On our final newsletter of the school year, we'd like to share our PTSA Award winners. Thank you to Melissa DeChandt for putting together these award bios - YOU are greatly appreciated!
PTSA SCHOLARSHIPS
The Parras PTSA participates in the PTA Scholarship Program each year. A committee of volunteers carefully reviews the applications of Parras alumni graduating from Redondo Union High School. To apply for PTA scholarships, students must be PTA members for the two years prior to graduation, including their senior year and be alumni from the RBUSD school district (elementary and/or middle and/or high school).
To say that these students are accomplished is a great understatement; they are incredible, and the Parras PTSA was delighted to award 25 scholarships, the highest number in Parras PTSA history, to the following students:
Congratulations! We know that big things are in store for all of you!
PARRAS PTSA HONORARY SERVICE AWARDS
Each year the Parras PTSA has the opportunity to recognize outstanding volunteers within our school community who go above and beyond, to enrich the experiences of our students and make our community a better place. We are incredibly grateful for their ongoing contributions and are thrilled to recognize their support.
Honorary Service Awards are awarded annually and designed as a unique way for PTA units, councils and districts to publicly acknowledge both individuals and organizations for outstanding community service to children and youth in a community.
The net proceeds from sales of Honorary Service Awards are used to support California State PTA’s scholarship and grant programs.
● Very Special Person Award (VSP) – This award is given to recognize an individual or organization for their service to PTA.
● Honorary Service Award (HSA) – This award is given to recognize an individual or organization for outstanding service to children and youth in your community, going above and beyond what is asked of them.
● Outstanding Teacher Award (OTA) – This award may be given to recognize a teacher for outstanding service to children and youth through PTA, school, or community.
● Outstanding Administrator Award (OAA) – This award may be given to recognize an administrator for outstanding service to children and youth through PTA, school, or the community.
The Parras PTSA is delighted to recognize the following individuals:
Manuela Diethelm - VSP Award
There are few volunteers more deserving of this recognition. Manuela gives of her time continuously, always putting the needs of everyone else before herself and does this all from her heart. The Parras PTSA and school community is beyond lucky to have her on our PTSA.
Manuela is the Parras PTSA current hospitality chair, however, she wears many hats within the PTSA. Her contributions are numerous, including helping at registration, e grams to our students and their families, handing out covid tests, picking up the 8th grade blankets and helping to get them ready to be handed out, providing the food for Camp Parras and setting up a back-to-school coffee cart. Manuela not only provides food for all of the in-person PTSA meetings, but she also bakes everything. She makes sure that our Parras faculty and staff always know that the PTSA is supporting them by providing delicious treats for Thanksgiving, Chinese New Year, Teacher Appreciation Day and more! In all of her free time (?!) Manuela has supported Girl Scouts for over ten years, including serving as a co-leader, cookie mom, troop driver and chaperone. At Beryl Elementary, Manuela ran the gardening program for a year, served as a LiveWell Garden docent and volunteered for events including the Father/Daughter dance, classroom support and served as Book Fair Chair. She has also served as a team mom for countless sports teams and led multiple fundraisers to support her daughter’s travel team. During the pandemic, Manuela was one of the first to step up and support our community by helping Beach Cities with their onsite covid testing. She also served as a Lead Garden docent at Beryl and also a Gardening docent.
Thank you Manuela, we appreciate you very much!
Casey Schwartz - VSP Award
Casey has been a very active volunteer at Parras for the last three years and prior to that, three years with her eldest graduating son. Casey is available to support each and every program, fundraiser and event tirelessly and donates her time, business (FlowerDuet), energy and cheerful attitude to everything she touches. It is extremely rare to find an event that Casey is hosting that does not support a particular organization in some manner, including sports teams, our schools, the district and RBEF. At Parras, Casey has led and supported Greek Day, Renaissance Day and the 8th grade dance. She has led floral designing classes to benefit our schools and while a parent at Tulita Elementary, served as the Garden Lead Docent for over 9 years. She also organized and led the Tulita Running Club for over 10 years. Casey is always the first to lend a hand to decorate and volunteer at an event, always with a smile, and to provide gorgeous flowers donations. During the Pandemic, Casey and her business partner hand-sewed hundreds of masks and provided community support with flowers, meals and gift cards. We are truly fortunate to have had Casey volunteering for so many years. We hope that we will still see her, as in true Casey style, she has volunteered to support anything needed after she leaves Parras.
