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MA PTA Members Selected for National Youth Summit

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Massachusetts PTA is proud to share with you another amazing opportunity that two our members were able to attend. National PTA hosted a Youth Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. and both Madison Estes, who is on the National PTA Youth Committee, and Victoria Gray, who was selected as a scholarship recipient by National PTA, attended. As part of the program National PTA held workshops on how to advocate for your cause by meeting with legislators, how to present your “ask”, and what bills that are currently being followed and supported by the National PTA Legislative Agenda. Below is more on the Youth Advocacy Summit.

Madison and Victoria were able to meet with Representative Seth Moulton’s staff and Senator Warren’s staff to discuss the issues that most impacted them:

Bill S. 3427: Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act                   A bill to effectively staff the public elementary schools and secondary schools of the United States with school-based mental health services providers.

Related Bill: HR 6775: Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Act
Unfortunately Senator Warren’s staff told them that she would not sign on to this bill because she felt it didn’t provide enough funding. Representative Moulton’s staff was extremely warm and agreed that he would support this bill. It was a wonderful experience for both Madison and Victoria and has reinvigorated them to continue to work advocating for issues that affect all youth and families. 
Youth Advocacy Summit Description:

National PTA selected 9 PTA members ages 18 – 22 from across the country to attend National PTA’s Youth Advocacy Summit.  Each attendee went through a selective nomination process where they were required to describe their advocacy efforts and demonstrate how they have positively affected policy change in their communities.  Each selected attendee has demonstrated a commitment to advocacy that aligns with National PTA’s public policy priorities and mission to make every child’s potential a reality.

The Youth Advocacy Summit is intended to develop attendees’ advocacy skills through advocacy skills-building workshops and meetings with policymakers and their staff.  Attendees will be trained on advanced advocacy strategies and have the opportunity to practice these strategies during a Hill Day where they will meet with members of Congress and their staff to tell their education story and describe their advocacy efforts. Attendees will also have networking and professional development opportunities throughout the summit.  For example, as a part of Hill Day, attendees will be able to attend a panel discussion of congressional staff where they will hear about staff’s experiences working on the Hill.

Health Webinars 2022

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The Massachusetts PTA Health, Safety and Wellness Committee is proud to have joined with the National PTA Mission Engagement Committee to provide you with these resources.
The National PTA Mission Engagement Committee is hosting a monthly webinar series during the 2018-2019 school year.  As part of our Mission Engagement initiative, we’ve lined up relevant and exciting content to support our PTAs in the work we do every day around Health and Safety.  The webinars will take place the fourth Thursday of each month at 7:30 EDT pm.  All webinars will be one hour only and recorded.

These “Health and Safety Champion” webinars are great for your state leaders, potential state leaders and/or anyone interested in our PTA mission.  We all know, healthy, safe students will better reach their greatest potential!  Please feel free to distribute this message widely.

Register for the next Health Webinar:

This two part webinar series by acclaimed Author and Speaker, Karen Gross, addresses how we, parents and educators, can work with our children and students to deal with mental health issues from trauma, anxiety, depression and fear. In addition to the educational webinar, Karen Gross, is including a complimentary copy of her book and written material in pdf format. 

Webinar Session 1 Feb. 7, 2022 Zoom Event Time: 7:00 pm. — 8:00 pm (ET) Register Here

Title: How Reading Trauma Sensitive Children’s Books to and with Students Helps Them Thrive
The first of two sessions (one can enroll in one or both) will focus on trauma sensitive books for younger students (Grades K — 6).  In addition to reading a story written by Karen Gross, participants will learn the “layer-cake” approach to trauma sensitive reading. In addition to the story itself, children’s books can serve as launch pads for drawing, dancing, design, dilemma solving and discourse (the 5 D’s). Concrete examples will be provided and demonstrated; parents and educators can take these strategies home and use them immediately with the PDF of the book they receive upon registration.  In difficult times, reading to, with and by children takes on added significance.

