Online Streaming Available for 119th Annual Convention

Have you ever wondered what happens at the NYS PTA Annual Convention, but you are unable to travel and join us? Well, this year we are making our General Sessions 1, 2 and 3 available for viewing, streaming live to the NYS PTA website.

You will be able to join us at a minimal cost (from your home PC or wherever you may be on your personal electronic device) to see how we discuss and vote on resolutions. You can also enjoy great student entertainment and listen to our keynote speakers: the NYS Commissioner of Education (General Session 1) and the 2014 NYS Teacher of the Year (General Session 3).

Just click here to go to our dedicated reservation page now and secure your ticket via credit card only! (You can also register the day of the sessions on November 13 and/or November 14.)

Please share this information with your members, and let them know that they can get access to the streaming from our home page as well.

990 Filings Are Due November 16, 2015
Neil Johanning, Treasurer

Reminder that ALL PTAs must file federal tax returns (990-N ePostcard or 990-EZ with required Schedule A) before November 16, 2015. ALL units/councils/regions must file unless they are in revoked 501(c)(3) status.

All units in revoked status should have a 1023 application for reinstatement in progress. We still had some units revoked in the last year. Please get those 990s filed!

There is no need to file a NYS tax return and also no need to file the NYS CHAR 500 form.

How Diverse is Your Board?
Milena Din, Diversity Specialist

Is your executive board diverse? Does it have parents of various talents? If you do, how are you motivating your volunteers to stay? Click here for some ways to stay in tune, in touch and engaged with your volunteers.

Sesame Street Announces a New Character
Joyce Cattani, Special Education Specialist

To celebrate the uniqueness of each and every child, Sesame Street recently announced that they will introduce a new character named Julia.

What makes her so special is that she is a preschooler with autism.

They have also created a website that includes information for parents. Additional information can be found here.

Looking for Information About Education Reform in New York?
Catherine Romano, Education Coordinator

If you are interested in more information about advocacy and today’s hot topics in education, please click here to view our website updates.

Everything You Need to Enhance and Grow Your PTA is at Your Fingertips!
Sarah Henris, Reflections Specialist

Do you need more information on how to enhance and grow your PTA? Please click here to view National PTA’s resource materials for PTA leaders.

November Tech Tip
Nori Gartner-Baca, Publications Specialist

Got two minutes? Watch this short video with three great tips for a “fall technology checkup”.

Though it is a sponsored site, it has great tips regardless of your internet provider. Check it out here.