Thank you Casey, our school and school community are better places because of you.
Diane Kokes - VSP Award
Diane is the dynamo behind our amazing Parras PTSA weekly newsletter but also runs all the Parras communications which is a huge job. The weekly newsletter and the special announcements, requires her reaching out to the PTSA board for contributions and searching for community information and designing event flyers via Canva. She also manages the PTSA website, Facebook and Instagram pages, seemingly 24 hours a day. Diane has a long history of volunteerism; at Beryl Elementary, Diane co-chaired and chaired the 100 Mile Club for 8 years, co-chaired Trash Free Tuesday, served as the Auditor and Membership Chair for the PTA Executive Board, Chaired the Box Tops program, ran the Beryl website, PTA webstore and served as a LiveWell Nutrition docent. She received a VSP and HSA award at Beryl. At Parras, she has served as the VP of Communications, Auditor and has done the administrative work for the WaveRunners program. Diane has also served as a Girl Scout Treasurer and Mom’s Club leader. Diane is always ready to lend a hand to help at any event and is a true team player, independent of anything that she has going on in her own personal life. She always shows up for the Parras PTSA and the collective school community. Even when injured she made sure the newsletter was out on time! Diane is a true asset to our PTSA who will be greatly missed as she moves on to RUHS.
Thank you Diane, we appreciate you very, very much!
Linda Buck - VSP Award
If the average volunteer résumé reads like a novel of accomplishments, our recipient’s is a set of encyclopedias. Linda has done every volunteer job imaginable from A to Z. There isn’t anyone in the Redondo Beach or in the PTA community who hasn’t been touched by this wonderful person.
She is best described as giving, caring, energetic, enthusiastic, and unbelievably present! Her list of accomplishments is too long for this newsletter, so we are listing just a few. In addition to being a Kiwanis and RUHS lacrosse parent volunteer, Linda has served as the Redondo Beach Council of PTAs Financial Secretary, and Health and Wellness Chair; at RUHS she has served as Membership chair, Spirit Wear chair, Hospitality, Staff Appreciation, Car Show, Scholarship and the Health and Wellness Chair. At Beryl Elementary, Linda was there day in and day out. She led the morning exercises for many years. She started the 100 Mile Club, Trash Free Tuesday, served as PTA President, Vice President and as the Lead LiveWell Nutrition and Garden docents. Some of the few things she did at Parras was serving on the Executive Board for 3 years, took over the Wave Runners when Laurie Baker left and continues to support this program, despite her daughter graduating from RUHS in June of this year. She has also committed to running this program at Parras next year. We are truly fortunate for the time and energy that Linda gives to Parras; she is truly remarkable and a great gift to all of our kids and community!
Thank you Linda and congratulations!
Deborah Williams-Stiffler - VSP Award
Deb goes above and beyond in all that she does as the PTSA VP of Volunteers (2021), and Executive Vice President (2022). She has filled in on the PTSA Executive Board throughout the pandemic wherever she was needed, always with a smile. Deb is creative and always has great ideas that she willingly shares, including unique fundraising opportunities for the PTSA, prizes for PTSA events and she even persuaded our principal to make a YouTube video dancing. Selecting, ordering, and delivering our spirit wear in pandemic conditions is no small feat, but Deb also found time to keep our documents organized on a google drive so we could work as a team remotely and as EVP supervised our transition to a Google Suite that will serve our board communications for years to come. As EVP, Deb has been a relentless event coordinator, pioneering our parent/student "learn something together" events, flower-arranging and candle-making, the Paint & Pour for parents, and fundraisers like the promotion signs, Valentine and Earth Day Grams. Deb has also served as a Girl Scout Troop leader for the past 8 years, supporting her Silver award projects within her troop and many, many service projects and outings. At Beryl Elementary, Deb chaired Movie Night for four years, served on the Father/Daughter Dance committee, was a Room Parent for four years, and assisted with anything and everything from Valentine Grams, silent auctions, book fairs etc. She is going to be our first VP of Fundraising and is already working on new ways to secure sponsorships from local businesses. She is unstoppable, reliably "on it", always there, always helping, and always with a smile.
The Parras PTSA thanks you, Deb, for all that you do!
