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.
