23rd District PTA is Making Magic!

Greetings to our fantastic PTA and PTSA Leaders in Riverside County!

We are moving fast into fall (and before you blink, it will be 2027). October is a wild month - it's fall, but it's also still ridiculously hot. We are planning trunk or treats and book fairs and cold weather activities while it's still warm enough to wear tank tops and it feels like school just started. It can be really overwhelming, and it can be just as easy to get caught up in the weeds. The fine details of things.

So, for October, I'm going to give you this:

"Believe. Dream. Try. Do Good."

Now, I may date myself here (I am, it's fine), but those are the words of the illustrious Mr. Feeny, from Boy Meets World. The show was a late 90s, early 2000s prime time staple, and while the whole show may not have aged well, that particular hope is timeless. When his student asked, "Don't you mean do well?" His answer was simple: "No. I mean do good."

It's a reminder. We have so many incredible opportunities to believe in the people around us, even when it's hard. We have so many opportunities to make the impossible possible, even when every dollar is stretching tighter than it did last year. We can dream, we can work together to try something new, and - most importantly - we can do good for the children we serve. At the end of the day, that's what matters most. (Don't worry, folks, I'm not just rambling for the sake of rambling, I have a point.) Compliance can be overwhelming, and this is one of the months where it has to be a focus. In the midst of it all, don't forget that a smile, a hug, a high-five can change a child's day - don't underestimate your ability to do good. That's why we are here.

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In this newsletter, you will find links, attachments, and information to help your PTA or PTSA run smoothly and effectively throughout the year. We know it's a lot of information, but it really is designed to help support you and help you make sure your PTA's business is clean, clear, transparent, and purposeful! Don't miss out - check out the August/September newsletter by clicking this link!

We hope you have a wonderful October and fall season, and please know that we are here cheering you on! Keep up the amazing work, Magic-Makers!

Kind Regards,
Becca Marks-Anderson
President

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You are receiving this newsletter as a PTA leader in Riverside County (Council or Unit), and you are a part of the Twenty-Third District PTA family. Families support each other, and we are here to support you! You matter, and we are very glad that you are here!

Still need training? We've got you!

Time for Round 5 of Twenty-Third District PTA 2026-2027 Leadership Training! These trainings are free to attend, and you can attend as many as you like. Don't forget the General Finance and your positional training! **THIS ROUND INCLUDES NOMINATING COMMITTEE/ELECTIONS TRAINING - DON'T MISS IT!**

Specific workshops are listed and are open for registration now. This round includes a complement of workshops that are designed to help support our leaders and give you the tools you need to be successful magic-makers for the 2026-2027 term of office, and includes a special Nominating Committee and Elections Training Workshop. Nominating Committees and Elections are legally required for all PTAs (elections must occur by the end of the second week in April), so make sure you have the information you need for a successful process! Many of these workshops were offered in previous rounds; however, if you missed it before - now is your time to take it!

You must register for each workshop you want to take, and links are tied to the individual registrant - so each person needs to register individually!

Click this link to access workshop options and to register now!

(Contact Webmaster@23rdDistrict.org for technical assistance or support)

You've asked, and we've heard you! In 2026-2027, Twenty-Third District PTA will be offering live, in-person spotlight workshops for leaders!

These workshops will focus on content areas that our leaders have asked to learn more about, and will include helpful handouts, interactive opportunities, and lunch! Each month is a different topic specifically chosen to help you!

Sometimes, you have questions that need answers, and you just need one-on-one support to get the answers you need to feel comfortable moving forward!

Come see us! Someone from Twenty-Third District PTA will be at the dates, times, and locations below - just for you! You can drop off records for financial review, make arrangements to pick things up ahead of time, or just come chat to make sure you're on the right track.

With this in mind, Twenty-Third District PTA is starting a new support tool for our leaders - office hours! Each month, we will have hours available where you can meet with Twenty-Third District PTA leaders by dropping by the Twenty-Third District office, hop on Zoom, or come see us at a public location, to ask questions, drop off paperwork or other documents, or just double-check that you're on the right track!

