101 Learning to Lead Together 
Presented by: Dana Platin, NYS PTA Past President and National PTA Board of Directors
As leaders, we’re always learning and growing. Get the PTA low down on all you need to know and how you can expand your leadership skills. 6-board-basic-responsibilities-checklist PDF

102 Resolution Ready: Research and Writing for Effective PTA Advocacy
Presented by: Susan Fisher, NYS PTA Legislation Coordinator and Amy Hysick, NYS PTA Resolutions Coordinator
Have a topic that you think needs advocacy? Are you ready to write your first resolution? Two longstanding members of the NYS PTA Resolutions Committee will walk you through the steps needed to craft a strong resolution and give you some tips and ideas about where to begin your research.

103 Special Education Advocacy: Building Skills to Support Your Child (CTLE eligible)
Presented by: Fiona Rattray, NYS PTA Taconic Region Director and Special Education Advocate
This workshop will guide families and educators through the essential knowledge and skills needed to effectively advocate for children within the special education system. Topics include understanding the special education process, developing a deep awareness of disabilities, and mastering communication, collaboration, and long-term planning. Participants will leave with practical tools for organizing, planning, and ensuring their child receives the support they deserve.

104 Page Turners & Partners: Unlocking the Power of Your Public Library
Presented by: Maria Sanders, NYS PTA Environment Specialist
Looking to expand your PTA’s reach, improve family engagement, and strengthen your community partnerships? Your local public library is an untapped treasure trove of opportunity! This session will explore the many ways PTAs can collaborate with public libraries to support student success, promote literacy, celebrate diversity, and bring families together.

105 Healthy Minds in Action: Sharing Strategies for Mental Wellness 
Presented by: Shauna Wold, NYS PTA Mental Health Specialist and Kathleen Jenne, NYS PTA Programs Coordinator
Join this session centered on Healthy Minds, National PTA’s initiative focused on mental health awareness, emotional well-being, and building supportive school environments for students and families. This is your opportunity to connect with other PTA leaders, share your community’s mental health efforts, and learn how the Healthy Minds program can support your goals.

106 Digital Tools to Measure and Market Our PTA Mission
Presented by: Anthony Cruz, NYS PTA Marketing Specialist
This interactive session (bring your computers!) will explore how tools like Canva and LinkTree can help your unit effectively communicate our mission, attract new members, and streamline engagement. Learn practical tips for creating eye-catching content, organizing key links, and amplifying your reach across platforms. Whether you’re promoting events or marketing unit membership, these tools will help you connect with every child and family.

107 Givebacks Communications, Contacts & Website
Presented by: Courtney Mullis and Valerie Licata, Givebacks Customer Service and Theda Smith, Membership/Field Support Senior Associate
Want to increase engagement with your membership and school community? Learn how to send gorgeous newsletters, design an out of this world website, and have your contact list work for you! This workshop focuses on the communication tools included FOR FREE with your Givebacks site.

108 President to President Chat Olmsted
Presented by: Patty Frazier, NYS PTA President
Join NYS PTA President Patty Frazier for conversations about the successes and the challenges of leading each of our PTAs. For Unit and Council Presidents and Co-Presidents only.

201 Thrive at Every Age: A Woman’s Guide to Lifelong Vitality 
Presented by: Stephanie Trentacoste McNally, MD, Katz Institute for Women’s Health Medical Director
Ready to take an active role in your lifelong well-being? Join our “Thrive at Every Age: A Woman’s Guide to Lifelong Vitality” workshop! This interactive session will provide you with practical tools and actionable strategies to navigate hormonal changes, optimize your health, and truly thrive at every stage of life.

202 Transforming Family-School Partnerships with PTA’s National Standards (CTLE eligible)
Presented by: Yvonne Johnson, National PTA President
Learn about National PTA’s strategies for strengthening family-school partnerships through the National Standards for Family-School Partnerships. Gain knowledge on best practices for building partnerships, the importance of collaborating with district administrators to strengthen partnerships with families, and steering through the changing policy and funding landscape for family engagement. Leave this workshop equipped with resources and ideas on Family Engagement Solutions for all PTAs.

203 How to Receive an Appropriate IEP For Your Child (CTLE eligible)
Presented by: Amanda Smith, Education Attorney, Tully Rinckey PLLC
In this workshop, Tully Rinckey Education Attorney will provide a detailed workshop on how families of special education students in New York can receive an appropriate IEP for their child, and discuss the impact of the state’s new Distraction-Free Learning Environment Law. The presenter will explain the following: When should parents request an IEP? How should parents request an IEP? What happens after parents request the IEP? How to read and understand the evaluation reports of your child. How to prepare for the CSE meeting. Who to bring to your CSE meeting. How to advocate for yourself in the CSE meeting. What to do after the CSE Meeting. How to challenge the IEP if it is not appropriate.

204 Generation Advocacy: Elevating Youth Voices in the PTA
Presented by: Susan Fisher, NYS PTA Legislation Coordinator
This session focuses on building a culture of youth engagement across all levels of the association. Learn how to support youth-led initiatives, foster inclusive leadership pathways, and ensure that the next generation is not just represented, but heard. Together we’ll examine how elevating youth voices transforms advocacy into action.

