Massachusetts PTA

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Ways to Support Lonely Adolescents presented by Gene Beresin, MD, MA

February 4, 2024 by Stephanie Gray

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WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

In May 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General sounded the alarm on an epidemic of loneliness in the United States, with some of the highest rates among Gen Z (those ages 11 to 26). Are you worried about a child or teenager who is struggling with loneliness? Do you know a child who may be at risk?

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, young people had been struggling with feelings of loneliness and isolation. Gene Beresin, MD, MA, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and clinical educator of more than 40 years, has been following and concerned about this trend for years. In this webinar, Dr. Beresin will outline the causes and risks for loneliness among adolescents, review recommendations for parents and caregivers from the U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory and provide more depth and practical guidance on ways to implement these recommendations in everyday life.

Register Here

Learning Objectives

After this presentation, participants will be able to:

  • Be able to cite underlying causes and negative health consequences of loneliness
  • Understand the major components for secure attachment
  • Model healthy social connections for students
  • Help students to develop relationships with supportive adults
  • Encourage healthy social connections between students
  • Identify behaviors and experiences that may increase the risk for social disconnection
  • Recognize signs of a mental health concern in students

PRESENTER BIOGRAPHY

Gene Beresin, MD, MA is Executive Director of the Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Director of Education for the Division of Professional and Public Education in the MGH Department of Psychiatry, and a full Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. As a child and adolescent psychiatrist and clinical educator of more than 40 years, Dr. Beresin has focused on prevention, early intervention, and treatment of teens and young adults. He has been a keynote speaker at local and international conferences, and is often called upon by news media to weigh in on issues relevant to this vulnerable population and the unique impact of societal issues.  

Dr. Beresin has consulted with a variety of television shows including ER, Law and Order SVU, and Parentalogic by PBS NOVA. He was Consultant to the Emmy Award winning HBO children’s specials, Goodnight Moon and Other Sleepytime Tales  (2000), Through a Child’s Eyes: September 11, 2001 (2003) and Classical Baby (2005). Dr. Beresin currently co-hosts the Clay Center podcast, Shrinking It Down: Mental Health Made Simple.

In addition to his current role at The Clay Center, Dr. Beresin also directs the Elizabeth Thatcher Acampora Endowment, an outreach program to meet the needs of underserved youth and families in three community settings.  Dr. Beresin has served as a leader of many national organizations and has won a number of local and national teaching awards. He is currently serving a term as President of the American College of Psychiatrists.

Filed Under: Health & Wellness, Homepage Tagged With: health

PTA Legislative Conference

March 13, 2021 by Madison Estes

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PTA Members Meet with Legislators on Important Initiatives

Lexington, MA; March 11, 2021 – Members of Massachusetts Parent Teacher Association (PTA) participated in the National PTA’s Legislative Conference this week. As the single largest child advocacy association in the United States, the National PTA®, which includes the Massachusetts PTA, prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Massachusetts PTA is devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. During the conference attendees heard from speakers, participated in workshops, and witnessed the presentation of many advocacy awards. They also met with our U.S. Senators, Representatives and their key staff members to discuss issues that affect the well-being, health and educational success of every child in the State of Massachusetts and to highlight what legislative initiatives are necessary.


Key initiatives the delegation from Massachusetts PTA highlighted included:
● Increased funding for the Statewide Family Engagement Centers
● Ensure meaningful, robust investments in education in Covid relief package
● Include schools in any comprehensive infrastructure package
● Improve the federal school meal program through Child Nutrition Reauthorization
● Support policies that protect all students, including students from historically marginalized populations

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

Filed Under: Advocacy

2025 Annual Meeting and Awards Celebration

March 6, 2025 by Stephanie Gray

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In-person Session Saturday, April 5th, 2025

PTA has a long and proud history. Join us as we celebrate that history and look forward to the challenges and opportunities of the future. Keynote speaker jamele adams, Director for Love, Inclusion & Trust.

We have an exciting schedule with opportunity to engage and learn how to support our children, families, and communities at our Annual Meeting and Awards Celebration on Saturday April 5th, 2025.

MA PTA is proud to announce this years event is $30.00 (Early Bird Special until March 21, 2025 is $25.00) to all who wish to attend the event. Award recipients will receive an email detailing how to register themselves.

REGISTER HERE TODAY!

Host Facility

Minuteman High School in Lexington is the official facility for the  2025 MA PTA Annual Meeting – “Embracing Unity Through Diversity and Imperfections”

Address: 758 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA 02421

Please check back or contact info@masspta.org for more information about scheduled events.