Public location: October 6; 2:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.*
(Always at this location on the first Tuesday of each month during this time.)

Starbucks (Murrieta Hot Springs)
40735 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd.
Murrieta, CA 92562

Public location: October 16; 2:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Starbucks (March Air Force Base)

22420 Van Buren Boulevard

Riverside, CA 92518

Public location: October 30; 2:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Starbucks (Newport Rd.)
27559 Newport Rd.
Menifee, CA 92584

All PTA and PTSA units must file taxes and compliance documents annually, regardless of income.

We've broken down each type of filing - each filing is necessary each year! Filings are due by November 15 - don't wait to file! Filings could be prepared and submitted once the 2025-2026 year closed (as soon as July 1!) so make sure those taxes are filed and the unit's charitable status is renewed!

Filings include:

IRS: 990/990EZ/990N

FTB: 199/199N

AG: RRF-1 and CT-TR-1 (if needed)

Tax filing doesn't have to be scary, but it does need to be completed! Don't worry, though, Twenty-Third District PTA is here to help!

1:1 individual unit tax filing support is available for units in need! Just pick your slot on October 29th or 30th, and we'll be there to help you. We'll help you figure out which filings are needed, and for simple filings, we'll even help you prepare them.

Reservations close October 22nd, and spots are limited - so schedule early and don't miss out!

Click this link to schedule tax filing support for your unit (Calendar 1)

Have questions? Reach out to Help@23rdDistrict.org

Every PTA and PTSA has coverage under the California State PTA insurance program with AIM Insurance Services.

Insurance coverage follows the calendar year (not the fiscal year) from January 5 - January 5 (this is why your school district may ask for a new certificate of insurance midway through the year.

The premium amounts for the upcoming 2027 year have been announced, and the portal for units to remit premium payments will open in October - so keep your eyes peeled for the email!

The premium amounts are as follows:

• Units: $345.00
• Councils: $238.00
  
  

Premiums received on or after January 4 will incur a late fee penalty and may be subject to organizational withdrawal. Don't put your PTA at risk!

Remitting the insurance premium is a multi-step process, make sure all the steps are completed!

1. Step 1: Complete the Request for Insurance Coverage form from AIM
2. Step 2: Remit the premium payment via ACH Bill Pay (using the Authorization for Payment via Electronic Services Form, attached), card payment (someone pays and is reimbursed), or mailing a check to AIM Insurance services.
   
   

Will remitting the insurance premium be a financial hardship for your PTA/PTSA?
Reach out to Insurance@23rdDistrict.org to discuss options!

Sharing photos of PTA events is a great way to celebrate family participation in PTA activities while also highlighting the work that we do; however, it's important to remember that our first priority needs to be protecting student privacy.

Your school district or school site may collect photo release waivers at some point during the beginning of the school year, but the school/school district photo release waivers do not apply to or protect the PTA.

Protect students and your PTA by using the attached waiver when taking photos at events, and remember to avoid posting identifying information for students online (i.e.: first and last name, student's classroom number or teacher, age, etc.).

A little preparation ahead of time can go a long way in ensuring that students are safe and the PTA is able to capture the incredible memories of the magic it makes!

Recording can be a tricky business indeed - especially in Riverside County.

Let's talk about it.

There are a number of laws that surround recording interactions with other persons - from simple conversations to meetings as a whole. The most important of these for leaders to know is that California is a two-party consent state. This means that in order to record a proceeding like a meeting, everyone must consent and know that they are being recorded.

And now the crux of it all: Something else to also know is that we have several armed forces installations in Riverside County, with several families having members employed at these installations. The positions come with specific security clearances which may prohibit the individuals from participating in meetings which are recorded, and may also prohibit those individuals from disclosing that they hold the security clearance at all. Meaning the person cannot say that they cannot participate if the meeting is recorded.

So what does this mean for a PTA meeting and someone who wishes to record it?

It means that if the meeting is recorded, someone who is entitled and wants to participate in the business of the PTA may not be able to - they would be disenfranchised - and your PTA can be perceived as taking active steps to disenfranchise and exclude legitimate voting members (which can [and does] invalidate business). As a PTA, we have a legal obligation to do everything possible to ensure that all members who are legally entitled to participate in the business are able to do so.

