2018 Convention Info

February 23, 2018 by Stephanie Gray

PTA has a long and proud history. For over 120 years, volunteers have spoken up for children and public education. Join us on April 7 to learn more about this history and to discuss today’s issues and learn how you can continue this legacy of advocating for every child!

Host Facility

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston – Westborough, MA is the official facility for the 2018 MA PTA Convention – Celebrating the Past Shaping the Future!

DoubleTree by Hilton -Westborough
5400 Computer Drive
Westborough, MA 01581

508-366-5511

Transportation

Driving Directions


From Worcester:	Route 9 East to Computer Drive/Research Drive Exit. Take a right at the first set of lights onto New Flanders Road; bear right onto Computer Drive, head straight through the third set of lights, drive 1/2 miles and the hotel is on the left at the top of the hill.

From Sturbridge:	From Sturbridge: Mass Turnpike (I-90) East to Exit 11A, I-495 North to Exit 23B (Route 9 West) to Computer Drive/Research Drive Exit. Bear right at the end of the ramp, drive 1/2 mile and the hotel is on the left at the top of the hill.

From I-495 North or South:	Exit 23B (Route 9 West) to Computer Drive Research Drive Exit, bear right at the end of the ramp. Drive 1/2 mile and the hotel is on the left at the top of the hill.

From Conneticut:	Route 84 North to Mass Turnpike (I-90) East to Exit 11A (Route 495), Route 495 North to Exit 23B (Route 9 West) to Computer Drive/Research Drive Exit. Bear right at the end of the ramp, drive 1/2 mile and the hotel is on the left at the top of the hill.

Airport

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
1 Harborside Drive
Boston, MA 02128

Special Requests

If you have a condition which requires accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and you require accommodations at the event, please contact the Massachusetts PTA at info@masspta.org to describe the condition and the specific nature of the requested accommodations. Massachusetts PTA will provide accommodations in accordance with law.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General Questions

Who:
Registration is open to PTA members, non PTA members, health and education stakeholders of all levels.

What:
Massachusetts Annual Meeting and Convention

When:
Saturday, April 7, 2018

Where:
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston – Westborough
5400 Computer Drive, Westborough, Massachusetts, 01581, USA

Why:
We encourage PTA members, nonmembers, education professionals, community leaders, and others interested in the education and well-being of children to register. This year we will be voting on new officers, President Elect, Vice President of Membership, Treasurer, and Secretary. If you would like to nominate a candidate please contact the Nominating Committee.

What can I expect if I attend convention?
At the 2018 MA PTA Convention, you will:

Get engaging ideas to use at school and at home.
Be inspired by speakers with innovating strategies for success.
Learn engaging solutions to challenge PTAs face every day.
Enjoy captivating performances at our awards ceremony.
Network with the best in the industry through meetups and other sessions.

Are there any special activities or events that I will be able to participate in while at the convention?
There are several events and special activities that you may choose to participate in during convention. Your registration fee entitles you entrance into:

General Meetings
Workshop Sessions
Expo Hall
MA PTA Awards and Reflections Celebration Luncheon

Saturday, April 7, 12:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Reflections Awards Presented
Entertainment for Reflections Winners
SmartTalk Workshop for parents and attendees

MA PTA Awards Celebration Dinner

Saturday, April 7, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Keynote
Membership Awards
New Officer Installation

I am a first-time convention attendee, what can I expect?
Whether you are looking for ways to diversify your PTA’s leadership, increase interest in local PTA events, find no-hassle fundraising ideas or increase and diversify your membership and volunteer leaders, the 2018 MA PTA Convention has opportunities for you to discover it all.

Will there be daycare offered at convention?
PTA does not provide daycare services at convention. Please contact the hotel to inquire about babysitting and children’s program services.

Who are the Keynote Speakers at this year’s convention?
View Convention Speakers section for the list of speakers for convention.

What happens at the General Session?
General Session is where membershelp MA PTA conduct the business of the association. All MA PTA members attend the General Session to vote on resolutions, bylaws and the election of the association’s officers.

What is the schedule for the Convention?

