Massachusetts PTA

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National PTA Statement on New CDC Guidance for Reopening Schools

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ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Feb. 12, 2021)—The following statement can be attributed to National PTA President Leslie Boggs:

“National PTA appreciates the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issuing clearer guidance today for safely reopening schools for in-person instruction. Reopening schools for in-person learning is vital to ensure the continuity of education for every child, particularly those who do not have adequate access to technology. However, health and safety must continue to be the utmost priority. Parents are depending on the CDC to provide the best guidance for informed decisions to be made.

“National PTA appreciates the CDC providing clarity on the critical importance of universal use of masks for students, teachers and staff, as well as physical distancing between people to the greatest extent possible. National PTA also appreciates the CDC clarifying that rigorous sanitizing processes and viral screening and testing protocols are other important steps to mitigate transmission of COVID-19 in schools. Further, National PTA appreciates the CDC clarifying that the modes schools use for learning should be based on the current impact of the virus on individual communities. Additionally, National PTA appreciates the CDC clarifying that vaccines should be prioritized for teachers but are not required for schools to reopen for in-person learning. National PTA supports vaccination, and our association joined other education organizations in calling for school personnel to be given priority access.

“National PTA applauds the CDC for recommending that school leaders engage with the entire school community in developing reopening plans. National PTA has been calling for any decision to reopen schools to involve parents, families, students, educators and school employees in the planning, implementation and monitoring stages of reopening. Inclusive stakeholder engagement is essential for effective decision-making and successful implementation of school reopening plans, particularly engagement with parents and students to address unique family needs. 

“While the CDC’s new guidance is a positive step, more resources continue to be needed to help pay for the costs for schools to reopen safely and successfully and address the health, safety, infrastructure and physical, psychological, social and emotional needs of students, educators and staff. For nearly a year, National PTA has been calling on Congress to provide more funding to schools to address challenges they are facing during the pandemic.

“National PTA is committed to partnering with the CDC to get this information out to parents. Our association also remains committed to advocating to safeguard the education, health and safety of our nation’s children and make sure students, families and schools have what they need during this challenging time.”

Engaging Together To Be Healthy Webinar Series

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A series of three No Cost webinars covering the issues you are encountering in these uncertain times. You may register for one, two, or any combination of the three.

Webinar 3: March 3, 2021 at 7:30 pm Supporting Youth Fears, Worries, and Grief: A Webinar for Adults

This recording is only available until April 6, 2021

Join Linda for a presentation on how to support youth K-12 as they navigate their fears, worries, and grief during COVID-19. Linda will provide guidance to help you identify what’s going on for your child and how to incorporate mindfulness strategies to be an ongoing support. Live opportunity to receive answers to your questions.  

Linda Price, M.Ed., CAGS, LEP, E-RYT, YACEP

Linda is a Licensed Educational Psychologist. After working in schools for many years, she now runs a private practice, Wellness Empowerment, in Scituate, MA, where she provides individual and group counseling, workshops, and Mindful Parenting courses. Link to her full bio:Clinician Linda Price

Presenter: Linda Price, M.Ed., CAGS, LEP, E-RYT, YACEP

Click Image to View Recording of Webinar

Dr. Rick Moriarty has given us permission to share his slide presentation. Below, is the link to download a .pdf version of the presentation.

21.02.03 Mass PTA Webinar Moriarty PresentationDownload

Webinar 2: February 3, 2021 at 7:30 pm Building Vaccine Confidence to Ensure Optimal Health for Your Child and Family

Vaccines Are a Public Health Success

  • Life pre-vaccines
  • How vaccines are developed, approved and monitored
  • How the childhood immunization schedule is determined
  • Why some vaccines are required for school entry
  • Why being up-to-date on vaccines is especially important for children younger than 16; but will be in the future

Vaccine Confidence Project and Health Ambassador Program

  • Strengthening vaccine confidence
  • Finding credible sources of information/addressing misinformation
  • Addressing inequities
  • Becoming a vaccine advocate through the ambassador program

This webinar invites families, educators and communities to think about the importance of vaccines in our lives. Presenters will review vaccines as a public health success and their role in optimizing our health.  Presenters also will discuss initiatives to improve vaccine confidence in Massachusetts.  Opportunity for answering your questions will be provided.

Webinar 1: January 6, 2021 at 7:30 pm Managing Screen Time for More Meaningful Living and Learning During COVID and Beyond

Remote schooling during the pandemic has been a unique experience for teachers and parents (to say the least!). In addition to more screen time at home, we saw more technology than ever appear in our kids’ education. So, what do we need to consider making sure our kids don’t get lost in the digital world?

This webinar invites families, educators and communities to think critically about educational technology!

