The Glendale Council PTA (GCPTA) established in 1910, is a student advocacy organization representing the schools of the Glendale Unified School District. We oversee the activities of twenty-four school unit PTAs, providing training and ensuring effective communication through regular updates and monthly Council Board meetings.

The Board includes an Executive Committee of officers and the PTA Presidents of the units. Glendale Council PTA represents the units in the First District PTA, which governs PTAs from Pomona to Burbank. The California State PTA is divided into thirty-five geographical regions, each comprising multiple Councils, and is part of the National PTA, the nation's oldest and largest child advocacy association.


Mission

Our mission is to create a lasting, positive impact on all children and families within the Glendale Unified School District (GUSD).

We focus on collaboration, family engagement, and building a strong community to achieve this long-term goal.

Priorities

  • Building a Strong Community: Unite our community around shared goals, fostering a supportive environment for all students and families.
  • Promote and Support Students' Well-being: Support academic success and student well-being through diverse programs and activities. Provide parents resources in their child's academic journey from elementary through secondary education and beyond, including preparation for college and future endeavors.
  • Strengthening Collaboration: Cultivate strong partnerships among parents, teachers, GUSD administration, and the community to enhance student learning experience. 
  • Family Involvement and Participation: Boost engagement in PTA events and meetings. Involve families in educational and extracurricular activities to support student well-being and academic success.

Strategic Objectives

  1. Support & Empower Unit Leaders: Provide communication, training, and coaching for PTA unit presidents and board members.
    • Objective: Host round-table discussions for leaders to share insights and positive news. Encourage unit representatives to share effective PTA involvement at Presidents and association meetings.
    • Objective: Meet monthly with Superintendent Watson and her cabinet to discuss key issues.
  2. Promote & Increase Membership: Engage units in local, state, and national PTA membership campaigns.
    • Objective: Support timely membership reporting, promote tools like TOTEM, and extend membership to community leaders through the ALL STAR program.
    • Objective: Encourage school staff participation in PTAs.
  3. Advocacy & Leadership Development:
    • Objective: Represent GCPTA on GUSD committees and at Board of Education meetings.
    • Objective: Foster shared leadership through training, workshops, and conferences in collaboration with the First District PTA.
    • Objective: Participate in the Legislative Conference at the state capitol and send unit and council delegates including high school students to advocate educational issues.
    • Objective: Send delegates to the California State PTA and National PTA Conventions to ensure our voice is heard at all levels.

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All-Star Memberships

All-Star Members support all 24 GUSD PTA/PTSA units with one simple transaction!  If you are interested in an All-Star membership, please print this form and mail with a check for $253, payable to Glendale Council PTA.

A Special Thanks to our 2024 - 2025 All-Star Members

Isabel Abramyan

VP of Special Events, Glendale Council PTA

Lerna Amiryans

Past President, Glendale Council PTA

Taline Arsenian

President, Glendale Teachers Association

Katrin Avanessians

Executive Vice President, Glendale Council PTA

Lea Awni

President, Glendale Council PTA

Dr. Kyle Bruich

Assistant Superintendent, GUSD

Dr. David Cole

VP Legislation & Advocacy, First District PTA

Dr. Chris Coulter

Executive Director, Secondary Education - Educational Services

Kathleen Cross

Clerk, GUSD Board of Education

Cori Egstad

VP of Membership, Glendale Council PTA

Hagop Eulmessekian

Director, Student Support Service, GUSD

Neda Farid-Farhoumand

Member, GUSD Board of Education

Jennifer Gonzales

Director, Nutrition & Operations Services, GUSD

Ingrid Gunnell

Member, GUSD Board of Education

Dr. Diana Hernandez

Principal, Cerritos Elementary School

Phyllis Ishisaka

Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, GUSD

Rebecca Johnson

Past President, Glendale Council PTA

Hagop Kassabian

Administrator, Planning, Development & Facilities, GUSD

Dr. Narek Kassabian

Director Human Resources, GUSD

Dr. Narineh Khemichian

Interim Director, Student Wellness, GUSD

Dr. Brian Landisi

Coordinator, Assessment & Accountability, GUSD

The Honorable Anthony Portantino

CA State Senator, 25th District

Dr. Deb Rinder

Executive Director, Special Education, GUSD

Shant Sahakian

President, GUSD Board of Education

Jay Schwartz

Director, Foothill SELPA, GUSD

Wendy Tateishi

VP of Membership, First District PTA

Dr. Tammy Taylor

Principal, College View School

Telly Tse

Member, GUSD Board of Education

Dr. Darneika Watson

Superintendent, GUSD

*As of 9/28/2024

We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to the Council anytime to ask questions or learn about volunteer opportunities. Your involvement makes all the difference!

Lea Awni, Glendale Council PTA President

Become an All-Star Member and Support PTA!