2009 Annual CT PTA Convention Wrap-Up & Highlights

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Marjorie Clark, the National Anthem sung by Michael Baldarelli and an inspirational message from Kathy Huber.

Ms. Johnson presented the 1st Student Volunteer award to Michael Baldarelli and the 1st President’s Choice award to Lisa Whitney.

The meeting was called to order by Ms. Johnson, President at 12:10 pm. She introduced special guests: Jan Harp Domene, Roch Girard, Dr. Mark McQuillan, Anthony Mullen and Ronald McDonald.

Ms. Johnson then introduced the guest speakers: Ronald McDonald, Dr. Mark McQuillan, State Commissioner of Education and Anthony Mullen, 2009 Teacher of the Year.

Mr. Accomando, Vice President of Membership presented the Credential Report: As of 1:08 pm on April 3, 2009], there are 63 local unit delegates, 10 council delegates, 24 state board of directors registered for a total of 97 voting delegates representing 40 local units and 4 regions.  We have 29 exhibitors and 8 guests registered for a total of 134 participants.

Ms. Whitney, a member of the Nominating Committee gave their report as follows:   

• Marne Usher – President
• Debi Schatzle Baker – 1st Vice President 
• Holly Goodwin – Vice President Membership
• Louise Scotti - Vice President Leadership
• Mike Taylor - Vice President Legislation
• Don Romoser - Vice President Convention

Ms. Whitney reported that the Treasurer position was open and if there is anyone who is interested in the position they should contact the state office.

Ms. Johnson reported according to our bylaws anyone who wishes to run from the floor must have given the nominating committee their intent to run at least 15 days before the day of the elections. There was only one person who gave that notice and it was for the position of 1st Vice President. Ms. Johnson opened the floor for nominations.

Jo Papa Kenney from the North Haven HS PTSA moved to nominate Jim Accomando for the position of 1st Vice President and Don Romoser from the Ridgefield PTA council seconded the motion.

Ms. Johnson then invited Jim Accomando and Debi Schatzle Baker to the podium to give a two minute presentation. The Election committee: Lisa Whitney, Chair, Faith Douglass and Phil Liscio facilitated the election.

Mr. Taylor, Vice President of Legislation moved to adopt the Parent Involvement and Professional Development Resolution. The vote passed unanimously

Pat Sidas presented the newly named CT PTA Life Achievement Award to Jan Harp Domene, National PTA President.

Ms. Johnson presented the Elaine Boulay Award to Louise Scotti.

Ms. Johnson then invited Jim Accomando, Vice President for Membership to the podium to present membership awards to the following units:

• One Voice for Every Child- Tomlinson Middle School
• 100% Teacher Award- Robertson PTA and North Haven High School
• 10 Outside Community Members- Plymouth Center and Plymouth SEPTA
• 10% Increase in Membership- Illing Middle School, Doolittle, Montowese, Nutmeg State-wide PTA, East Ridge
• Ms. Johnson gave her farewell speech to the members.
• Ms. Johnson then announced the results of the election:
           Debi Schatzle Baker: 33 votes   |   Jim Accomando: 43 votes

Ms. Johnson then introduced the new officers for 2009 – 2011:

• Marne Usher – President
  
• Jim Accomando – 1st Vice President
• Holly Goodwin – Vice President Membership
• Louise Scotti – Vice President Leadership
• Mike Taylor – Vice President Legislation
• Don Romoser – Vice President Convention

Our National Representative was Jan Harp Domene, current president of National PTA.

Our first guest speaker was Ronald McDonald who spoke about the Ronald McDonald House Charities who mission and vision closely parallels ours:

Mission

The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Guiding us in our mission are our core values:

• Focusing on the critical needs of children.
• Celebrating the diversity of the programs we offer and the staff, volunteers and donors who make them possible.
• Staying true to our heritage of 35 years of responsible stewardship.
• Operating with accountability and transparency.

Vision

We believe that when you change a child’s life, you change a family’s, which can change a community, and ultimately the world.

Our second guest speaker was the 2009 Teacher of the Year, Anthony Mullen from the Greenwich School District. He spoke eloquently on how each child must be taken care of and how we should not let any child fall by the way side.

Our third guest speaker was the State of Connecticut, Commissioner of Education, Dr. Mark McQuillan.

The following workshops were presented:

• Making Membership Everyone’s Business!
  Presenter: Jan Harp Domene    
• Nomination as an Invitation, not as an act of Desperation!
  Presenter: Pam Harvey
• Classroom Acoustics
  Presenter: Julie Bossenberry
• Exceptional Children at Play
  Presenters: Monica Middleton, DAG Gymnastics; Litchfield Little Britches Riding Stables, Ian R. McMillan, Esq., Challenger Baseball League
• Legislative Hot Topics
  Presenter: Mike Taylor, VP Legislation, Doug Newman, Guilford PTA
• CT PTA State Board Members working for You
  Presenters: Marne Usher, 1st VP, Peg Perillie, Health & Welfare Commissioner and Sally Boske, CT PTA Executive Director
• Making the Switch - Finding the Right Fit for Different People Trainers
  Colleen Alleyne and Curtisea Anderson
• Male Involvement - Facilitators Ian MacDonald NH PTA Vice President of Outreach, TCBI Trainer and Sabrina Brown NH PTA District 3 Director, TCBI Trainer

 

Submitted By:  Faith Douglas