April 2026 PTA Spotlight - South Bay Council
There is a unique kind of magic that happens when a community comes together to turn the page on a new adventure. This April, we are thrilled to shine our April Newsletter Spotlight on the South Bay Council of PTAs for their vibrant and heart-centered event: “Everyone’s a Reader.”
Through a beautiful blend of storytelling, mentorship, and generosity, the South Bay Council of PTAs proved that literacy isn't just a school subject—it’s a community-wide celebration that connects us all.
The road to a successful event often begins with a vision and the resources to back it up. As a proud recipient of a Ninth District PTA Grant this year, the South Bay Council of PTAs put those funds to incredible use. Every single book handed out to eager children (from birth to young adults) was purchased through this grant, ensuring that the barriers to book ownership were swept away.
In a community where bookstores are rare, this event provided more than just paper and ink; it provided a gateway to new worlds.
For Susan Connors, South Bay Council of PTAs, Treasurer and a retired Librarian, the mission was personal.
"I feel it is very important to teach children a love of reading through adult examples," Susan shared. "Our guest readers were all educators known for instilling that spark. When children see how much fun reading can be, they develop that sense for themselves."
The festival featured a rich tapestry of stories in both English and Spanish, alongside a professional storyteller who reminded attendees that some of our most important "books" are the tales handed down through generations by word of mouth.
While the weekend coincided with the excitement of Little League opening day, the atmosphere at the festival remained electric and intimate. Iris Cervantes-Garcia, South Bay Council of PTAs, President, saw the beauty in every interaction.
"To me, this event is about strengthening the reading culture," Iris noted. "Even with a more personal turnout, the children and families who were there left happy, excited about their books, and grateful. It transforms reading into a community-wide celebration."
The joy was visible as families sat mesmerized, watching role models use their voices to bring text to life. Students didn't just pick books based on their reading level; they picked them based on passion. Whether they needed help with a few words or could sail through the chapters alone, the focus remained on one thing: Interest.
No festival is complete without a few surprises! Every student walked away with:
- A bag from the San Diego Padres.
- As many free books as they wanted to carry.
- A chance at beautiful gift baskets donated by local PTA Units.
When asked if they would do it again, the answer was a resounding yes. The South Bay Council of PTAs is already looking at ways to amplify their message and reach even more families next time.
We salute the South Bay Council of PTAs for their dedication to the children in their community. By putting books into the hands of children and passion into the hearts of parents, they are ensuring that in their community, truly everyone is a reader.
If you know of a PTA/PTSA that should be spotlighted in our April Newsletter please fill out this Google Form and submit it by midnight of April 23, 2026.
– Sonya Vargas - Vice President, Communications Director
communications@ninthdistrictpta.org
In the picture to the right, starting from the left: Stephanie Martinez (South Bay Council - Reflections Chairperson), Iris Cervantes-Garcia (South Bay Council - President), Deedie Braender (South Bay Council - VP of Membership), Anne Emfinger (Ninth District PTA - President), Susan Connors (South Bay Council - Treasurer), Sonya Vargas (South Bay Council - Secretary), & Nayeli Martinez (South Bay Council - EVP)
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