Kate Hastings - VSP Award
Ms. Hastings goes above and beyond the standard requirements of a ‘teacher’. She truly cares about the social and emotional well-being of her students and makes special efforts to check in with them on their emotional health. This was especially important during the pandemic. Parents commented that Ms. Hastings not only provided excellent teaching to her students but also served as a critical support system and safe space throughout the pandemic.
The Parras PTSA and Parras school community appreciate you very much!
Precious Young - VSP Award
Precious Young is a special kind of Special Ed Program Director. She deeply cares about the students and listens with an open heart & mind to the parents, students, teachers & administrators that are involved. She genuinely acts as a ‘collaborator’ in working with parents & students to ensure that their educational and social-emotional needs are met.
Thank you, Precious, for all that you do!
Dr. Sara Thompson Stewart - VSP Award
Sara served as the Parras PTSA’s BCHD and RBEF representatives, keeping our entire school community aware of all updates and activities, which was very important during the pandemic. When our Parras school community lost a beloved 7th grade student, Levi Robertson, Sara served as the PTSA and school liaison with the Robertson family as they navigated through unimaginable grief. She was at the core of the PTSA response with regards to organizing a vigil to bring our school community together, all while a pandemic surge was raging. Her incredible empathy and consideration for everyone involved were essential and deeply appreciate by not only the PTSA, but also the entire school community. Thank you Sara, for supporting our community during one of its most difficult times.
Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.
Priya Ramcharan - VSP Award
Priya founded The Parras Roar as a solution for isolation during the pandemic. As a newcomer to Redondo and enrolling in a new school that was all virtual, she wanted to develop an outlet for others to share ideas and build a virtual community. Her head was filled with ideas and thoughts, and she wanted to connect with kids and help build a community of likeminded kids. Even though classes were virtual she identified two girls whom she recognized might share her vision and be willing to start something new. She reached out and found partners who helped her start what is now called The Parras Roar. She hopes to transfer her experience here to the Redondo Union High Newspaper as well. Outside of The Parras Roar, she started the first feminist club at school. Beyond Parras she also holds a position as Parras representative for Beach Cities Health district in representing youth voices in developing programming for youth in the area. With her inclinations towards politics, she works with the Redondo Mayor directly in supporting various ballot initiatives. She is also a junior member of the League of Women’s Voters and sits in on their board meeting monthly to discuss how to influence policies impacting the community. She also swims competitively with Beach Cities Swimming Team and hopes to continue that in High School. Priya was recently recognized as the 2021-2022 Parras Student of the Year.
The Parras PTSA is delighted to recognize this outstanding student and citizen. Congratulations Priya!
Daniella Gross - VSP Award
Daniella Gross has been an honor roll student throughout her time at Parras and has been recognized as a 7th grade Student of the Month, been awarded numerous PTA Reflections awards, including at 1st place for music composition at the district level and a 2nd place for her digital art. She co-founded the Parras Roar Newsletter and has served as a staff writer and digital art editor for the last two years. She has founded two Parras clubs; the Reptile Club and Dungeons and Dragons Club, and participates in the Alexades and American Sign Language Club. This talented musician not lonely plays the trombone at Parras, playing in the wind ensemble (6th grade) and Jazz band (7th and 8th grade), but also the piano, guitar, banjo, ukulele and drums and is a talented vocalist. She can often be found on the weekends playing guitar and singing at local gigs with her band and multiple other musical collaborators. As a student at Coast Music, she made two music videos and is an avid writer and composer, creating a short film titled “The Doll”. She has played soccer from kindergarten through her 6th grade year, is a member of the Blue Angel Ski Club and an avid surfer. Daniella has started several non-profit organizations to raise money for various underprivileged students across the globe including a refugee camp in Kenya and is currently curating her ETSY site where she will sell homemade music-inspired jewelry and crafts with the proceeds going to children who receive music therapy. She is a lifelong advocate for Kabuki syndrome, spreading awareness and raising funds for over 9 years. Additionally, Daniella has been a vocalist for ACT II and ACTIV, a non-profit concert that raises money for underprivileged youth to learn music. This summer will find Daniella working on initiatives to support increased inclusion at RUHS, supporting a surf club that she was created for teen female surfers and spending time with family, friends and her animals (a snake named Geraldine and her two Beagles, Mandy and Luna). Look for her camping in Big Sur, crafting, writing, performing, traveling and volunteering at the Aquarium of the Pacific.
