CT PTA President's Letter
March, 2002

As you know, PTA activity does not slow down as the year progresses - in fact, it probably picks up. This is certainly true at the state level as well. Now is the time for your PTA to participate in and take advantage of the many programs that are being offered.

Developing leaders is one of the most important things that can be done to strengthen your PTA. Two upcoming events will provide an opportunity for your members to learn more about PT activities and programs as well as develop the skills they necessary to become effective leaders.

On March 6, CT PTA will once again join the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education for a Day at the Legislature in Hartford. PTA members will have the opportunity to hear legislative briefings, meet their legislators to discuss PTA positions and advocate for the children of Connecticut. The afternoon reception will allow you to network with PTA and CABE members from across the state to discuss areas of mutual concern.

Kevin Daly,1st Vice President, Therese Duncan, VP Legislation and I will be heading to Washington, DC from March 9-12 to attend the National PT Legislative Conference. At the first General Session, we will be provided with an outline of National PTA priority issues and a profile of National PTA’s advocacy training program. We look forward to hearing Ron Paige address the conference body as one of the keynote speakers scheduled during the General Sessions. Over thirty advocacy training and issues workshops are offered for us to choose from. On Tuesday, we will have an opportunity to visit our legislators on Capitol Hill.

Mark your calendars for May 10-11th. Join us at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Meriden for the 102nd Annual Connecticut PTA Convention. Shirley Igo, National PTA President, will be our special guest. Hear what National PTA is doing on behalf our all children. During the General Sessions, we will be taking care of business - bylaws and resolutions as well as voting for new regional directors. Friday ’s workshops will cover issues that affect our children such as Helping Children Cope with Our New Reality, The Internet and Your Child, Character Education. And on Saturday morning, get that jump-start for next year in our Leadership Academy - workshop topics include PTA President; Membership 2002; Lobbying, Law and Politics, Building Successful Partnerships. Spread the word!!! Come and get re-energized!

On Thursday evening, May 9th, we will honor the CT PTA Reflections winners at our “Reach for the Stars” awards banquet. In addition throughout the convention, we will be recognizing the programs and people in your community who work on behalf of children. Membership and Newsletter awards will be presented. The Phoebe Apperson Hearst-PTA Excellence in Education award winner will be announced. The CT PTA and Nutmeg PTA Scholarships will be awarded. At the Spirit of PT Gala on Friday evening, we will be honoring those people in your community who you believe embody the Spirit of PTA. March 1st is the application deadline for many of these awards.

And don ’t forget, at any time during the year you can recognize those special people in your community by presenting them with an Honorary Life Membership - the highest honor that a PTA can bestow. For information, contact the CT PTA office.

“With strong leadership your PTA will have the competent, committed people necessary to be effective advocates for children and youth” - National PTA Annual Resources 2001-2002.

I look forward to meeting all of you at our upcoming events!

Donna McGuire
President, Connecticut PTA