It's always okay for the secretary to ask for a pause to ensure that motions are written down properly - and that's the best way to make sure that everything that needs to be documented gets included in the minutes.

This question comes up frequently, and has been the focus of many challenges to business. Keep this in mind as you move forward!

Have questions? Need more information? Reach out to us at Help@23rdDistrict.org

Bylaws must by renewed at least every five years from the date of the California State Parliamentarian's signature, and Twenty-Third District PTA will start sending out past-due notices soon to help keep units current!

It's important to remember that for each membership a unit receives, a portion of that membership is forwarded through channels to help each level of PTA provide comprehensive support throughout all levels of PTA.

So, what does that look like/mean?

It means that every unit has a "per capita amount" that should be forwarded through channels. Units that are in-council (Units located in Corona-Norco, Hemet, San Jacinto, Lake Elsinore, Riverside, and Temecula Valley school districts) will remit per capita dues to their respective council, and do not send dues directly to Twenty-Third District PTA.

As you can see in the attached ACH Policy Document, there are two ways to remit membership to Twenty-Third District PTA:

• Via ACH payment request (email Payments@23rdDistrict.org for more information)
• Via check payment that is delivered at a Twenty-Third District PTA scheduled office hours, workshop, or appointment.

DO NOT MAIL PAYMENTS TO TWENTY-THIRD DISTRICT PTA.

Things to note:

• Do not remit membership per capita for members who have joined electronically via TOTEM. The TOTEM system accepts their payment and forwards the per capita appropriately.
• Manually entered members in TOTEM still need per capita forwarded. Members who have joined via cash or check can be manually entered into TOTEM, but the system will not forward the per capita. Your unit will still need to forward the per capita amount by check.
• ALL UNITS MUST HAVE AT LEAST 15 MEMBERS FORWARDED BY OCTOBER 31. Units that do not have at least 15 members on record will be receiving direct communication from Twenty-Third District PTA in the coming week.

Every member matters, and we want to help keep Twenty-Third District PTA units energized and excited about membership! That's why we have a whole list of membership challenges to guide us through 2026-2027 with the potential for units to win awesome PTA swag as a prize! Each month there is a new challenge, with a new opportunity to win a prize!

Our challenges handout is attached so you can see everything we have in store!

OCTOBER CHALLENGE: PTA is COMMUNITY!

PTA is a vital part of the school community - it builds a bridge between parents and community members and the school's administration and faculty. Building that bridge helps us remember that we are all the same side - we all want great things to happen for kids!

October's challenge is simple: Have at least 10 new members join your PTA during the month of October for a chance to win A PTA Meeting Announcement Banner!

(Simply send a screen shot of your membership roster or TOTEM membership list showing ten new members in October for a chance to win!)

Have questions? Reach out to us at Membership@23rdDistrict.org

Submissions must be received by no later than 11:59 P.M. on November 5, 2026

[Awardees will be selected from submissions on the second Thursday of each month and announced on social media the following Monday. Awarded units will also be contacted directly to arrange for prize pick-up/delivery.]

We want to ensure that every unit has the opportunity to participate in Reflections in a way that works for your site. The arts are essential, and every student deserves a chance to shine! Please know that we are here to answer questions and provide support as your PTA navigates the program. Have questions about how to celebrate? We can help! Have questions about how to make judging happen? We can help!

You'll find everything you need for the program in this folder: (click this link), including links to the new entry forms, leaders' guides, logos, graphics, and more!

Have questions? Reach out to us at Reflections@23rdDistrict.org.

ALL ENTRIES FROM COUNCILS/OOC UNITS ARE DUE TO 23rd DISTRICT PTA

ON DECEMBER 3, 2026 (IN-PERSON GENERAL ASSOCIATION MEETING)

Twenty-Third District PTA wants to support our units however possible!

Our goal is to make things better for kids, but that can be hard when funds are tight! That's why Twenty-Third District PTA has set up Program Grants! We want to help you make magic for kids!

Cycle 1 of the 2026-2027 Program Grants year is OPEN NOW!