ANNUAL MEETING, AWARDS & REFLECTIONS CELEBRATION

8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

  • 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM Registration Desk and MA PTA Welcome Table Light Breakfast/ Vendors
  • 9:00 AM – 9:15 AM Posting of the Flag and Opening Remarks
    • Colors Posted by:
    • National Anthem by Students at Mary K. Goode Elementary School, Middleboro
    • Kathresha Cureton, MA PTA President
  • 9:15 AM – 10:00 AM PTA Advocacy Workshop
    • Workshop Presenter – Marina Youssef, MA PTA Advocacy Chair
    • Review National PTA Legislative Convention Outcomes
  • 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Keynote Speaker – jamele Adams, Director for Love, Inclusion & Trust
    • Reflections Entertainment from jamele Adams
  • 11:00 AM -11:15 AM Break
  • 11:15 am – 11:20 am A Moment from Our Sponsor
    • Gail Biancucci, Epilepsy Foundation New England Donation Center
  • 11:20 AM – 12:30 PM Reflections Awards Celebration
    • Presented by Samantha Lewis, MA PTA Reflections Chair
  • 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM Luncheon/Break/Vendors
  • 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM Annual Meeting & General Session
    • Welcome Message – Yvonne Johnson, National PTA President
    • Status of MA PTA, President Kathresha Cureton
    • Presenting Financial Report. Treasurer Karen DeRoche
    • Review National PTA Dues Information
  • 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM Awards Celebration
    • Local Unit and Volunteer Awards presented by Kathresha Cureton, MA PTA President and Christie Daniels, MA PTA VP of Leadership
    • Membership Awards presented by Karen DeRoche, MA PTA Membership Chair
  • 2:45 PM – 3:30 PM Closing Remarks
    • Kathresha Cureton, MA PTA President

*schedule subject to change

Filed Under: 2023 Annual Convention, 2023 Events, PTA Annual Convention

MA PTA February 2025 Newsletter

February 12, 2025 by Stephanie Gray

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MA PTA January 2025 Newsletter

February 12, 2025 by Stephanie Gray

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MA PTA December 2024 Newsletter

February 12, 2025 by Stephanie Gray

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MA PTA November 2024 Newsletter

November 16, 2024 by Stephanie Gray

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Filed Under: Homepage, Leadership Resources, Newsletter

2024-2025 Awards and Incentives

November 15, 2024 by Stephanie Gray

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Awards to be presented at the Massachusetts PTA Annual Meeting  on April 5, 2025

Leadership Awards –

Application online is required

Applications are due by Friday, February 28, 2025.

The Barbara Bailey Membership Award

Barbara Bailey was president of Massachusetts PTA in the early 1990’s.  During her term (and beyond!), she was able to help units manage memberships, bylaws, and conflicts.  To recognize her continued dedication to units across the state, we are honored to name this award after her.  Describe a successful membership drive that your unit completed during the past year.

The Carol Woodbury Leadership Award

Carol Woodbury was the president of the Massachusetts PTA from 1999-2002.  During her term, she inspired units across the state to work together and form positive relationships with school administrations and the community.  Carol continues to work on behalf of students, parents and teachers in Massachusetts where she works as a superintendent. Write a brief description of an inspiring leader in your local unit.  Tell us what makes that person inspiring and how it made a difference in your school/community.

The Jacqueline M. Coogan Hero for Health Award

Jackie Coogan served on the MA PTA Board of Directors from 2012-2024 as the Chair of the Health Safety and Wellness Committee. While she was Chair she created a whole new approach to the PTA mission, incorporating the health needs of our children, families and communities in everything we do here in Massachusetts. She inspired local leaders and MA PTA partners across the state to work together to inform, educate and create programs focusing on all aspects of health.  Jackie continues to support the mission of PTA as a member of the MA PTA Health Safety and Wellness Committee, the National PTA Endowment Committee and as the founder of the Joint Committee for Children’s Healthcare in Everett. Candidates for this award are:

  • PTA Unit(s) Person and /or persons who have established a working and successful HSW committee or initiative, within the Unit and School, which is accomplishing and implementing Goals, Objectives and Outcomes.
  • That this be given to a MA PTA Unit Person, Health Committee and/or Initiative, Program that has successfully accomplished and brought to children and families who have met the MA PTA HSW Mission as well as their own established goals and accomplishments
  • That whole school or system and/ or community could be awarded this Award as long as it was generated and involves PTA units and leader/members working for their HSW Mission.
  • That the PTA person, committee and or Unit accomplishments have been such that “ they have created a project, program and or informational materials and contacts readily available for all children and families to be safe and live in an environment that promotes Health, Well-being, Confidence, Equity and Security free of all harm, dangers, and ill-treatment including racist, unjust and biased attitudes and behaviors

 Spirit of PTA Award

This award recognizes volunteers who promote and encourage the essence of PTA in their communities…every Child. one Voice.  Write a short essay describing someone you feel portrays the true essence of PTA. Members must be registered to accept the award. This award is open to a variety of leadership roles that your unit feels a member is deserving of recognition: newsletter, event planning, public relations, fundraising, etc. Your local dues can cover any convention expenses, as well.

