Morning  Speakers

Jennifer Francioso, Massachusetts PTA President

Jennifer Francioso lives in Methuen with her husband, Joseph. They are the parents of a fourteen-year old daughter. Jennifer has served on the State Board since 1991 with a brief break during 2007. She has served as Newsletter Editor, Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, and President-elect. Jennifer is a second Generation Massachusetts PTA president! Her mother, Margaret Olivieri, served from 1991-1993. 

Marques A. Ivey, VP of Advocacy

Marques Ivey is the VP of Advocacy, Chair of the Legislation Committee, and member of the board of directors for the National PTA. Currently, Marques is a trial attorney and owns a law firm, the Law Office of Marques A. Ivey, PLLC. He has been married to Stacey, an educator for almost 19 years and together have three children.

Marques has been involved in PTA for about twelve years. He has served as president of a local elementary school PTA in Aurora, Colo. and is a member of various other PTAs. Mr. Ivey has been on the board of directors for the Colorado PTA for about six years, serving as an at-large member and director of Region three. He is a life member of the Colorado PTA, Michigan PTA, and National PTA.

Outside of the PTA, Marques is very active in the community. He currently serves on several boards of directors and committees. He serves as the chair of the City of Aurora, Citizen Advisory Committee on Housing and Community Development and the Minoru Yasui Community Volunteers Award Committee.

Marques received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and minored in history from Indiana University, Bloomington. He received his juris doctorate at the University of Tulsa, College of Law.

Jon Mattleman, MS Counseling​

Afternoon Speakers

Anthony Marullo

Anthony Marullo is the Regional Admissions Director for the Norwood campus of Universal Technical Institute, the leading provider of post-secondary education and training for students seeking careers in the transportation industry. He conducts career workshops for high school students, teachers, and counselors across Massachusetts, highlighting relevant real-world context for STEM learning and careers. He is graduate of Saint Bonaventure University. READ HERE the letter from a group of employers about the lack of qualified technically trained employees that they are sending to high school principals across Massachusetts.

Rachel Poliner

Rachel Poliner consults widely on whole student approaches and constructive school communities for young people and adults. Her work focuses on school climate, instructional, and structural reforms: K-12 social and emotional learning, middle and high school advisory programs, teams and teacher leadership, and improving faculty climate. Her publications include Teaching the Whole Teen: Everyday Practices that Promote Success and Resilience in School and Life, The Advisory Guide, and curricula, chapters, and articles on SEL, resiliency, dialogue, and conflict resolution. Poliner has consulted with public and independent schools across the U.S.; has been a teacher, an educational organization director, and a faculty member for master’s degree candidates in conflict resolution education and peaceable schools. She is a Board member of the Social-Emotional Learning Alliance for Massachusetts.

Sessions – 2018 MA PTA Convention

Join us for “Celebrating the Past Shaping the Future!”

April 7, 2018 – 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.

You will come to Convention knowing what you do at your school and PTA. But you will leave Convention thinking healthier about the possibilities for your school and PTA, as well as your own leadership abilities.

Workshops will deliver proven ways to:

• Communicate effectively with all stakeholders
• Engage and empower parents to support student success and overall well-being
• Advocate for the needs of every child in your school, community or state
• Develop partnerships that support growth and mission implementation

Plan Your Workshop Sessions

Browse the catalog of workshop sessions below to plan your itinerary. All workshops will be open seating.

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Session 1 Choice

• Minding Your Mind Just Talk About It-Youth Mental Health Education
  This interactive, clinician-led training is an introduction to mental health, which is designed to train both adults​ and youth on how to recognize the warning signs of stress, anxiety, depression, and crisis. Just Talk About It will educate adolescents and the adults who support them to look beyond stigma and notice warning signs. Just Talk About​ It has been approved by the Best Practices National Registry, Section III: Adherence to Standards, which is​ required suicide prevention training in many states.

