April 29 & 30 (Sessions 1 & 2)

APRIL 29 & 30 CONVENTION CONFERENCES

PLEASE NOTE: (") Indicates suggested conference for the new or inexperienced PTA leader. (Spanish translation) indicates those conferences that will be translated from English into Spanish in small groups in the rear of the room.

NOTA: (*) Indica conferencias sugeridas para el líder de PTA nuevo o sin experiencia. (Traducción al Español) indica que esas conferencias seran traducidas del inglés al Español en grupos pequeños en la parte trasera de la sala.

Conference Session 1

Friday April 29, 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

101* LEADERSHIP TOOLS FOR NEW PRESIDENTS - A MUST FOR THE UNIT PRESIDENT ELECT!

Leadership Services Commission
(Repeats #801 & #301)
Learn and review the basics of PTA policies and procedures. Learn new tips for unit management with an emphasis on goal setting. You will receive PTA timelines, job descriptions and meeting preparation information and resources. (This conference will last for three hours, do not select another conference for session two.)

102 ADVANCED LEADERSHIP FOR SECOND YEAR PRESIDENTS (UNIT OR COUNCIL)

Leadership Services Commission
(Repeats #302)
As a second year president, you know there is still more to learn and share. Join other second year presidents and develop your PTA skills to a new level. This conference will include the rights and wrongs of PTA programs and sponsorships, as well as refine your PTA leadership skills.

103* MONEY MATTER$ I (Spanish Translation)

Finance Commission
(Repeats: #303)
This conference will provide a walk through of basic financial procedures for treasurers, financial secretaries and auditors. Attendees will be guided through an entire financial year. Topics include banking, budgets, fundraising, contracts, money handling and financial reports.

103* A$UNTO$ DE DINERO I (Traducción en Español)

Comisión de Finanzas
(Repite #303)
Esta conferencia proveerá información mediante procedimientos financieros básicos para tesoreros, auditores y secretarios financieros. Los asistentes se orientarán mediante un ejercicio entero. Los temas incluyen depositos, presupuestos, recaudación de fondos, contratos, manejo de dinero e informes financieros.

104* HOW TO BUDGET

Finance Commission
An interactive conference to walk you through all the steps necessary to develop, adopt and revise a PTA budget.

105* THE “WRITE” STUFF (Spanish Translation)

Secretary
(Repeats #404)
The secretary is one of the three required positions for your PTA and the minutes are an essential part of the legal record. Learn how to take minutes that are correct, concise and complete; how to approve, correct and file the master copy of the minutes; how to correctly publish your minutes, the responsibilities of the secretary and much more.

105* LA MATERIA (Traducción en Español)

Secretario
(Repite #404)
El secretario es una de las tres posiciones requeridas para su PTA y los minutos son una parte esencial del registro legal. Enterense como tomar minutos que son correctos, concisos y completos; como aprobar, corregir y archivar los minutos; como publicar correctamente sus minutos, las responsabilidades del secretario y mucho más.

106* RESOLUTIONS 2005

Resolutions Committee
Understand the key details of the resolutions to be considered by the delegates of the 2005 PTA Convention-why these resolutions were submitted and what their adoptions would mean for PTA. Intent to Amend Notices may be submitted at this conference.

107 THE MEMBERSHIP ROLE OF DISTRICTS AND COUNCILS

Membership Committee
Understand the district and council membership responsibilities. Hear the latest on the member name collection project. Share ideas, strategies, how to use PTA resources and motivate with awards.

108 POTENTIAL PERILS OF THE INTERNET: IS YOUR CHILD AT RISK?

Communications Commission
Are you aware of the hazards that might occur while using the internet? Vulnerability applies to adults as well as children. Protect your identity and learn steps to take regarding safe internet computer use in your home.

109 COMMUNICATING WITH STYLE

Communications Commission
Explore creative ways to advertise and energize your PTA. Utilizing various styles of communicating with your members and community will increase goodwill, understanding and support for your PTA’s activities. Using artistic expression and humor, the presenter will help participants understand the elements of effective presentations and pitfalls to avoid.

110 WHAT IS THE VALUE OF ASSESSMENT?

Education Commission
Learn how testing impacts your school and students. Can testing be reduced or eliminate in the future?

111 FIGHT OBESITY WITH EXERCISE!

Health Commission
Physical Education programs are being reduced or eliminated at many schools. SPARK has been researching and disseminating information on quality PE programs for over 15 years. Join this fun, “hands-on” workshop and learn how to promote physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle.