Featuring Emily Cherkin, Lisa Cline, and Dr. Criscillia Benford, this discussion will help families better understand and analyze EdTech to meet their families’ needs. Feel more empowered, discover low-tech learning solutions and develop strategies to prioritize your family’s wellness at a time when technology is so overwhelming!

Moderated by Jean Rogers, Director of the Children’s Screen Time Action Network, this webinar promises to prepare families for a new year that makes the best of tech and non-tech learning opportunities. Here are some items we’ll cover:

  • The myth of personalized learning: No replacement for a high-quality teachers; apps can show whether a student gets and answer right or wrong, not whether they have learned a concept.
  • Educators may be unaware of the algorithms that often are manipulating kids.
  • Technology cannot replace a high-quality educator.
  • How can we use tech to produce, not consume?
  • How educators and families can come together for healthy solutions.
  • Remote learning doesn’t have to be online learning. What do we mean?
  • How do we maintain important connections that help students thrive.

Massachusetts PTA Partners with Project Bread

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FREE MEALS FOR ALL KIDS & TEENS THIS SCHOOL YEAR

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the USDA has extended a number of program flexibilities in order to allow meal providers to continue serving free meals to all children and teens throughout this school year. No registration or ID is required, and meals will be available through June 30, 2021. Please refer to the MA meal finder map at www.meals4kids.or/meals, which shows the hundreds of meal sites throughout the Commonwealth where families can easily access free meals for their children. This resource provides site addresses and hours for all sites that are considered “open sites,” which means that they serve meals to any child or teen (they do NOT have to be enrolled in a particular district) and it is updated regularly with new sites. Please help spread the word as wide as possible about these important changes in school meal programs so that more Massachusetts children and teens will have access to healthy meals this year.

Project Bread’s Child Nutrition Outreach Program, alongside the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE,) works to increase participation in two underutilized federal child nutrition programs, the National School Breakfast Program and the Summer Food Service Program (known as Summer Eats in Massachusetts). Together, we strive to ensure that all children in Massachusetts have access to nutritious meals, working directly with school districts and meal providers to provide technical assistance and innovative solutions to ensure these programs make the most impact on the children who need them. To find other food resources, please call Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333 or visit www.projectbread.org/get-help.

2020 National PTA Legislative Convention

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MA PTA Stands with National on Racial Inequity and Injustice

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ALEXANDRIA, Va., (June 2, 2020)—The following statement can be attributed to National PTA President Leslie Boggs and National PTA Executive Director Nathan R. Monell, CAE:

“National PTA condemns the inequitable and brutal treatment of all African Americans in this country. No human being should be subject to what we saw happen to George Floyd last week. Millions of people are outraged by the killing of another unarmed black man, and like so many Americans, we mourn the recent deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and other African Americans who died, unable to achieve their full potential in life.

“This ongoing problem of unequal justice has led to protests across this country and continues to have a profound effect on African Americans and communities of color, who feel hurt, frustrated, angry and afraid. Our nation must do better, and PTA stands with those who peacefully seek to inspire meaningful change.

“While we understand significant reforms are needed to create lasting change that will end the systemic discrimination and injustices that have existed for far too long, PTA has a rich legacy in coming together to help solve the toughest problems facing our children and families. PTA can help lead the way with our collective voice.

“For over 120 years, PTA has been the conscience of this country, speaking on behalf of our nation’s most valuable and vulnerable resource⁠—our children. This year, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the unification of the National Parent Teacher Association and the National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers, we recognize we are experiencing times that mirror why the unification was necessary. It is imperative that we remain united and supportive during this difficult time.

“Our transcendent goal has always been to change the lives of children for the better and we will continue to ensure our society values and protects every child. We encourage PTA members and all concerned citizens to speak out and demand that every child be afforded the opportunity to make their potential a reality. Together, we can move above and beyond the perceived division of our diverse experiences and build a shared experience—the experience of working together as human beings, intent on building a better nation and world for our children’s future.”

2019 MA PTA Health Summit

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Annual Meeting Recap

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We wanted to start off by saying thank you to all who were able to make it to our Annual Meeting this month! If you were not able to attend, we understand how crazy life can be, especially during this time. Below you will find a recap of the meeting and don’t forget to check out the award winners!

Click here to view the slideshow presentation we put together to honor the Local Unit, Membership and Volunteer award winners this year! If you are interested in participating in Reflections next year, the theme is “I Matter Because…” and you can email reflections@masspta.org for more information! Stay tuned for virtual informational meeting in June.


The Resolution of the Massachusetts Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Stop the Youth Vaping and E-Cigarette Epidemic shown here was passed.

The Massachusetts PTA officers for the 2020-2022 term were elected and installed! They will take office on July 1, 2020.

  • Madison Estes, President
  • Karen DeRoche, President-Elect
  • Kathersha Cureton, VP of Leadership
  • Fran Guardabascio, Treasurer
  • Cate DeCosta, Secretary

The fiscal year 2019 audit was presented and placed on file.