  About Minding Your Mind

  Minding Your Mind’s (MYM) primary objective is to reduce the stigma and destructive behaviors often associated with mental health issues by providing evidence-based mental health education to adolescents, teens and young adults, their parents, teachers, school administrators, and interested professionals and community organizations. By increasing help-seeking behavior, MYM moves away from crisis-based response to prevention. To learn how you can bring Minding Your Mind to your school or organization contact Jan Latorre-Stiller at 781-285-6696 or at jan@mindingyourmind.org www.mindingyourmind.org
• “21st Century Education: Opening Doors to Career Readiness”: Anthony Marullo, Regional Admissions Director for Universal Technical Institute 
  

  It’s important for students to weigh their passions and opportunities when evaluating the many education options and career paths available to them after they graduate from high school. This workshop will highlight the key factors to consider before deciding which direction to take, and will help parents assess which education options career opportunities best match their child’s interests and learning styles. Discussion will include an overview of today’s workforce needs and where it’s headed, and real-world applications of STEM in growth industries including the skilled trades. 

2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Session 2

•  Social-Emotional Learning PreK-12 – What, How, and Why Now

  We’ll explore social-emotional learning (SEL) – what it is and what it looks like when implemented at all school levels. We’ll discuss how PTAs can support SEL at school and at home. Bring your questions about SEL! We’ll clarify, give examples, and share research. Whether you’re interested in SEL from a parent skill-building perspective, a school safety perspective, a mental health perspective, an academic achievement perspective, a diverse, democratic society perspective, or for lots of other relevant reasons, we’re at an important moment to advance SEL in our schools and communities.

  “Amplifying Your Voice through PTA’s Advocacy Priorities”: Marcus Ivey, National PTA Vice President for Advocacy
  Why, as a PTA member, should you continue to grow as an advocate? PTA members have an expertise unlike many others. You are on the ground level and PTA members know what works and what doesn’t work within their communities. PTA members know firsthand what students with disabilities, poor students and minority students experience everyday at school. You know what your teachers and school administrators need to be successful and whether they have all of the tools to ensure that every child is getting the education they deserve.As a PTA member, you are a part of an association that is unlike other advocacy associations. National PTA and your priorities are to work on behalf of all students, families and schools. You do not have an ulterior motive or hidden agenda. Rather, you know and advocate for what’s best for students and families in your community giving you credibility that many others cannot obtain.Finally, we need as many voices as possible to ensure our mission is heard loud and clear, to make sure every child reaches his or her full potential. As a PTA member, you have the opportunity to make a difference in your schools and communities to ensure that families’ and students’ voices are heard over noise.

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. General Session 

• Bylaws  
  Bylaws govern an organization’s operations and contain the basic rules relating principally to itself as an association.The MA PTA bylaws outline the basic purpose of PTA, lists basic policies of the MA PTA association and provides a structure for how the PTA association is set up.The bylaws also provide information on MA PTA committee structure, the annual convention and amendment process.These are the current MAPTA Bylaws2015 (1) adopted 4/12/2015.
• Elections  
  MA PTA elections are held at our annual convention. The next elections will be in Westborough, April 7, 2018. View the 2018 Slate of Nominees. Candidates are selected based on their competencies as demonstrated in their Letter of Interest application, interview and reference feedback. The Nominating Committee developed Competencies and Criteria for MA PTA Leadership based on a needs assessment and leadership feedback.Four Officers are elected every two years defined in the MA PTA Bylaws. Elected Officers are President-Elect, Vice President of Membership, Treasurer, and Secretary.For a description of leadership responsibilities, please review the MAPTA Bylaws2015 (1).To learn about our election process and bylaws and policies, contact info@masspta.org..

Agenda – 2018 MA PTA Convention

Join us for “Celebrating the Past, Shaping the Future!”

April 7, 2018 – 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.

2018 Convention Events

Saturday, April 7, 2018

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 

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 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?

1. Register early
2. Share hotel rooms
3. Wear comfortable shoes
4. 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
5. 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:

1. Online in Advance (by credit card). Go to Register. It is quick, easy, and secure. Online registration will open in February 2018.
2. 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.
3. 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?

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.