Please note: The Massachusetts PTA Convention schedule is tentative and subject to change. View the agenda for up-to-date changes.

What dates should I book my travel to ensure that I won’t miss any of the Summit?

Plan to arrive Friday night and you can experience it all! Convention activities start on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. and conclude by 10:00 p.m.

What is the dress code?

Attire is business casual. Feel free to be comfortable in slacks, polo shirts, sweaters, blazers, blouses, and, most importantly, comfortable shoes. We do recommend you dress in layers as temperatures in meeting rooms can vary.

What are some recommendations from previous program attendees?

Register early
Share hotel rooms
Wear comfortable shoes
If coming with several people, plan out who attends what workshops, forums, coaching sessions, etc. to get the most information that you can take back to share
Don’t be shy… talk to members from other areas to get new ideas and best practices

Registration Questions

How can I register for this year’s summit?

There are three ways to register:

Online in Advance (by credit card). Go to Register. It is quick, easy, and secure. Online registration will open in February 2018.
Mail in Advance (by check, or money order). Complete the registration form (last page of brochure) and mail it, postmarked by March 07, 2018 along with payment to the address listed on the registration form.
On-site. Unfortunately because of counts that need to be submitted to the catering staff we are unable to accept on-site registration. You may pay on-site if you have pre-registered. The Registration Table will open at 8:00 am.

Can Convention costs be covered by my PTA budget?

Convention registration fees and travel costs are legitimate expenses that can be included in your PTA budget. Many PTAs budget to attend training programs every year. While other organizations charge hundreds of dollars for a summit like ours – we keep registration fees low to allow as many PTA leaders, families and professionals as possible to attend. This is just one way Massachusetts PTA invests in its members and volunteer leaders. By seeking sponsors and outside funding to defray the costs of the convention, we can keep registration fees as low as possible.

What are this year’s registration rates?

	Regular Rate
Member Full Conference Full conference 9am-9pm. Includes all Sessions, Reflections Luncheon and Awards dinner.	$60.00 ea
Member Full Conference – Group (2 Members) Full conference 9am-9pm. Includes all Sessions, Reflections Luncheon and Awards dinner.	$100.00
Member Full Day Full Day 9am-5pm. Includes all Sessions, Reflections Luncheon	$25.00 ea
Non-Member Full Conference Full conference 9am-9pm. Includes all Sessions, Reflections Luncheon and Awards dinner.	$75.00 ea
Non-Member Full Day 1 NON- PTA member- Full Day Full Day 9am-5pm. Includes all Sessions, Reflections Luncheon	$35.00 ea
Member Awards Dinner OnlyAwards dinner only (6pm-9pm)	$35.00 ea
Non-member Awards Dinner Only Awards dinner only (6pm-9pm)	$40.00 ea

How do I register multiple attendees at one time?

Go to register your group now!

Group Rate Discounts
Save on registration rates when registering as a group. 2 or more MEMBERS must register at the same time to be considered a group.

I am NOT A MEMBER. Can I still attend the convention? If so, how much will it cost to attend as a nonmember?

Massachusetts PTA welcomes participation in the conference by non-PTA members. If you are not a PTA member, you are entitled only to the Non-Member rates above.

Registration Confirmation Questions

I have registered for this year’s Convention. When and how will I receive my confirmation?

A registration confirmation email will be sent to you at the address provided immediately upon completion of your registration. Your confirmation email will include your registration receipt.

Cancellation Policy Questions

What is Massachusetts PTA’s cancellation policy for Convention registrations?

Cancellation Policy

If you register in advance and find you cannot attend the convention, you must cancel your registration and request a refund. Requests for refunds must be submitted by the cancellation deadline of March 17, 2018. Refunds will not be processed after March 17th. Please allow 4-6 weeks for the refund to be issued. Please send your cancellation notice via email to info@masspta.org

I can no longer attend this year’s Convention – Can I transfer my registration to another person?

Massachusetts PTA will allow transfer of a registration to another person with appropriate notification prior to the start of the convention.

Special Needs Questions

If I have special needs, who can I contact?