Webinar Session 2 March 7, 2022 Zoom Event Time: 7:00 pm. — 8:00 pm (ET) Resister Here

The second session will focus on books/ poems/ stories written for older students (middle and beginning high school). Attendees will learn about a host of collateral activities that can be used to augment the power of the written word.  These include the student creation of games, songs, dances; these works also enable research and discussion between students and parents/teachers. Written words are a profound launch pad and the topics within them enable students (even for non-readers) to address their feelings, their creativity and their problem solving skills, all of which are impaired by trauma. For the disengaged older student, struggling with the continuation of the Pandemic and the ways in which it impedes their freedom, books/ poems/ stories can help us travel within our minds and with our friends.

Fee for Webinars:

You may attend one or both sessions. A single webinar is $10.00 or both for $15.00. If any PTA member feels the cost of attendance is a hardship please contact health@masspta.org for information and assistance. 

Previous Webinars and the Links to Recordings

Youth Mental Health Crisis in Massachusetts Webinar held on April 29, 2021, hosted by our Advocacy Committee in collaboration with our Health Safety and Wellness Committee, a frank discussion on the youth mental health crisis in Massachusetts and what we can do to support our children. Designed for Health Care Professionals, Legislators, Elected Officials, Educators and Parents.

Anxiety, Depression, In Patient vs Out Patient Services, Emergency Room Issues, Preventive Methods, Legislative Remedies, and School Transition Services are some of the topics to be discussed. Panelists include: Massachusetts Senate President, Karen Splika; Massachusetts Representative Mathew Muratore; Safdar Medina, MD, FAAP; Zheala Qayyum, MD, MMSC, and John Crocker, M.ED.

Held on May 20th, 2020 at 7:30 pm EST Click Here for the recording of this webinar. Here is a PDF version of the slides: Vaping Webinar Slides with Dr. Hartman

Victims, Vapers and a Virus! Covid and Vaping, both harmful, both dangerous: Combating Both! is a presentation for parents and caregivers, focusing on dangers and the issues of both being “deadly” risks! What do we do?

How can we help, protect, care and prevent as a “community of people, both individuals and collectively.”

In addition, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and get concrete answers for practical steps they can take in real time – who has time to wait?

Watch this video to learn about the new tobacco law in Massachusetts.

On June 1, 2020 flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes (like Kool, Newport, and menthol Pall Mall) and flavored little cigars will no longer be sold in Massachusetts stores. This means there will be no more flavored tobacco products sold at retailers like corner stores, gas stations, and smoke shops. Watch the video below to learn why.

Downloadable Slide Presentation: NMKW Campaign Webinar 5.21.20

January 28th 2020 at 8:00 pm EST Are screen devices chipping away
at your child’s building blocks to success?

Link to recording of webinar, Link to Download PowerPoint Presentation Slides

Parents want the best for their children – academic and career success near the top of the list. But, just as Big Tech tells us they have all the answers, they are also manipulating kids with data-collecting games and learning apps, and advertising from social media influencers which is disguised as content. Join Jean Rogers and David Monahan of Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC) for a deep dive into just what developmental pieces are being eroded when children develop excessive and screen habits—and specific ideas on what parents and teachers can do to minimize the impact.

Take home skills:

  • How apps are manipulating children by exploiting their trust in beloved characters for profit.
  • How CCFC is protecting children’s privacy through advocacy at the FTC and partnership with other organizations.
  • How for-profit online preschools are displacing critical play-based programs that develop executive functioning skills, social-emotional learning and essential whole body activities for coordination, self-regulation, and strength.
  • How AI is reducing kids’ ability to think critically and become problem solvers.
  • How the Children’s Screen Time Action Network supports practitioners, educators, and parents who want to learn more and take action.

Speakers are:

Jean Rogers heads up the Children’s Screen Time Action Network, a coalition of practitioners, educators, advocates and parents working to reduce children’s excessive use of digital devices and restore a developmentally healthy childhood. Author of Kids Under Fire, she has been giving Kids Media Diet workshops, writing and speaking about children’s screen use since 2002. She holds a Masters’ in Education and a Certificate in Parenting Education from the Wheelock College. Previously, Jean worked as a writer and communications consultant both in high tech and nonprofit settings. She joined CCFC in 2016, inspired by the work of founder Susan Linn and the organization’s capacity to prevent commercialism from usurping children’s character, habits, and creativity.