Program grant submissions must be received by October 5, 2026 at 5:00 P.M. Proposals must focus on programs that directly benefit the students. Be detailed and descriptive in your applications - the more detail the better!

Click this link for Program Grant Submission!

One of the best parts of PTA is the support available at every level - including the opportunity to receive FREE MONEY to make things happen for the students and families your PTA serves!

Upcoming CAPTA Opportunities (Don't miss out! The application deadline is October 15, 2026 at 11:59 P.M.)

• Program Grants - Click Here to Apply
• Continuing Education Scholarships - Click Here to Apply
• Henderson/Jaffe DEI Grant - Click Here to Apply

Want more information on the California State PTA Scholarships and Grants? click here.

Upcoming National PTA Opportunities (Don't miss out! The application deadline is October 13, 2026 at 11:59 P.M. [Pacific Time])

• Language Access Grant - Click Here to Apply
• Vape-Free Futures Challenge Grant - Click Here to Apply
• High School PTA/PTSA Youth Engagement Capacity Building Grant - Click Here to Apply
• Center for Family Engagement PTA Connected Fellowship - Click Here to Apply
• National PTA Program Grants - Click Here to Apply
• Coming Soon: Youth-Led Service Grant - Register for Info

Want more information on the National PTA Grants? click here.

PTA is an advocacy organization at its core - we make things better for kids, right? What better way to do that than to make sure that you know the ins and outs of the education system? Did you know that there's a super easy way to learn - just check out Ed100!

Ed100 provides easily accessible chunks of information in lessons that help you navigate the education system every step of the way, and the more you learn, the more entries you get to win $1,000.00 for your PTA or PTSA from Ed100. Not only can your PTA or PTSA possibly win with Ed100, you can also win with Twenty-Third District PTA and the Twenty-Third District PTA Ed100 Leaderboard project!
Register for Ed100 and start learning. Once you've done that, complete this form to get added to the brand-new LEADERBOARD! You'll be able to see your points stack up, and also see how your progress compares to others in your area!

Our high flyers who complete the most lessons by the end of April will be eligible to receive recognition and goodies for their units at the Twenty-Third District PTA Awards Lunch in May!

Calling all student artists, performers, poets, and creative minds!

Did you know that RCOE hosts student arts showcases for all students grades K-12? This is a wonderful opportunity for students to share their creative talent and let their imagination take center stage!

Similar to Reflections program, this is another opportunity for students to get creative throughout the year, with opportunities to create in dance, film, music, poetry, theatre, and visual arts!

Explore the opportunities to let imagination take flight and learn about categories, details, and deadlines by clicking this link.

Students and families all need safe places to get support - to recharge, refocus, and dial in to learning. To help support students (and aligning with the "Mental Health" Initiative launched in 2020 by Riverside County Office of Education and Dr. Edwin Gomez, CareSpace offers not only physical locations for students and families to receive support, but also online workshops and tools to help bring the community together and foster and build strong, healthy relationships for families and students. You are not alone. You matter. It is always okay to reach out for help.

Check out the resources and workshops available (for free!) with CareSpace and RCOE in the attached flyer. For more information, click this link.

Twenty-Third District PTA partners with Riverside County Office of Education in support of the Superintendent's Initiatives. What are they? The initiatives are five content areas that are dedicated to supporting students - meeting them where they are and helping them achieve success. These initiatives also offer a great launchpad to help inspire PTA programming at our schools - and units that complete programming aligning with three or more initiatives will receive special recognition at the Twenty-Third District PTA 2027 annual awards!

Find out more information in the attached flyer below!

We would like to welcome the following brand-new units to the Twenty-Third District PTA family!

Congratulations and welcome to:

• Pleasant Valley Penguins PTA (Hemet/San Jacinto Elementary PTA)
• Romoland Tigers PTA (Out of Council)

Welcome to the Twenty-Third District PTA Family!
We look forward to seeing all the amazing things you will do to make magic for kids!