The Outstanding Local Unit PTA Advocacy of the Year Award

This award is given to a student, PTA member and Local Unit on the Local Unit level who has made significant contributions through Leadership/Service. In a short essay, describe how this person or unit exemplifies and stands out aThe Outstanding Local Unit PTA Advocacy of the Year Award Awarded annually to one local unit PTA that through their dedication, leadership and efforts positively affected legislative and/or regulatory policy aligned with Massachusetts’s PTA’s public policy agenda. The unit must be in good standing with Massachusetts’s PTA at the time of the nomination.

The Outstanding Advocate of the Year Award

The Outstanding Advocate of the Year Award Awarded annually to one individual who most exemplifies the qualities of a great child advocate leader, a true advocate for all children and a model of public service and volunteerism who has positively affected legislative and/or regulatory policy. The individual must be dedicated to moving the mission and goals of PTA forward and be a PTA member in good standing at the time of nomination.

The Outstanding Youth Advocate of the Year Award

The Outstanding Youth Advocate of the Year Award Awarded annually to a young person (defined as someone under 18, or still in high school at the time of nomination) who exemplifies the qualities of creativity, leadership, and dedication, and has positively affected policy or change in his or her school or community in a way that aligns with PTA’s mission and goals. The individual youth must be a member of a PTA at the time of nomination. Among others, how they adopted and carried out the mission of the PTA and volunteered their time to bring this to fruition.

Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award

[3 separate awards will be given- 1st for elementary; 2nd for middle school and 3rd for high school]

This award is to recognize a school teacher who is supportive, helpful, and personally involved in the PTA.

Outstanding Vice Principal of the Year Award

[3 separate awards will be given- 1st for elementary; 2nd for middle school and 3rd for high school]

This award is to recognize a school vice principal who is supportive, helpful, and personally involved in the PTA.

Outstanding Principal of the Year Award

[3 separate awards will be given- 1st for elementary; 2nd for middle school and 3rd for high school]

This award is to recognize a school principal who is supportive, helpful, and personally involved in the PTA.

Outstanding Superintendent of the Year Award

This award is to recognize a school district superintendent who is supportive, helpful, and personally involved in the PTA.

Outstanding Counselor of the Year Award

This award is to recognize a  school counselor who is supportive, helpful, and embodies the mission of PTA.

Unsung Hero Award

This Unsung Hero has gone above and beyond the call of duty. This is a special person who has done extra special things for those in need.  This special person has done good work without receiving or expecting praise and recognition. In a short essay, describe how this person exemplifies and stands out among others, how they adopted and carried out the mission of the PTA. This person could be: ESP’s (Educational Support Professional), School Nurses, Crossing Guards, Guardians, Grandparents, Cafeteria Personal, Bus Drivers, School Bus Monitors, Custodian/Maintenance Personal, Lunch/Recess Monitors, etc.

Spotlight on Male Engagement Award

This award rewards those units who focus on ways to engage the fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, uncles, mentors, business partners, etc. In a short essay, describe how your PTA has utilized or involved fathers in your school or community.  Attach fliers/news articles/screenshots that are related.

Newsletter/ Communications (Examples of Publication Required)

Do you have a great way of keeping your PTA community informed? Whether it is newsletters that are sent home in a backpack, emails or a website that helps members keep up-to-date with your PTA happenings, show us how you communicate. Submit an example of your communication.

Community Membership Award

In order to bring into closer relations the school and community, i.e., places of worship, businesses, community leaders, etc., this award will be given to those PTAs that recruit twenty-five members from the community in addition to parents who also serve in community leadership positions.

Literacy Award

This Award is given to PTA units that promote literacy among students, families and the community; support the Media Center with activities that help make students better readers, writers and thinkers; and advance the ideals of learning through the written word.

General Membership Award – No application needed:

  • Golden Apple Award – Units with 100% membership of full-time certified teachers.

 

Filed Under: Leadership Resources, Programs

MA PTA October 2024 Newsletter

November 1, 2024 by Stephanie Gray

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Filed Under: Homepage, Leadership Resources, Newsletter

2024 Annual Meeting and Awards Celebration

November 1, 2024 by Stephanie Gray

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Filed Under: Event Photo Gallery, Events

2024 Annual Meeting Proposed Bylaws Amendments and Resolution

March 8, 2024 by Stephanie Gray

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2024 Proposed Bylaw AmendmentsDownload
2024 Resolution on Book BansDownload

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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