The Parras PTSA is delighted to recognize this outstanding student and citizen. Congratulations Daniella!
Alexandra Manss - VSP Award
Alexandra has been an exceptional student at Parras Middle School. She collaborated with two other students to develop, support and publish The Parras Roar Newsletter throughout the pandemic, an entirely student-run publication, created during the pandemic. She was also named the “Parras Athlete of the Year,” and has enjoyed playing clarinet in the North Torrance Youth Musicians Orchestra. Serving as a tutor, volunteering at the Lionsheart Volunteer program and playing soccer have kept her busy. In her free time, she loves cooking, baking and running. Indeed, she set a running record at Parras during the WaveRunners Jingle Bell Run, won the girls mile at Zamperini and has the Redondo Union High School Track/Cross Country coach Leetch expressing how excited he is for her to join his RUHS track and cross country programs. The Parras community will miss Alexandra and her infectious smile and kind heart.
The Parras PTSA is delighted to recognize this outstanding student and citizen. Congratulations Alexandra!
Dr. Karen Ford Cull - 2022 HSA Award
Karen has worked tirelessly for the community, including leading the district Hands on Art program, and serving legislative chair for both Parras and Alta Vista. Her volunteer efforts include founding the Club 21 South Bay Community, volunteering at the Beach Cities League of Women Voters on their education committee, as a board member for CALTASH and on the TASH Inclusive Education Committee. Karen served as the Alta Vista PTA President and as the Parras Middle School PTSA President and participates in the Redondo Beach Council of PTAs Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee.
The Parras Middle School PTSA community is delighted to recognize and honor Dr. Karen Ford Cull as our Honorary Service Award recipient.
Mr. Gregory Erskine - 2022 Outstanding Teacher
“Mr. Erskine is one of the most impactful teachers seen in any educational setting,” is typical narrative from parents whose students have been under the tutelage of Mr. Erskine. Parents comment on how he has guided and supported students not just in developing their musical skills, but also in navigating the challenging middle school years. He has created a community within the Parras band program, allowing the students to develop long-lasting connections with one another. Parras' families cannot speak more highly of him, suggesting that he deserves a grammy for best music teacher, calling him inspiring, motivating and hilarious. Our school community was deeply appreciative for providing excellent online instruction and for putting together the uber impressive virtual concerts. He provided a much-needed sense of normalcy during the pandemic, with fun, structure and incredible creativity. Click on this link to watch a quick video from this outstanding teacher, describing his extraordinary efforts to keep the kids playing and loving music throughout the pandemic as he safely navigated the students back to playing in person. His energy, pride in the musicians and clear love of all things music shines through. Mr. Erskine is awe-inspiring and a true Parras treasure.
Thank you Mr. Erskine, the Parras PTSA and school community is delighted to celebrate you with this well-deserved award!
Dr. Jonathan Erickson - 2022 Outstanding Administrator
Dr. Erickson, our principal for four years, has led us through the most difficult years for any administrator, always with a smile and a sense of humor. His commitment to equity and diversity shines through the entire school community. Under his leadership the school has thrived and tried out new ideas which he rarely takes personal credit for. Through the pandemic Dr. Erickson has been diligent in respecting the need for safety while also recognizing the need for community. He is deeply thoughtful of the need to respect our differences while working together to create the supportive village our preteens and teens need. He is also greatly appreciative of our teachers, counselors, and classified staff through these most challenging times. His staff call him “an inspirational leader with a clear vision for the future of Parras who works tirelessly with our stakeholders to keep Parras number one in the South Bay”. Dr. Erickson, while a parent himself to two young sons at home, goes above and beyond his job, a true partner to Parras PTSA.
Thank you Dr. Erickson for your leadership and dedication!
The Parras PTSA would also like to take a moment and recognize our 2021 Awardees once again; we were not able to celebrate these fantastic individuals in person and we appreciate them and their contributions to our school community. Thank you to these amazing individuals!
2021 Honorary Service Award winner: Buffy Soule
2021 Very Special Person Awardees:
Kristi Thompson
Kristin Mardis
Ashley MacDonald
Lisa Williams
Rachel Andrews
Arden Hadley
Clifford Shawver
Virginia Schalck
Lisa MacMillan
The Parras PTSA is incredibly appreciative to these amazing educators and parent volunteers who go above and beyond each and every day to make our school community a better place for our students. Thank you!