David Monahan is Campaign Manager for the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, or CCFC.  David plans and implements CCFC’s campaigns which oppose child-targeted marketing, and he builds partnerships with lawmakers, policymakers, and other advocacy groups. David was an Assistant Attorney General in the Consumer Protection Division of the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General for 15 years, including six years as Deputy Division Chief. He sits on the Board of Directors at Northeast Legal Aid, and the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling.

February 28th 2019 at 7:30 pm EST Prescription Opioid Epidemic: Know the Facts

 Register Here

The American Medical Society Alliance (AMAA), in collaboration with the American Medical Association, recognize the severity of our nation’s opioid epidemic. Together we strive to educate communities about possible causes, dangers and provide educational resources. 

The webinar will… 

  • Address the on-going issue of opioid misuse. 
  • Educate parents on the importance of communicating the risks of prescription drug misuse to their middle school aged child. 
  • Encourage safe storage and disposal of prescription drugs. 
  • Allow parents to gain awareness of the signs indicating substance abuse. 
  • Provide resources for the parent if their child has a problem.

Be sure to join us!https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7732845882946397955

March 28th 2019 at 7:30 pm EST Healthy Lifestyles and the Importance of SHACs

Register Here
As state leaders, we know that health and academics are definitely related. We’ve also heard a lot about educating the “Whole Child”.  Join us as we discuss what the “whole child” approach means for education and our children, where the state leader fits in and how to ensure families are included. We will also talk about School Health Advisory Councils (SHACs). What they are? How do they function? Are parents included?  What is the state PTA’s role?  
Don’t miss this important webinar!
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2824562204193425665

May 23rd 2019 at 7:30 pm EST Strategically Planning for a Mission Focused Year

Register Here
The National PTA Mission Engagement Committee hosted a year’s worth of webinars around important issues affecting our children.  These are the very issues that motivated our founders over 120 years ago. Join use as we wrap up our 2018-2019 series by discussing ways to strategically plan for a mission engaged 2019-2020 year.  We will share ways to use data, important community issues, and pressing current events to motivate, give focus to and help fund our on-going PTA work. 
Join us as we wrap up a successful year!
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/121623837652456243

Link to January webinar and materials can be found here. 

Thank you for registering for and/or attending our recent webinar on Advocate for Health: Immunization and HPV – Why is it All Necessary?.  A special thanks to our amazing speakers, Dr. Richard Moriarty and Jill Seaman.  We truly appreciate you!  Jill, you are an inspiration to us all as you honor your husband’s beautiful memory with your advocacy efforts.  Dr. Moriarty, thank you for the incredible information delivered in such a passionate manner.    

Here is the follow up for the November webinar, in case you missed it.

Addressing mental health in our schools can be complicated and overwhelming. How do State PTA best fit in? How can we make the biggest difference and how do we get started? Hear from a state consultant to school psychologists and a past state president as they discuss everything you need to know.

Mental Health and The Role of The State PTA

(please fill out registration to view)

Download shared materials from webinar.

Speakers

  • Lynn Makor – School Psychologist
  • Consultant Sharon Goldblatt – Past State President

Listen and Learn with us as we hear from the mental health experts…

  • What is mental health?
  • What to consider when discussing mental health in our schools?
  • What does the data tell us?
  • What are the facts? How do we use the data to prioritize our efforts?
  • What advocacy efforts have had/might have the greatest impact?

In case you missed the October webinar, you can watch it here:

October 25th, 2018: The Vaping Crisis in Our Youth

There is a disturbingly high increase in the number of teens using e-cigarettes. The market has exploded, by promoting appealing flavors and discreet design, but leaving long term and harmful consequences. Join us as we discuss the data, the effects and what we can do!

Our speakers are experts in the field.  Joining us…

Marcella Bianco: With over 14 years of tobacco prevention work experience Marcella has built relationships with local, state and National partners to change policy and social norms around tobacco.  In 2005, she worked for Floridians for Youth Tobacco Education to pass Amendment 4 which restored funding for statewide tobacco prevention. For 9 years she worked for the Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County as the Tobacco Prevention Program Manager. In 2015, she continued her work in tobacco prevention as the Tobacco Prevention Program Director for the State of Tennessee.  Currently, she manages the CATCH My Breath Program.

