104th Annual Convention Wrap Up

The Connecticut PTA’s two-day convention was an unparalleled networking opportunity for everyone who attended. Hundreds of parents, educators, administrators and even students were inspired by this exciting two-day convention organized by the #1 parent resource in the country.

Convention attendees enjoyed workshops, keynote speakers, and numerous networking events. Dozens of exhibitor booths featured the latest programs and services for parents. This year we had three major sponsors who supported our convention to make it even bigger and better. Special thanks to major sponsors: Connecticut’s County Kids, A Journal Register Company Publication; Club Z! In-Home Tutoring and Educational Services; and Sally Foster Gift Wrap.

During the luncheon keynote address on Friday, May 7, Kelly Brownell, Ph.D., a nationally recognized authority on children and obesity highlighted the latest national trends involving “Children and Obesity: It’s Out of Proportion.” Brownell is the Director of the Yale Center for Eating and Weight Disorders at Yale University.

The convention also featured ten informative workshops for all ages and interest groups, including, “Developing Self-Advocacy Skills” and “The Teenage Scene Today – Hot Topics of the Day,” to “Marketing for Members in the Millennium,” and “An Executive Training Session for PTA Presidents.”

This year we had a terrific line-up of speakers. Frank Kwan, the National Parent Teacher Association representative, joined us from California and presented two workshops, "Utilizing PTA Resources For Parents and Communities" and “The No Child Left Behind Act: A National Perspective on Parental Involvement.” Kwan brought a refreshing approach to the convention with his expertise in parental and father involvement, and communications/marketing.

In addition, we had many other well-known speakers give presentations. Dr. Betty J. Sternberg, Connecticut Commissioner of Education, offered a state perspective on the The No Child Left Behind Act. Likewise, Susan Fiore, MS, RD, covered the timely topic, “Educating Our Children To Become Nutritionally Fit: Promoting a Healthy School Nutrition Environment.” This dynamic speaker works as the Nutrition Education Coordinator for the Connecticut State Department of Education. Dr. Roberta Cooper presented another interesting workshop about the Voucher Debate. She is well qualified to speak on this topic as the Deputy Director of the New York Regional Office of People For The American Way.

The excitement continued into the evening during the Spirit of PTA Gala and Awards Recognition Dinner on Friday, May 7. A delicious Chocolate Fountain kicked off the social hour and was a real treat for the 150 guests in attendance.

U.S. Senator Chris Dodd was recognized as an outstanding child advocate, which was the highlight of the Gala. He was presented with honorary life membership – the highest honor Connecticut PTA can confer on an individual or organization. Other Honorary Life Memberships recipients were acknowledged as well as Connecticut PTA Scholarship winners and Nutmeg Statewide PTA Scholarship winners. In addition, eighteen honorees from all over the state received Spirit of PTA Awards for volunteering their time and encouraging involvement in PTA.

The convention ended on a high note. The Reflections Luncheon on Saturday, May 8 drew a crowd of over 300 parents and their children. Seventy-six student winners were awarded ribbons and certificates for their winning entries in literature, musical composition, photography and visual arts. Connecticut PTA is proud to announce that four students from our state were also named National PTA Award Recipients in this annual arts recognition program.

Special thanks to all the volunteers who made this convention such a great success. We look forward to another great convention with you next year.

Cara Mocarski,
CT PTA Convention Business Consultant