Volunteers Needed for 2022-23 School Year:
Guess what? Next school year we will celebrate our Platinum Anniversary. That's right, Parras PTSA is turning 70 years old, and we are going to celebrate big! We need several Chairs and Committee members to help make the 22-23 an epic year full of education, fun, events, and more! If you can help, please complete the google form below.
Diversity & Cultural Celebration~Spirit Wear ~ Silent Auction ~ Parent Social Event ~ Greek Day ~ Canva Designer ~ Videographer ~ Calendar ~ Family Stem Night ~ Mindfulness Fest ~ 7th Grade Science Fair ~ 8th Grade Legacy Project
Is your student heading to RUHS? In order to make the registration process go fast and smooth, RUHS PTSA needs your help!
Please sign up for a timeslot below. Registration times for each day are 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. We will need volunteers to arrive at 7:45 am and stay until 1:00 pm and work the full day.
*As an incentive for volunteering, if you volunteer for TWO DAYS, you will receive one Parent/Community Card ($80 value), which includes FREE admission for 2 people to all Home Varsity games (except CIF).
We are working on a Parras PTSA app that you will be able to download for free. This will be a place where you will be able to go to find all PTSA information, events, resources, links to school information and so much more. We hope you are as excited as we are!
In the meantime, if you know of a business who would like to advertise on our app, please email us at fun@parrasptsa.org.
Ralphs Rewards
Using the Ralphs community reward program is simple:
Search for NICK G. PARRAS MIDDLE SCHOOL PTSA or use our organizations number - SE934
Click Enroll
Linking your card to Nick G. Parras Middle School will help the PTSA with their fundraising efforts. Every time you swipe your card or use the phone number associated with the account, Parras will receive credit for that purchase.
New users will need to create an account which requires some basic information, a valid email address and a rewards card. Reward cards are available at the customer service desk at any Ralphs.
2022-23 Reflections Theme Announcement: Show Your Voice!
The 2022-23 National PTA Reflections theme has been announced: Show You Voice! Watch this short video from National PTA and stay tuned for more on Reflections.
Registration will be in the Parras Gymnasium. Individual appointment times based on last name will be emailed.
COMMUNITY NEWS
200 CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS
ARE AVAILABLEFOR CHILDREN THIS SUMMER
~ For the 14TH YEAR! ~
Performing Arts Workshops, WINNER, BEST SUMMER CAMP in LA Parent Magazine. For fourteen years, PAW’s Matching Fund Scholarship program has enabled thousands of children throughout Los Angeles to enjoy the benefits of an arts education. We are very excited to announce that our donor has stepped forward for the 14th year to make the matching fund scholarships available once more. It is our wish to make sure all 200 Matching Fund Scholarships are gifted once again.
These special scholarships have been made available for us to give as a matching fund. Our donor believes that an arts education is essential for a child’s growth and development and is sponsoring half the tuition for up to 50 children at each camp site. Each Matching Fund Scholarship provides half of the tuition for our two week MUSICAL THEATER CAMP when the parent matches the remaining $425.
It is our donor’s request that the scholarships have no conditions or prerequisites. We are gifting these scholarships immediately. To receive one of these scholarships please call us at (310) 827-8827 and mention “Matching Fund Scholarships.” For more information about us visit PerformingArtsWorkshops.com. Camp Locations In: West LA, Studio City, Redondo Beach, Pasadena, El Segundo, Northridge, and Rancho Palos Verdes!
Mindful Yoga on the Beach
Mondays, June 6, 13 and 27 at 6:30 p.m.
South of the Manhattan Beach Pier in the sand
In partnership with the City of Manhattan Beach
*No Free Fitness on Monday, June 20
Mondays, August 15, 22, 29 at 6:30 p.m.
In front of Scotty’s Restaurant in the sand
In partnership with the City of Hermosa Beach
Zumba
Mondays, June 27, July 11, 18 at 6:30 p.m.
Julia Field, Alta Vista
In partnership with the City of Redondo Beach
*No Free Fitness on Monday, July 4
Mondays, July 25, August 1, 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Lincoln Elementary
In partnership with Redondo Beach Unified School District (RBUSD)
CAPTA supported SB 93, which prohibits the sale of many flavored tobacco products is in danger of being repealed. Vaping is a national health concern for students, with devastating effects on the mental and physical health of our students. Learn more at an upcoming free virtual conference.