112 BULLYING IS BAD, RESPECT IS BEST: PART I

(Part II is conference #212)
Community Concerns Commission
This two-part conference will focus on the topic of bullying. In this first session, the presenters will describe what bullying is and the impact that it has on the youth of America. Bullying takes place in schools throughout America everyday.

113* MANAGING CONFLICT

Leadership Services Commission
(Repeat #313)
Conflict seems to be part of any organization. Learn techniques on how to manage your conflict so your team and organization can thrive. Learn how to be part of the solution not the problem.

114 DIVERSITY IS OUR STRENGTH

Leadership Services Commission
(Repeat #314)
Learn the importance of cultural diversity and making it a PTA strength. Panel will share different perspectives, from being a teacher in the classroom to the goals and visions of the California State PTA and the National PTA.

115 TEAM BUILDING

Leadership Services Commission
Learn how to build an effective team. This workshop will include techniques, handouts and audience participation.

116 THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS

Leadership Services Commission
Discover the benefits of collaboration, communication and cooperation between PTA leaders, principals, superintendents and school boards. PTA and partnership organizations working together not only can ensure a quality relationship, it can lead to providing a focused voice which can positively affect the lives of children in California.

117* REFLECTIONS PROGRAM: PROMOTE THE ARTS

Member Services Commission
(Repeats #307)
Learn about the National PTA’s Reflections Program. Participants will explore and share ways of how to promote, implement and showcase the Reflections Program at the unit level.

118 SACRAMENTO’S FRONT BURNER

Legislation Committee
What’s hot in our state capitol? Is it recommendations from the governor’s California Performance Review? School construction and renovation? No Child Left Behind? Charter Schools? California’s highly-respected independent Legislative Analyst, Elizabeth Hill, knows what’s hot, and will share her expert analysis of the most closely-watched current issues.

119 SPECIAL EDUCATION: WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW: PART I

(Part II is conference #219)
Parent Involvement Commission
How can parents of special needs students be more successful in getting the information they need? This session will help parents be better informed about IEPs and the varied options available that will provide a greater understanding of the Special Education process.

120 HOW TO FORM A STUDENT INVOLVEMENT COMMITTEE AND WHY

Student Involvement Committee
Have a great idea? Feel like nobody is listening to you? What should you do? Form a PTA/PTSA Student Involvement Committee. Find out how and why to form a student involvement committee and learn what it can do for you.

Conference Session 2

Friday April 29, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

202* PTA INSURANCE AND LOSS PREVENTION

Finance Commission
After a brief overview, representatives from the PTA insurance broker and the insurance and bonding company will answer your questions.

203 MONEY MATTER$ II

Finance Commission
(Repeats #403)
This conference is a continuation of Money Matter$ I, and provides a more in-depth look at financial procedures for financial officers. Topics include audits, tax filings, computer accounting, safe procedures for holding events, and mismanagement of funds.

204 PTA AND EDUCATION FOUNDATIONS

Finance Commission
The California Consortium of Education
Foundations supports and nurtures more than 500 local education foundations that bring grassroots funding, resources and recognition to schools in neighborhoods throughout California. This conference will help PTAs gain an understanding about how to collaborate and work effectively with local education foundations.

205* SURF THROUGH THE BYLAWS

(Spanish Translation)
Bylaws Committee
(Repeats #406)
Join the California State PTA Parliamentarian for a review of the bylaws and learn how to adapt the standard bylaws to the needs of your PTA.

205* NAVEGAR MEDIANTE LOS REGLAMENTOS

(Traducción en Español)
Comité de Reglamentos
(Repite #406)
Acompañen al Parlamentario de California State PTA para una revisión de los reglamentos y para enterarse como adaptar los reglamentos estándards segun la necesidad de su PTA.

206* MEMBERSHIP BASIC TRAINING

(Spanish Translation)
Membership Committee
(Repeats #407)
This conference will cover the steps necessary for developing a year long membership campaign. Time will be allowed for theme and incentive idea exchange. Designed for membership chairmen at elementary schools and other interested board members.

206* INSTRUCCION BASICA PARA LA AFILIACION

(Traducción en Español)
Comité de Membrecía
(Repite #407)
Esta conferencia cubrirá los pasos necesarios para desarrollar una campaña de membrecía para el año completo. Se permitirá tiempo para intercambiar ideas de tema e incentivo. Diseñado para presidentes de membrecía en escuelas elementales y otros miembros de la junta interesados.

207 ADVANCED MEMBERSHIP TRAINING

Membership Committee
Receive creative and innovative “How to’s” from a panel of award winning membership schools. The panel will share ideas and successes of their membership campaigns.

