Calendar and Events

Summer Leadership Conference 2008 (formerly known as Summer Experience)

Some 250 members of the NYS PTA recently came together at Utica College for the Summer Leadership Conference. This annual event is designed to provide training and programs to all local PTA members, helping them to establish grass-roots advocacy in their schools and preparing them to be key leaders in the education community.

This year’s conference focused on three select areas, while still offering the basics that all unit officers have come to rely on. For the very first time, the Leadership Conference specifically reached out to minority leaders from various communities around the state. With special presenters and workshops themed to the interests of our minority populations, this leadership strand provided tools and encouragement to help PTA members meet the needs of their school demographics.

“Parents as Reading Partners” (PARP) was addressed with a very full and comprehensive program over the course of the weekend. Members were able to learn the ins-and-outs of operating a successful PARP program – from setting up committees and planning themes and goals, to incorporating the entire school community, and evaluating a program’s success.

Finally, a special weekend focus was the ever-growing science of technology and how it can be utilized to PTA advantage. Attendees were able to participate in workshops taking them from the basics of personal computing to the more advanced techniques of spreadsheets, power point presentations and web design.

The delegates also had a chance to learn about and discuss tax caps and their implications for education, how to use the Cap Wiz electronic advocacy system, and got glimpses into the new more user-friendly NYS PTA website to be unveiled in November 2008.

The summer conference continues to be a premier leadership training event for all parents and teachers who want to be involved in all aspects of building successful school partnerships.

Click here for a Photo Collage from Summer Leadership Conference 2008