Check out the program book to see some of the work that Massachusetts PTA did this year and see what great achievements the award winners accomplished! Maybe next year your unit can or will be recognized for its accomplishments!

We thank you all for your continued support of Massachusetts PTA and are so thankful for your dedication to our mission “to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.” Don’t forget to check out all the fabulous resources National PTA has to offer on their website: www.pta.org.

Stay safe, and stay well! We hope to “see” you again in the near future!

2020 Candidates

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The nominating committee shall nominate one candidate for each office to be filled at the next convention. Diversity, PTA knowledge, commitment, and professional expertise shall be guiding principles when making nominations and appointments. The committee shall send the report of the nominations to the state PTA office to be forwarded to each member of the board of directors, and to each council and local PTA president, at least thirty (30) days before Massachusetts PTA Annual Convention. The committee shall report to the convention at the first general session, at which time additional nominations may be made from the floor provided the consent of the nominee has been secured in writing.”

The 2020 Massachusetts PTA Nominating Committee is proud to announce the 2020 Slate of Candidates. Candidates are selected based on their competencies as demonstrated in their Letter of Interest application and interviews.

President-elect – Karen DeRoche

Karen is the proud adoptive mother of 2 boys and started her work in her local unit, Rehoboth PTSA, 12 years ago.  She has proudly served as Rehoboth PTSA’s President, as well as holding the offices of Secretary, Vice President (Palmer River and Beckwith) and Membership Chair. Her passion is advocating for all children and her focus in recent years has been and will continue to be highlighting advocacy for children with disabilities, foster and adoptive children, special education needs including those children who “fall between the cracks.” She currently works as a Nurse Case Manager and spends her weekends as a proud hockey mom.  She is very excited to continue her work with Massachusetts PTA  and the Massachusetts PTA’s Health and Safety Committee.  Karen is passionate about advocating for all children, to ensure ”Every Child, One Voice.”

Vice President of Leadership – Kathresha Cureton

Kathresha Cureton currently serves on the Massachusetts PTA Board of Directors, and as a member of the Health, Safety and Wellness Committee. Kathresha draws from experience with more than 15 years in Health and Human Services, and earlier in her career, management, public affairs and outreach. She studied Psychology from the School of Social Behavioral Sciences at Mercy College and Art and Design from the School of Design at Pratt Institute. Active in the community, she served at the local level as a member on both Elementary and Middle School Councils; as the Middle/High School Vice President, PTA and Reflections Chair. She is a PTA Art Coordinator for the Hopkinton Elementary Schools, has volunteered in several other committees and civic leadership positions at every level.

With over 8 years of leadership experience she has also been involved in working as a liaison with support for parents and students including school programs, education and advocating for children. She continues to advance her training by attending conferences, seminars and workshops on both health and educational topics; including her passion for the arts.

Her children attend Hopkinton School District. We are very pleased to have her join our Leadership Team at Massachusetts PTA. “Life is never so busy that there is no time to help others.”

Treasurer – Fran Guardabascio

Fran has served as a Board Member and Treasurer for two years in the Patrick Lyndon PTA in West Roxbury.  While Treasurer, Fran implemented a number of efficiency and cost-saving measures, as well as a long term planning process which gave the PTA sustainability and flexibility.

Fran joined the PTA because his local unit’s urgent need for a Treasurer dovetailed with his desire to put his professional skills as an Accountant and Financial Analyst to use in the community.  The icing on the cake was the level to which he got to know the administration, staff, and community.  These new friends and knowledge of the school system were tremendously valuable with his first children entering the school system.

Now at the end of his tenure at the local level, Fran is excited to be part of the team at the State level.  He is looking forward to the challenges ahead, and is excited to help grow the PTA’s influence.

Secretary – Cate DeCosta

Cate DeCosta has 3 grown children with children of their own and over the course of 30 years has worked full time as a family child care provider, realtor, restaurant manager, tax preparer, and in the accounting field. She has remarried and now enjoys being a stay at home mom and homeschooling their 5 year old daughter. She first became involved with the PTA by volunteering with a wonderful community resource, Plymouth Family Network. The volunteering quickly turned into serving on the PTA board as Vice President and treasurer. 

2020 Annual Meeting – Virtual

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We wanted to start off by saying thank you to all who were able to make it to our Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 14, 2020! If you were not able to attend, we understand how crazy life can be, especially during this time. Below you will find a recap of the meeting and don’t forget to check out the award winners!