208* HISTORIANS MAKE EVERY MINUTE COUNT

Member Services Commission
Historians have the essential task of preparing a permanent record of the activities and achievements of the PTA. Learn what to do, how to share the history of your PTA, and some important tips for completing the Annual Report. Your are the archivist of the programs and activities of your PTA.

209* PTA TOOLKIT AND PUBLICATIONS

Member Services Commission
Learn about the contents of this resource and how it guides you through the various aspects and procedures of PTA. Other PTA publications currently available for unit, council and district PTAs will also be discussed. All attendees will receive a CD of the Toolkit. This conference is highly recommended for new presidents and new board members.

210 IMPROVING YOUR PTA’S PRINT AND ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTERS

Communications Commission
Learn practical ideas and professional tips for making your print and electronic newsletters a relevant source of information for members and your school community. Guidelines on editorial content, layout and audience outreach will be provided.

211 THE MEDIA IS THE OTHER PARENT

Communications Commission
No matter where you go, the media has influence on current issues and images your children see. In this conference, we will analyze the changing role of the media industry. Bringing together real-world examples and experience, academic insight and an historical perspective, this presentation will track the direct effect that media has on our children’s self understanding.

212 BULLYING IS BAD, RESPECT IS BEST: PART II

(Part I is Conference #112)
Community Concerns Commission
This two-part conference will focus on strategies to combat bullying. In this second session the presenters will provide specific strategies for parents, students, teachers, school administrators and law enforcement to target the issues of bullying. This session will focus on direct action based on proven strategies that are successful.

213 MEDIA SMART

Communications Commission
Hear about family-friendly TV and websites, learn tips for parents and caregivers; and receive monthly e-newsletters from a source you trust. National PTA partners with Cable In the Classroom to connect and produce an educational media guide for school and home.

214 HEALTHY KIDS + HEALTHY SCHOOLS = HIGH ACHIEVEMENT

Health Commission
Highest student achievement levels are found where healthy kids learn in a healthy environment. Learn how PTAs can join with health professionals, school personnel, community members and other parents to start or enhance a School Health Council based on a comprehensive approach to school health in dealing with issues such as childhood obesity prevention and good nutrition. A step-by-step guide will be provided along with success stories from existing School Health Councils.

215 FIGHT THE NEW EPIDEMIC THAT THREATENS OUR KIDS!

Health Commission
If children were being infected with a disease in childhood that would disable or prematurely kill them as adults, PTA would be in the forefront of prevention and cure. Obesity and its side effects are just deadly. Prepare your PTA to fight this epidemic through practical activities and programs.

216 ADVOCACY TIPS: INSIGHT FROM INSIDERS

Legislation Committee
How do legislative advocates move their issues from idea to bill to law? You can use tips from this panel of Sacramento pros to promote PTA issues from the local community to the State Legislature.

217 COUNCIL LEADERS - EFFECTIVE PRESENTATIONS

Leadership Services Commission
Discover how you can strengthen this important PTA link. Learn ways to build a cohesive council by providing training opportunities and effective communication techniques for member units.

218* PARENTS EMPOWERING PARENTS (PEP) GUIDE

Parent Involvement Commission
This session will enable you to use the newly revised California State PTA Parents Empowering Parents (PEP) Guide. The PEP Guide includes detailed parent information, programs, activities, and camera ready handouts to expand parental involvement and help you create effective parent education and involvement programs.

219 SPECIAL EDUCATION: WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW: PART II

(Part I is conference #119)
Education Commission
What do parents need to know as their special education student reaches middle school to assure successful progress toward high school graduation and beyond. This workshop will provide parents with the status of the high school exit exam alternatives, alternative diplomas and transition plans beyond high school.

220 STUDENTS: WHAT’S NEXT? FROM SCHOOL TO THE REAL WORLD

Maybe you’re getting your first job or maybe you are just looking for one. Maybe you have just graduated. In any case, you, the student, will eventually need to enter the world outside of school. Join students for a sharing of ideas to discuss the skills needed to succeed in the workforce.
General Information
Convention at a Glance
Registration Information
Travel and Housing Information
Pre-Convention Conferences
Conferences at a Glance
April 29th (Sessions 1 & 2)
April 30th (Sessions 3 & 4)
Registration Procedures
Registration Form [pdf]
Housing Instructions
Housing Form [pdf]
Unit Tally Form [pdf]
Convention Chairman Instructions
Registration Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions

2004 My PTSA/PTA Award Winners [pdf]
Reflections 2004 Winners [pdf]

Adopted Resolutions


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