September

• 1 - Victoria Eagles PTA
• 5 - Amelia Earhart Middle PTSA
• 8 - Rancho Elementary PTA
• 8 - William Collier Elementary PTA
• 9 - Norco High PTA
• 11 - Red Hawk Elementary PTA
• 12 - Tomas Rivera Elementary PTA
• 14 - Tuscany Hills Elementary PTA
• 16 - Avaxat Elementary PTA
• 16 - Rose Salgado PTA (Happy 1st Birthday!)
• 16 - Sally Buselt Elementary PTA
• 18 - Ramona Rams PTSA
• 19 - Collett Courageous Cougars PTA

• 19 - Corona Fundamental Intermediate PTSA
• 19 - Triple Crown PTA
• 20 - Hamilton Secondary PTSA
• 21 - Temecula Elementary PTA
• 22 - Elsinore Elementary PTA
• 23 - Pachappa Elementary PTA
• 25 - Peralta Elementary School PTA
• 26 - Lincoln Alternative School PTA
• 26 - Val Verde Thunderbirds PTA
• 27 - Wildomar Elementary PTA
• 28 - Jefferson Elementary PTA
• 30 - Bella Vista Elementary PTA
• 30 - Norco Intermediate School PTSA
• 30 - Vicentia Elementary PTA

October

• 1 - Palm Middle PTSA
• 3 - Bubbling Wells Elementary PTA
• 3 - Fruitvale Elementary PTA
• 5 - Lakeland Village School PTSA
• 5 - Rail Ranch Elementary PTA
• 6 - Letha Raney Intermediate PTSA
• 6 - McSweeny Elementary PTA
• 9 - Alta Murrieta Elementary PTA
• 9 - Hemet Elementary Eagles PTA
• 11 - Armada Elementary PTA
• 11 - Ramona Roadrunners Elementary PTA
• 15 - William McKinley Elementary PTA
• 17 - E. Hale Curran Elementary PTA
• 18 - Highland Elementary PTA
• 19 - John W. Stallings Elementary PTA
• 19 - Norco Elementary PTA
• 20 - Hamilton Elementary PTA
• 23 - Centennial High PTSA
• 23 - Chemawa Middle PTSA
• 23 - Indian Hills Elementary PTA
• 25 - Emerson Elementary PTA
• 28 - Del Sol Academy PTA
• 30 - Magnolia Elementary PTA

Happy Birthday! Congratulations on another year of making magic for kids!

Did you make it all the way through the newsletter?
This little blurb isn't in the table of contents, and that's because it's a surprise!

Can you answer the three PTA trivia questions below?
The first three people to email the correct answers to President@23rdDistrict.org

will win a PTA-themed prize, plus a shout-out at the Twenty-Third District PTA association meeting (and the next newsletter!)

(This month, we are focusing on compliance requirements - each month will be something different!)

1. Question 1: What three agencies is a PTA required to complete compliance filings for each year?
2. Question 2: What is the insurance premium amount for a unit for the 2027 insurance year, and to whom is it payable?
3. Question 3: What are the two methods to remit payments to Twenty-Third District PTA?

Congratulations to our August/September newsletter trivia winners!

1. Mayra Ramos (who serves on three different boards, and wants everyone to know that they are all equally important!)
2. Susan Sar, Rancho PTA (Temecula Valley Council)
3. Courtney Merle, Alta Murrieta PTA (Out-of-Council)

Honorable Mentions:

1. Nancy Anhaiser, Riverside Council PTA
2. Naureen Khan, Riverside Council PTA

We know that volunteers can be hard to find, believe us! We have lots of big plans to help support our units here at Twenty-Third District and we would love to have you involved!

If you are interested in the following positions:

• Vice President of Membership*
• Vice President of Advocacy*
• Parliamentarian
• Reflections
• Family Engagement/Convention
• Student Representatives

Reach out to President@23rdDistrict.org and let us know!

Office Number
(951) 365-5102

Mailing Address

23rd District PTA

c/o Riverside County Office of Education

38670 Sky Canyon Dr. #200, Office #202

Murrieta, CA 92563

Email: Help@23rdDistrict.org

Website: https://www.23rdDistrict.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/23rdDistrictPTA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/23rddistrictpta/