SACRAMENTO, CA – In the wake of recent elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, California State PTA, is asking for more than your thoughts – it’s time to take action.
California State PTA stands with National PTA and Texas PTA as one voice demanding safe schools for every child in our nation. We must put an end to gun violence and provide support for our children and families impacted by this trauma.
We must stand up for the 19 students, two teachers that died and the 17 injured in the Uvalde, Texas tragedy. As the country's largest volunteer led child advocacy association, we must demand that our lawmakers be as brave as the teachers who gave their lives to shield their students from gunfire. As parents and teachers and community members who care about our children we must end this violence.
"For more than a century, California State PTA has advocated for safe schools and for gun laws to protect our children. And now another school shooting is in the news. When will it be enough? How many more children have to die before we do something? Gun violence is a public-health crisis that affects us all – and it is time for action,” said California State PTA President Carol Green. “California State PTA supports state and federal legislation that protect children and youth from gun violence.”
Our position statement on Firearms and Assault Weapons affirms the association’s stance on firearms including minimum age requirements to purchase guns, prohibiting the sale and possession of assault weapons defined as automatic and semi-automatic weapons, and incorporates language from the National PTA position that the safest schools are gun free schools.
California State PTA will be addressing gun violence, school safety and mental health issues with federal lawmakers in Washington D.C. on June 15 during the 2022 National PTA Hill Day – but we are not waiting – we ask our members to take action now and urge congress to protect our children from gun violence.
California State PTA President Carol Green has released the following statement in response to the proposed Governor’s May Budget Revise:
California State PTA is pleased that the Governor’s May budget revision includes many PTA priorities. We are encouraged by the projected increase in Proposition 98 funding and the proposed increase in the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) base grant. Adequate and stable school funding has been a long time PTA priority. Although we appreciate the direction of this proposal, we urge the Governor to embrace the significantly larger LCFF base grant increases proposed by the Legislature and supported by California State PTA. Further, we renew our commitment to seek stable, ongoing funding rather than fluctuating and one-time funding.
PTA Priorities:
Nutrition Adding $611.8 million to the Universal school meals program to ensure reimbursement rates for schools continue when the federal funding ends (current funding ends 6/30/22 unless Congress acts to extend this program).
LCFF Base Funding May Revise proposes an increase of $2.1 billion, about three-percent, to the LCFF base funding. This will impact students in all public schools in California and we encourage the administration to go further to increase the funding closer to what is proposed in the legislature.
K-12 facilities $3.9 billion in facilities over the next three years for modernization and new construction. To address outstanding school maintenance and energy efficient upgrade, the governor is proposing an additional $1.8 billion.
Expanded Learning Opportunities This budget proposal would fully fund the implementation of the Expanded Learning Opportunities per classroom based ADA Program (ELOP) four years ahead of schedule. This proposal would allocate $2500 for every low income student, English language learner and foster youth in grades TK-6 in the state.
Pre-Kindergarten Education
State Preschool Family Fee Waivers – waiving the family share cost for children participating in the State Preschool Program for the 2022-2023 school year
State Preschool Program – increased funding via adjustment factors for students with disabilities and dual language learners in the State Preschool Program
We are hopeful that the proposed Discretionary Block Grant will allow school districts to use one-time funds to address student learning challenges, support the mental health and wellness of students and staff and allow local decision making on how best to use the funds to support our local school communities.
The increase to 6.56% to the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) from the proposal of 5.33% in January is improving news, although this still puts school districts behind inflation which is just over 8%. This highlights the need to pursue the Legislature’s proposals to further increase LCFF base funding.
PTA is also encouraged to see the Governor’s commitment to invest in special education, community schools, mental health services, early literacy, community engagement, STEM instruction and teacher and staff retention and recruitment.
California State PTA will continue to work with both the administration and Legislature to ensure the needs of California’s children and families are met. As PTA members, this is an opportunity for advocacy both locally and throughout California.
Beginning of the Federal Government’s Appropriations Season
The federal government’s appropriations season for Fiscal Year 2023 has officially begun! As Congress negotiates a spending package, National PTA is part of conversations to increase federal investment in public education and ensure that key programs supporting our nation’s children and youth are sufficiently funded.