If you have a condition which requires accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and you require accommodations at the event, please contact Massachusetts PTA at info@masspta.org to describe the condition and the specific nature of the requested accommodations. Massachusetts PTA will provide accommodations in accordance with law.

Exhibitor Questions

What can I expect when attending the Exhibitors at this year’s Convention?

You’ll be able to explore exhibits from companies and nonprofit organizations providing products and services for PTAs and schools. Find the latest information and ideas on child and school safety, health and fitness, education, and much more!

How can I find out if a specific company will be exhibiting at the Health Summit?

Stay tuned for a list complete list of 2018 convention exhibitors.

2017 MA PTA Health Summit Gallery

January 10, 2018 by Stephanie Gray

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August is National Immunization Month Webinar

August 23, 2017 by Stephanie Gray

On Tuesday August 8, 2017 the Massachusetts PTA Health Committee in collaboration with the Massachusetts Chapter of the Academy of Pediatrics (MCAAP) to highlight August is National Immunization Awareness Month held a webinar for parents on the latest information regarding immunizations. If you were unable to attend the webinar we are providing a link to view the information. Click Here to sign in to view the webinar video.

Webinar Description:

This webinar outlines ways that parents can build their vaccine confidence and become vaccine advocates in their community. The presentation includes information on the benefits of vaccination, common myths about vaccines, school immunization and exemption data, how to find your local school’s immunization and exemption rates, the importance of adolescent immunization, and effective communication strategies to build vaccine confidence.

Immunization Partnership:

Promoting Vaccine Confidence for the Health of Massachusetts Children

The Immunization Initiative of the Massachusetts Chapter of the Academy of Pediatrics (MCAAP) and the Immunization Program of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) are excited to partner with Massachusetts PTA to ensure that the children of Massachusetts are fully vaccinated. This partnership promotes the health of the children of Massachusetts by building vaccine confidence and achieving optimal immunization rates throughout the Commonwealth. Vaccinating children on the recommended immunization schedule offers the best protection against potentially serious vaccine-preventable diseases.

What does this collaboration include?

Immunization-related presentations to Massachusetts PTA committees and local units focusing on childhood and adolescent immunization;
Distribution of immunization resources to Massachusetts PTA committees and local units;
Participation in the Mass PTA Annual Convention and meetings, such as the 2016 and 2017 Health Summits go to www.masspta.org to learn more!
Shared advocacy on behalf of Massachusetts’ children.

MA PTA Joins the MA Attorney General to Prevent Substance Abuse

July 27, 2017 by Stephanie Gray

AG HEALEY, GE FOUNDATION LAUNCH SUBSTANCE USE PREVENTION INITIATIVE TO REACH ALL PUBLIC MIDDLE SCHOOLS IN MASSACHUSETTS

Your Mass PTA and Mass PTA Health, Safety and Wellness Committee were invited to this Press Conference! Your Mass PTA will be part of initiative. Read all about this exciting new Project Here.

$2 Million Initiative Will Expand Access to Youth Prevention Education; Includes First-of-its-Kind Mobile Education App

Attorney General Maura Healey and the GE Foundation today announced on May 31, 2017 a $2 million public-private initiative, along with Epicenter Experience and The Herren Project, that will bring new resources to students in every public middle school in Massachusetts to help address the opioid epidemic.

AG Healey announced the first-of-its-kind initiative, named Project Here, today at a launch event at the GE headquarters with Ann R. Klee, president of the GE Foundation and vice president of GE’s Boston Development & Operations.

They were joined by Chris Herren, Founder of The Herren Project, Paul Krasinski, CEO of Epicenter

Experience, Michael Botticelli, Executive Director of the Grayken Center for Addiction Medicine and Andrew McCall, a recovery coach.

The new initiative will provide substance use prevention education to middle school students through an innovative combination of in-classroom programs, mobile content, and access to a support network of social workers. The GE Foundation has funded this initiative with a $1.5 million contribution, along with $500,000 in settlement funds from the AG’s Office.

Project Here will provide curriculum materials to every public middle school in Massachusetts, as well as support resources for students who are struggling with addiction, trainings for educators and parents on substance use prevention, and access to an innovative mobile platform with prevention content.

