CA PTA 2011 Convention Handbook - Torrance Council of PTAs

A SPECIAL INVITATION
Jo Loss
California State PTA President, 2009-2011
Are you ready for another fabulous convention? I would love to have your company at the
112 th Annual California State PTA Convention in Long Beach this year, April 28 to May 1.
This is your best opportunity to learn, explore options and create a great PTA. Former first lady
Barbara Bush once said: “You just don’t luck into things as much as you’d like to think you do.
You build step by step, whether it’s friendships or opportunities.” Join us to build positive change by
enhancing the lives of your children and families.
Wow! Have we got opportunities for you! Every California State PTA Commission and the Legislation Team will be
presenting workshops to meet your specific needs. The hot topics this year are parent engagement, bullying, foster care,
male involvement, and a wide variety of workshops in advocacy, leadership, finance, and a lot more. You will have many
opportunities for networking with others who share your passion for children and families, and go home re-energized by
everyone’s enthusiasm.
During the general sessions, your participation in the business of the association is critical to the work of PTA. Your voice
is vitally important in establishing the direction and priorities of the California State PTA. And don’t forget, this is an
election year for the state PTA officers. Come to convention to make new friends and take advantage of these
opportunities. It will be fabulous!
Kathy Stevenson
California State PTA Vice President for Convention, 2009-2011
We are returning to Southern California this year, holding our annual convention at the Long
Beach Convention Center. I’d like to thank everyone who turned in evaluation forms from
last year’s convention. It really helped us plan for this year’s activities. We’ve kept what you
liked and made changes where we could.
A new feature we think you’ll really like is the multiple attendee registration discount. When you register up to five (5)
full-time (non-student) attendees from your unit, council, or district you will automatically be eligible for a progressive
discount, with a potential savings of up to $100. As requested in the evaluations, there will be a string of workshops
specifically designed for council and district officers. We are also, bringing back the special event – we call it the BIG
BEACH BALL. This is one party you won’t want to miss.
Online registration begins on February 2, as does the mail-in service. When you register by March 31 you will receive
your name badge and workshop tickets at an address of your choice. Be sure to stop by the Registration Booth when you
arrive and pick up your voting card and special tote bag.
The PTA Store and Exhibit Hall hours will have even larger blocks of time than during previous conventions for you to
meet and talk with exhibitors. The Exhibit Hall will again be open FREE to everyone Thursday, April 28. Look for the
“Convention-at-a-Glance” on the inside cover for an overview of our daily activities.
The main purpose of our convention, besides offering workshops is, of course, conducting the business of the PTA.
General Meetings will be in five (5) sessions. You will have the opportunity to vote for new state officers, see and hear
the amazing California State PTA Reflections winners, listen to remarkable speakers, and take part in exciting debates.
The Convention Commission and I hope you have an experience like you’ve never had before!
2011 California State PTA Convention — Registration Book 1