  • Click here to view the slideshow presentation we put together to honor the Local Unit, Membership and Volunteer award winners this year! 
  • The Resolution of the Massachusetts Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Stop the Youth Vaping and E-Cigarette Epidemic shown here was passed. 
  • The Massachusetts PTA officers for the 2020-2022 term were elected and installed! Taking office on July 1, 2020,
    • President: Madison Estes
    • President-Elect: Karen DeRoche
    • VP of Leadership: Kathresha Cureton
    • Treasurer: Fran Guardabascio
    • Secretary: Cate DeCosta
  • The fiscal year 2019 audit was approved. 

Check out the program book to learn about Massachusetts PTA’s work and see what great achievements the award winners accomplished!
We thank you all for your continued support of Massachusetts PTA and are so thankful for your dedication to our mission “to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.” Don’t forget to check out all the fabulous resources National PTA has to offer on their website: www.pta.org. 
Stay safe, and stay well! We hope to “see” you again in the near future!

MA PTA Call To Convention:

Due to the current health situation, stay at home orders and prohibition of in-person meetings, the annual meeting of the Massachusetts PTA will be held, via video conferencing on Thursday, May 14 from 7:00-8:00 pm
In order to conduct the necessary business of our association, we need a quorum of 25 members. That business will include:

  • Election of new officers
  • Approval of resolution
  • Approval of auditor’s report
  • Recognition of local unit, membership and Reflections award winners

Nominated Slate of Officers

  • President-elect: Karen DeRoche
  • VP of Leadership: Kathresha Cureton
  • Treasurer: Fran Guardabascio
  • Secretary: Cate DeCosta
Click Here to Register for the Virtual Annual Meeting

RESOLUTION OF THE MASSACHUSETTS PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA)STOP THE YOUTH VAPING AND E-CIGARETTE EPIDEMIC

We will accept nominations from the floor. Please note that the office of president-elect requires that nominees have served 2 years on the Massachusetts PTA board or one of its committees. 


Please register so that we can verify your status as a member. Once verified, you will be sent the meeting login information which will be unique to you.


THERE IS NO CHARGE TO ATTEND THIS MEETING.
We thank you in advance for marking this important event on your calendar and making it a point to be in attendance! 

A Message During Trying Times

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Over the last few months, the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have rippled across the world. We are seeing an unknown virus raise its ugly head, take thousands of lives across the world and we still do not have all the answers,  but we are getting closer to what may actually be the problem. All of us are frightened and unsure, but we are resilient and sturdy. Despite the challenges we all face, there are many, many stories and expert health and safety information that teach us, embrace us and give us strength. As parents, educators, care givers, guardians, health care workers, community members and government; we must take care of our children, for they are the hope and Spring of our future.

To that end, The Massachusetts PTA Health, Wellness and Safety committee would like to share with you information, articles, websites, stories and links  that many of the committee members have researched for you to assist, educate and keep you informed about all of this COVID-19.It is important for us to stay informed  so that we can take care of our children, not just yours and mine but the whole of society’s children. Millions of  people around the world are staying home and at a safe distance from each other to slow the spread of COVID-19. This is a crucial time to combine our efforts to build and strengthen meaningful connections. We have an opportunity to provide comfort and healing to those who may feel vulnerable or alone.
Sharing knowledge, information and experiences with others will bring us closer and keep us steadfast.

Please see the message from our National PTA President:

“While our utmost priority during this crisis is the health and safety of all students, educators, staff and families, we are also committed to making sure our communities have what they need during this challenging time,” said Leslie Boggs, president of National PTA. “Our nation’s families and educators have many questions and concerns, and we hope the information and resources on this webpage help them navigate this crisis.”

National PTA launched a comprehensive webpage, which features resources, tools and information to support families and educators amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Located at PTA.org/COVID-19 , the goal is to help communities navigate the emerging challenges the pandemic has presented, while meeting the educational and social and emotional needs of all students, educators and families.

Let us also direct you to additional articles, websites and videos that will help and provide answers:

From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Children and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – Tips to keep children healthy while school’s out
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/children.html


COVID-19 print resources in multiple languages
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/factsheets.html


COVID-19 website
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):

The AAP Parenting Website
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/Pages/default.aspx

From Health Care for All Massachusetts ( HCFA).

For Health Help and Insurance

https://www.healthcareforall.org

From the Mass.gov website:

Information on the Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19?_ga=2.183441378.599039932.1584891220-1747971150.1579119003

Information on Unemployment and Coronavirus (COVID-19) (for parents and teachers)
https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-unemployment-and-coronavirus-covid-19

COVID-19 Resources and Guidance for Businesses (for parents)
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-resources-and-guidance-for-businesses

We hope that this information will help you and we will continue to bring you additional resources to help all of us together get through this. I would like to just leave you with some words that always inspire and  comfort me. I hope that they will for you also.

“You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.”      Michelle Obama

Stay well and strong,

Jackie Coogan, Chairperson and the Massachusetts PTA Health, Safety, and Wellness Committee

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