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A Warm Welcome to 2009 Edison Families!

The new year is off and running in historic fashion. There is a sense of hope that didn’t exist a few short weeks ago. Yet even as things appear to be looking up, it bears reminding there is much work to be done to ensure our children have shining and prosperous futures. Edison PTA is committed to doing what it can to give our school community bright opportunities. While Edison’s incredible teaching, resource, support and administrative staff have the education of our youngsters well handled, here’s what your PTA has on the horizon.

In February, Edison will honor outstanding volunteers and all Reflections participants at its annual Honorary Service Awards & Reflections Dinner. In March, we will sponsor our annual Talent Show which will be held at the James Armstrong Theatre, our 3rd Annual Pancake Breakfast (and Beautification Day) and host our annual Family Library Night and Ice Cream Social. In April, we celebrate Earth Day and take time to thank our school’s office staff and health assistant. In May, we honor teachers and our community’s law enforcement. We’ll also have our 3rd (almost annual) Spring Carnival and Adventures in Art Show. And there’s even more to keep an eye out for…Jump Rope for Heart, Science Fair, assemblies, the Bike Rodeo, Jog-a-Thon, Read Across America, and the Book Fair.

It’s been said it takes a village to raise a child and some of these events need “villagers” to help make them a success. Villagers who volunteer at these events and villagers to attend. We hope you’ll be part of Edison’s village and come out to our school’s many upcoming family events. And if you’d like to help out, contact Jill Nowak (jill393@gmail.com) and just let her know what you are interested in.

Nancy Canady
PTA President

There has been some communication from our state PTA that is very important to share with parents at Edison. Please see the Legislative Alert below...

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Legislative Alert
January 15, 2009

California State Budget
Our responsibility to children cannot be cut in bad economic times

Action Needed

Please call or email your state assembly member, state senator and the governor right away and deliver the following messages:

We must find a balanced approach to the budget crisis that includes sufficient new revenues to protect children and the future of California.
Support continued funding for programs and services that help ensure that all children can succeed, such as smaller class sizes, arts and physical education, science, counselors, nurses, librarians, and health and social services for children.
We cannot build a world class public education system by going backwards in funding for education and other children's services.

To find your legislators' contact information, click here. To contact the governor, click here.

Background

With a worsening economy, state legislators and the Governor are faced with difficult decisions to adopt a balanced state budget. The Governor's 2009-2010 budget proposal includes deep cuts to education, health and human services as well as tax increases and borrowing.

In releasing the proposed budget last week, the Governor stated:

"California, like the rest of the nation is in the midst of a severe economic downturn. The combined effect of the state's continuing structural budget deficit and the loss of revenues resulting from the economic downturn results in a budget gap of $41.6 billion, just under half of the revenues projected for 2009-10. This is the most challenging budget in the state's history. It demands quick action and calls for every type of solution possible, including major spending cuts, revenue increases, borrowing and cash management strategies."

California State PTA issued a press release yesterday in response to the latest budget proposal. In the release, Pam Brady, President, states:

"Don't think for a minute that we don't understand the magnitude of the current financial crisis. Families throughout California are living each day with the realities of the economic downturn. But families also understand that we have a responsibility to children and their future which cannot be compromised in bad economic times.

"We believe the smartest economic stimulus plan for California right now is to invest in the future by investing in the education, health and welfare of our state's children."

The Governor's latest budget proposal would cut an additional $6 billion to public schools over the next 18 months. When combined with cuts already made to our schools in the current year and proposed accounting maneuvers to delay other payments owed to schools, the total cuts are nearly $11 billion -- not including other cuts to vital children's services.

A recent national study revealed that California recently slipped from 46th to 47th in the nation in terms of per-student funding -- funding which goes to hire and train teachers, provide instructional programs and materials, ensure smaller class sizes, and provide all other aspects of a quality education to every student.

Next Steps

The Board of Managers of the California State PTA has voted to launch an aggressive campaign to protect children. In the coming weeks we will be providing additional information, resources and advice to help you communicate a strong message for a greater investment in children and against deeper budget cuts.

Edison Elementary

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