“Education and prevention are the keys to ending the opioid epidemic, and our partnership with the GE Foundation will help us tackle this public health crisis and protect our middle school students from addiction,” AG Healey said.”Through a multi-faceted approach – reaching students in the classroom and on their mobile devices – we will empower them to make the right decisions, promote health and wellness, and lead change in their schools and communities. I thank the GE Foundation, Epicenter Experience, and The Herren Project for stepping up to the plate and contributing their talent and time to this critical effort.”

“When GE announced its move to Boston, we also announced a $50 million philanthropic commitment to the city and surrounding area, with $15 million of that targeted to community health,” said Ann R. Klee. “From the moment we arrived in Boston, we heard from so many that substance use and the opioid crisis was a critical need for the community. We’re proud to work with AG Healey on Project Here to educate our youth today and prevent our kids from falling into the vicious cycle of the opioid epidemic.”

“We are thrilled to be able to participate and contribute to this important public-private partnership. It is a critical issue to address across our country,” said Paul Krasinski, Epicenter Experience CEO. “We realize that people are the epicenter for change and thus developed the core technology for Project Here, to connect people to truly solve people problems together. Whether these middle school students are here, there or anywhere, they will know that we are here to support them and they are empowered to be a hero for others through their knowledge and education.”
“The first step in addressing the substance use issues in our communities is to provide education and prevention strategies for children in the middle school years while they are developing a sense of self. All too often we focus on the last day of addiction and not the first. We praise our children for their academic and athletic accomplishments, but fall short on personal wellness,” said Chris Herren, Founder of The Herren Project. “I am proud to have The Herren Project be a part of this innovative partnership providing education, support and the opportunity to for students to be proud of who they are, to embrace life’s challenges without turning to substances knowing that they are good enough and perfect just the way they are.”

As a part of Project Here, Epicenter Experience will lead the design of a first-of-its-kind mobile application that will give students, educators, and parents easy access to prevention resources and information, and help young people who are struggling with addiction or the impact of substance use get the help they need and connect with The Herren Project.

Through Project Here , all Massachusetts middle schools will have the opportunity to join the Project Purple Initiative, a program through The Herren Project that helps schools talk with students about the dangers of substance use. Students will also have access to The Herren Project’s support team, including social workers ready to respond to students in need of help.Schools can learn more at www.mass.gov/ago/projecthere.This initiative is meant to complement other prevention efforts under way across the state and will include an Advisory Board comprised of key stakeholders and experts.

Today’s announcement is the latest effort by AG Healey to address the unmet need for youth prevention and education services to combat the opioid epidemic, a key priority of her administration. In May, the AG’s Office distributed $700,000 in settlement funding directly to school districts, nonprofits and community organizations to fund prevention programming through its Youth Opioid Prevention Grant Program.

If you have questions about Project Here, please contact Catherine Madden in the Attorney General’s Office at (617) 963-2140 or projecthere@state.ma.us

Mass PTA represented you well, told our story and they listened!

Being interviewed about Children’s Health and the Opioid Epidemic by radio.

Mass PTA President-elect, Maryalice Foisy and Mass PTA Health Chair, Jackie Coogan

2017 Health Summit Sponsors and Vendors

June 11, 2017 by Stephanie Gray

Sponsors and Exhibitors

Our partners and sponsors play a vital role in supporting the work MA PTA does for children. The entities listed below have pledged significant commitments to MA PTA.

Our highest level of corporate commitment, our Sponsors make an annual investment in MA PTA which helps power key programs and services. We are especially grateful for their support and invite you to learn more about each of them. If you would like to join us as a sponsor or exhibitor information can be found here.

Platinum Level Sponsor

Gold Level Sponsor (1 available)

Silver Level Sponsor (2 available)

Bronze Level Sponsor (3 available)

Copper Level Sponsor (5 available)

Patron Level Sponsor (10 available)

Hallmark Health-North Suburban Child & Family Resource Network

Mass Chapter AAP Immunization Initiative

Friend Level Sponsor (20 available)

Supporter Level Sponsor (in Kind Donations)