205 Partners in Progress: Engaging Teachers in Your PTA Community (CTLE eligible)
Presented by: Megan Zarchy, NYS PTA Education Coordinator
Teachers are essential allies in building a strong effective PTA, but many PTAs struggle to connect with and involve them meaningfully. Discover from a teacher with 20+ years in the trenches how to align PTA goals with school priorities, respect teachers’ time, and create opportunities for meaningful participation that work for everyone. Let’s build a school culture where families and educators work together to support every child’s success.

206 The PTA is Always in Session
Presented by: Jennifer Collazo, NYS PTA Secretary
Spring, summer, winter or fall, there is always something going on in PTA. It takes many hands and fresh ideas to keep the work of our association relevant. Recruiting members, training volunteers, and welcoming new strategies will help to build a strong board and a successful group. It’s never too late to build on and build up the momentum of a successful year.

207 988 and Crisis Support for Students and Families (CTLE eligible)
Presented by: Rebecca Baitsholts, LMSW, NYS Office of Mental Health
This workshop will provide an overview of mental health crisis services available to students and how students themselves and their families, teachers, counselors, and other supports can access those services. The workshop will also address some common myths about the available supports – for example, did you know that 988 is available 24/7, is free, confidential, offers a text option, and connects you with trained staff? Participants will learn what signs to watch for in their students’ moods and behaviors, what mental health crisis and outpatient services are available in schools and in communities, and how to access those services. There will be time at the end of the workshop for questions and answers.

208 Resilient DEI: 3 Truths for PTA Navigating Challenges
Presented by: Brenda Cardoza, NYS PTA Diversity Coordinator
This workshop will empower PTA leaders to persevere in their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, even amid challenging climates. Participants will learn three core truths: that DEI remains vital to PTA’s mission, that language and strategies may need to pivot to emphasize belonging and student success, and that collaboration with key partners is essential for resilience. Through interactive brainstorming, attendees will leave equipped with practical tools, reframing strategies, and next steps to sustain inclusive, values-driven PTA work in their communities.

301 Getting to Yes: How to Motivate Busy Volunteers to Continue Their Great Work
Presented by: Purnima Mohan, Western Region Director and Deborah Kassirer, Western Region Secretary 
We will talk about implementing strategies to create a positive and supportive environment that motivates busy individuals to continue to contribute their valuable time and skills, deepening their connection to PTA for years to come.

302 Powerful PTAs: Growing Future Leaders
Presented by: Lissa Zukoff, NYS PTA Special Education Specialist
In order for units to thrive, fresh ideas and viewpoints are essential. When we lean too hard on the same few people, they can burn out and get frustrated. This workshop will focus on ways to empower people to develop their leadership skills, widen your reach to grow your board, create a positive culture, and help prepare your unit for a strong, sustainable future. While the unique issues faced by SEPTA/SEPTSA units will be a focus, the leadership development tools discussed here can be applied to all units.

303 Queerness & Queries: An Exploration into Identity and Representation throughout History
Presented by: Amy Collazo-Schiavo, NYS Pride PTSA Vice President 2 and Maddy Giattini, NYS Pride PTSA Vice President 3
An exploration into the evolution of symbols and terminology within the LGBTQIA+ communities. We will focus on the rich history of pride, while still leaving room for any questions you may have. Join us to learn and have your questions answered.

304 Council Unplugged: Live at Convention
Presented by: Mary Sotomayor, NYS PTA Leadership Development Coordinator; Brenda Cardoza, NYS PTA Diversity Coordinator; Robin Brumfield, NYS PTA Leadership Training Specialist; Maria Sanders, NYS PTA Environment Specialist; and Kathleen McEnroe, NYS PTA Tech Training Specialist
Pull up a chair for an unfiltered, round-table conversation with your PTA Council experts — recorded live for “Bite-Sized: Insights from NYS PTA”. From tackling tough challenges to sharing real-world wins, our panel will swap stories, strategies, and a few laughs along the way. Bring your questions, join the discussion, and be part of an episode that captures the energy, wisdom, and heart of our PTA leaders.

305 Unlock the Power of the Presentation-WORDS MATTER!!
Presented by: Joan Wabnik, NYS PTA 1st Vice President and Jennifer Collazo, NYS PTA Secretary
Communication is essential for the existence of PTA. But words are only a fragment. The way that we convey our mission and purpose can directly affect the connections with our parents, educators, and community. This is much more than Speech Class – it’s PTA Class.

306 Hot Topics in Education (CTLE eligible)
Presented by: Megan Zarchy, NYS PTA Education Coordinator and Amy Hysick, NYS PTA Resolutions Coordinator
There have been a LOT of changes in education in New York State! Come and learn from two current teachers what those changes could mean for you!

307 From Page to Stage: The Power of Arts in Education (CTLE eligible)
Presented by: Jennifer Pollock-Hurst, NYS PTA Arts Specialist
Discover how to bring more arts experiences to your school community through NYS Arts in Education funding. This session will break down the process demystifying paperwork, timelines, and how to collaborate effectively with your district. Learn how to align funded programs with PTA initiatives like PARP and Reflections to create richer, more impactful student experiences.

308 Bloom, Grow, GO! PTA Membership Made Easy
Presented by: Danielle Blanchard-St. Louime, NYS PTA Membership Engagement Specialist
Based on our info-packed section of the resource guide, this presentation will focus on everything membership-related: promoting the importance of joining PTA, advocacy, marketing and communication, plus tips to help you achieve and surpass your membership goal with flying colors!