Lorrie F. Odom, MD:  After a challenging but rewarding 37-year career as a pediatric oncologist, 31 years of which were at the University of Colorado Department of Pediatrics, Lorrie has devoted much of her retirement to pursuing a second passion, that of advocating for youth wellness and safety.  She does volunteer work with many organizations dedicated to this goal, most importantly, Colorado PTA, where she is co-chair of the Health, Wellness, and Safety Committee.  She also serves on the Boards of Colorado and Jefferson Council PTAs, the Colorado School Safety Resource Center, and Smart Colorado, and participates in her school district Health Advisory Council Steering Committee and several advisory groups in Jefferson County Public Health including the Communities That Care initiative, the Food Policy Council, and as co-chair of the Tobacco Free Jeffco Alliance.  She also cherishes time with her husband, two sons, their wives, and three young grandsons.

Yvonne Johnson: Yvonne has been working as an education consultant for the past 20 years. Additionally, She is a cheerleading coach at the local High School since 2012. Formally, she served as a Human Resource Director and worked in retail as a district manager. In her work as a Family Engagement Consultant, she works with under-represented populations.  She works very closely with families to promote involvement in their child’s education and to educate them on education issues and I foster and develop leaders.  As a grant writer for the RCEF, she ensures that programs receive the funding for the populations that it serves. Grant writing affords her the opportunity to be on top of the current needs of the schools. PTA is a very large part of her  life. Advocacy is her passion and it is what motivates her. Encouraging parents to speak up for their children and on issues that affect education is her passion. She has been at the forefront of many advocacy efforts both locally and nationally.   Recently,  she lead a successful advocacy campaign that would mandate funding for basic special education grades kindergarten to third grades and abolish lead paint use in all structures in Delaware. She lead a coalition of community partners and educated families on the benefits of these bills.  She is a strong believer that parents are the “P” in public education. She lives by the motto “Never Underestimate the Power of a Parent’s Voice!”  Yvonne is married and has three grown children and one grandchild.

Here is the follow up for the September webinar, in case you missed it.

September 27th 2018: School Safety and the Role of the State PTA

Guest Speakers:  Jackie Ball, Hannah Engle, and Heather Parker

A special thanks to our amazing speakers, Jackie, Hannah and Heather.  We appreciate your wisdom, your hard work and your guidance on this difficult topic.  We are so fortunate to have you.

Discussed during this webinar were a number of National PTA resources.  Many resources already exist to support our work around school safety.  Hear from National PTA’s experts on position statements, resolutions, what other state PTAs have done and are doing.  Also, hear about past legislation and potential legislation and what state PTAs should be considering as we prepare for the upcoming legislative year.  See the many parent resources available and how best to share them with the parents in your state!  Learn how to embed this important work into the mission, bringing together health and safety champions and advocacy teams to create the biggest impact.

Here is the August follow up email, in case you missed it.

 
I would like to say a huge thank you to Jackie and Debbie for their great webinar in August.  They truly did a fantastic job.  Jackie even showed up from a hospital bed.  And a special shout out to Stephanie Gray, past Mass State President for jumping in and helping.  Watch the recording and view the resources from the links below.  Great way to kick off our series ladies!

The recording may be viewed here.  Feel free to distribute.

All the materials are available for preview in Dropbox Here


How to Put on a Summit

Planning a Health Conference – A Tool Kit For You

 
 
 
Please share and please join us!
 
The National PTA Mission Engagement Committee is hosting a monthly webinar series during the 2018-2019 school year.  As part of our Mission Engagement initiative, we’ve lined up relevant and exciting content to support our PTAs in the work we do every day around Health and Safety.  The webinars will take place the fourth Thursday of each month at 7:30 EDT pm.  All webinars will be one hour only and recorded.

These “Health and Safety Champion” webinars are great for your state leaders, potential state leaders and/or anyone interested in our PTA mission.  We all know, healthy, safe students will better reach their greatest potential!  Please feel free to distribute this message widely.

