes by strengthening school communities from the ground up. Attendees discussed how this targeted investment is successfully boosting test scores, reducing chronic absenteeism, and lowering suspension rates.
  • The Power of Understanding Your School Board Briana Mullen (Education Justice Academy) demystified the role of school boards, calling them one of the most powerful yet overlooked pillars of local democracy. The workshop explored how these governing bodies shape education systems, influencing everything from daily classroom conditions to long-term district priorities.

Data and Assessment: Tools for Informed Advocacy

  • Essential Guide to Education Information In a highly practical session, participants discovered trusted websites and digital tools for exploring data on individual campuses and in school districts. Through live demonstrations, parents and caregivers gained the confidence needed to independently use these platforms to ask informed questions and advocate for their children.
  • What’s on the Test? A Hands-On Parent Workshop Led by Educational Testing Services, this hands-on workshop gave parents a peek behind the curtain of California’s state assessments (including CAASPP and ELPAC). Participants experienced a short practice test and gained an understanding of how tests are scored.

Classroom Excellence: Reading, Tech, and Beyond

  • Strengthening Reading Skills with Targeted Instruction Licensed educational psychologist James Brannon offered a deep dive into school reading intervention systems. Parents learned how to recognize effective reading support, gauge whether a system is working well, and ask the right, targeted questions when a child is struggling.
  • Responsible AI Use For Student Success Educator Ron Ippolito and tech veteran James McConihe teamed up to break down what Artificial Intelligence actually looks like in today’s schools. The session offered a clear overview of how this rapidly changing technology is being integrated into lessons and how teachers are guiding students to use it responsibly.

Postsecondary Horizons: Redefining Success

  • Pathways to Success: Exploring Community Colleges & Careers Lori Swain (Fresno City College) provided a comprehensive guide to navigating community college after high school. The workshop emphasized that there is no one-size-fits-all definition of success, shedding light on California’s diverse postsecondary options that prioritize student balance, well-being, and lifelong learning.

Membership in Action at California State PTA 2026 Convention

Posted on by Lydia Vi

By the California State PTA Membership Services Commission

This year’s California State PTA Convention provided PTA leaders from across California with valuable opportunities to learn, collaborate, and grow through four engaging membership-focused workshops presented by the Membership Services Commission. Each session was designed to provide practical tools, meaningful discussion, and fresh ideas to help strengthen PTA membership and programs at every level.

Attendees explored essential resources and strategies during Together We Grow: Membership Resources for Every Unit. Participants learned about state and national PTA tools, found ways to utilize an electronic membership system, and gained actionable ideas to support successful membership campaigns. Leaders also participated in Membership Idea Exchange, an interactive and collaborative session filled with thoughtful discussion, shared experiences, and practical solutions that attendees could immediately bring back to their units, councils, and districts.

Council and district leaders gained targeted support during Membership for Council and District Leaders, which focused on understanding membership data, identifying trends, setting realistic goals, and providing meaningful support to units. Participants left with practical strategies to make membership growth more manageable and successful throughout their service areas.

Convention attendees also participated in the workshop In the Spotlight: Creating Award Winning PTA Programs, where they learned from successful statewide programs and collaborated with fellow leaders to identify key ingredients for impactful, award-winning PTA initiatives. The workshop encouraged creativity, teamwork, and strategic planning while equipping participants with practical guidance they could use in their own communities.

Throughout all four workshops, attendees connected with fellow PTA leaders, exchanged ideas, and left inspired to continue strengthening membership and supporting children, youth, and families across California. The Membership Services Commission appreciates everyone who participated and contributed to the energy, collaboration, and enthusiasm that made these workshops such a success.