LGBTQ+ Pride Month - The LGBTQ+ Pride Month, or just Pride Month for short, is a holiday that is celebrated each year during the month of June. This special time was intentionally set in June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots of 1968 in Manhattan, New York. Multiple holidays arose out of the LGBTQ+ movement, and Pride Month has become a big celebration all over the United States. The celebration also occurs in other parts of the world who join in solidarity with the cause of freedom and rights for all.
June 3rd - Dragon Boat Festival - The Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional Chinese holiday which occurs on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese calendar, which corresponds to late May or June in the Gregorian calendar. Some of the most traditional customs include dragon boat racing and eating sticky rice dumplings (zongzi).
June 5th - World Environment Day – This day was designated by the United Nations as World Environment Day as it marks the first day of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, held in 1972. It is celebrated by millions of people across the world. This year, it is hosted by Sweden. “Only One Earth" is the campaign slogan, with the focus on “Living Sustainably in Harmony with Nature”.
June 4th-6th – Shavuot – This is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai as well as the grain harvest for the summer. In biblical times, Shavuot was one of three pilgrimage festivals (along with Sukkot and Passover). The greeting for someone celebrating Shavuot is simply “Chag Sameach!” (Happy Holiday).
June 12th - Anne Frank Day – This day marks the day Anne Frank was born and, on her 13th birthday, the day she received her now famous diary. Anne Frank spent 761 days in a secret annex until she was discovered by Nazis and sent to a concentration camp, where she died. After her death, her diary was found and published in several different languages.
June 13th - Race Unity Day - Also known as Race Amity Day, is observed the second Sunday in June. The day was started by the Bahá'í National Spiritual Assembly in the United States in 1957. Baha’u’llah, the Founder of the Baha’i Faith, implored people to “close your eyes to racial differences and welcome all with the light of oneness.” The goal is to raise awareness to the importance of racial harmony and understanding.
June 14th - Flag Day – This day, also called National Flag Day, is celebrated to commemorate the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777, by the Second Continental Congress. On Flag Day, many towns and cities hold parades and events to celebrate the flag, and the colors are flown at all government buildings.
June 19th – Juneteenth – A federal holiday celebrated to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the US. The holiday originated in Galveston, Texas, where on that date in 1865, in the aftermath of the Civil War, slaves were declared free under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth has been celebrated annually on June 19th in various parts of the United States since 1865.
June 19th - Father’s Day
June 20th - World Refuge Day – An annual international day organized by the United Nations to celebrate and honor refugees from around the world.
June 26th - Anniversary of Legislation of Same-Sex Marriage in the U.S.
July~
Disability Pride Month – In 2015, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio declared July Disability Pride Month in celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act signed by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990, a landmark law that prohibited discrimination against people with disabilities. In that same year, Boston held the first Disability Pride Day. The month is a chance to honor each person's uniqueness as a natural and beautiful part of human diversity and there are often parades throughout the country during this month to celebrate, support, and raise awareness.
July 4th – Independence Day, this day has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. This holiday commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, by delegates from the 13 colonies.
July 9th-10th - Eid-al-Adha – Also known as the “Feast of Sacrifice,” is an Islamic holiday which signifies the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim, known as Abraham in Christianity and Judaism, to sacrifice his son, Ismail as ordered by Allah. It is one of Islam's most important holidays. Food plays a central role in celebrations with the main ingredient often being lamb or goat. Eid Mubbarak (translated to “blessed celebration”) is how you would greet those celebrating this holiday.
July 12th - Guru Purnima - Guru Purnima is a Hindu celebration of the spiritual and academic Gurus or teachers. Guru is a Sanskrit word that refers to the remover of darkness or ignorance.
July 24th - Dharma Day - Buddhists celebrate Dharma Day on the full moon day of July, signaling the beginning of the period of Vassa (rainy season retreat or Buddhist Lent). Dharma Day reminds Buddhists to express their gratitude to the Buddha and his teachings
July 26th - Americans with Disabilities Act Day (ACA) – This day commemorates the landmark law signed by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990, that prohibited discrimination against people with disabilities.
July 29th-30th - Islamic Lunar New Year - Also called the Hijri New Year or Arabic New Year, this is the day that marks the beginning of a new lunar year. The first day of the Islamic year is observed by most Muslims on the first day of the month of Muharram.