MA PTA Incoming President’s Message

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PTA’s mission is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.

As I step into the presidency of the Massachusetts PTA, I first have to thank Jennifer Francioso for her leadership, her friendship, and her mentoring in preparing me for the journey ahead as well as the countless hours she has spent and continues to spend supporting our local units. She has served you and the Massachusetts PTA well, as president and for many years before that. Jennifer is remaining on the board as treasurer, a job she excels at, and knowing she is there is certainly reassuring. The rest of the board of directors consists of:
• President-elect: Madison Estes
• Vice President of Leadership: Barbara Bailey
• Secretary: Kathresha Cureton
• Federal and State Advocacy Chair: Susan Bogosian
• Health, Safety, and Wellness Chair: Jackie Coogan
• Membership Chair: Karen DeRoche
• Communications Chair: Stephanie Gray
• Reflections Chair: Mikki Wilson
• Special Education Chair: Tricia DiPasquale
• Diversity and Inclusion Chair: Erik Champy

These board members are all volunteers, just like you. Nearly all work full-time along with working tirelessly to advocate, educate and advance the PTA mission.

These are your leaders, but YOU, our members, are our voice. In these turbulent and divisive times, Our voice must be strong. You are that strength. You are the voice in your schools and your communities, in our state and in our country, committed to ensuring that children are healthy, safe and well-educated.
My goal this year is to strengthen the connection between the Massachusetts PTA and you through monthly newsletters, our website and social media, conference calls, webinars, and personal visits. Let’s make that first connection at our Summer Leadership Training. Dates, times and locations of planned training are listed below including links for registering. We are still looking for locations in the Pittsfield/Berkshires area as well as the greater Springfield area. If you would like to host one in your area, please let us know.

Thank you all for everything you do. I look forward to serving you for the next two years and welcome your input.
Have a wonderful, productive year!
Maryalice Foisy

MA PTA Supports National PTA and Florida PTA Statement on Shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School

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Massachusetts PTA Joins National PTA in sending our soothing thoughts, words of strength and advocating for action to Stoneman Douglas High School students, staff and their whole community. 

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Feb. 14, 2018)—The following statement can be attributed to National PTA President Jim Accomando and Florida PTA President Cindy Gerhardt:

“National PTA and Florida PTA are deeply saddened to hear of the shooting today at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the students, families, educators and administrators impacted.

“This is the second school shooting just this month. It is urgent that families, educators, school administrators, community leaders and elected officials work together to find solutions and make meaningful changes to ensure that all students have a safe environment in which to thrive and learn.

“Any act of violence at a school or involving children and youth is intolerable. Every student deserves to learn and grow in a safe environment. And no parent should fear for the safety of their child every time they leave home for school.

“It remains a top priority of PTA to promote safety for children and youth and improve education. PTA has a strong history of supporting and advocating for policies in the areas of gun safety and violence prevention, juvenile justice, mental health and students’ overall well-being.

“PTA is committed to supporting students, families, schools and communities in coping with and preventing violence. The association offers a variety of resources that can be downloaded at PTA.org/SchoolSafety.”

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visit PTA.org.

About Florida PTA

Florida PTA is the largest statewide volunteer association working exclusively on behalf of children and youth. Founded in 1923 as a branch of the 4 million member National PTA, Florida PTA is made up of approximately 1,450 local units with more than 300,000 Florida members seeking to unite home, school and community for all children. For more information, visit FloridaPTA.org.

Media Contact

Heidi May Wilson, National PTA

hmay@pta.org, (703) 518-1242

2018 Convention Rates

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Member Full Conference 

Full conference 9am-9pm. Includes all Sessions, Reflections Luncheon and Awards dinner.

 $60.00 ea
Member Full Conference – Group Rate
(2 Members) Full conference 9am-9pm. Includes all Sessions, Reflections Luncheon and Awards dinner.To register 2 members,  enter a quantity of 1. To register 4 members, enter a quantity of 2, etc.		 $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 FULL CONFERENCE  registration rates when registering  2 PTA MEMBERS at the same time.

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.

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