The MNPTA Year in Review and 2012 Events

The MNPTA Year in Review and 2012 Events
1/9/2012 3:22 AM

Through a grant from National PTA, the state successfully met its goal to conduct Grassroots Advocacy Trainings between January and June. Those trained returned to their respective school districts and spread the word about the value of the Common Core State Standards Initiative (CCSSI). President Bonnie Cannon also spent time with Minnesota Senator Gen Olson and Representative Sondra Erickson.

In March, Bonnie and Advocacy Chair Jamie Edwards met with Senators Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar as well as the aides of Congressmen John Kline and Tim Walz and Congresswomen Michelle Bachmann and Betty McCollum in Washington, D.C. to discuss the state of education in Minnesota.

April brought with it the ever-popular Reflections Awards ceremony run this year by Lori Ortega. Minnesota PTA was honored to be represented at the national level by Winona Senior High School senior, Jarod Hennessy. Jarod's photograph entitled "Together we can make it to the top" won an Award of Excellence. This year's Reflections Awards ceremony will be held at TIES on April 29th. Reflections Chair, Tracie Dewberry, can assist you with any questions. Email Tracie at tdewberry@comcast.net.

In May, Jamie shared his knowledge of navigating the capitol and meeting decision makers in May during the Minnesota Legislative Conference. Jamie will soon share the dates for the 2012 Legislative Day. Keep watching your email for updates. Jamie can be reached at jsedwards2007@gmail.com.

In July, in spite of a torrential downpour the night before, the 88th Annual Leadership Training and Convention was a HUGE success! Spotty electricity, no air conditioning and flooded hallways could not dampen the spirit of attendees. After reading the convention surveys the MNPTA Board has returned the annual convention to the Spring. After convention closed attendees cheered Minnesota's WNBA basketball team, the LYNX, onto victory.

September was a busy month as President Bonnie Cannon presented a Media workshop in Tampa, Florida at the Wave II CCSSI wrap-up and the training of the Wave III states. Outreach Commissioner Rusty Overby led the way as the MNPTA helped host the All Pro Dad event with the Minnesota Vikings.

In October, the Fitness is Elementary Contest was launched. Congratulations to our winners. The contest was co-sponsored by Sports Authority. MNPTA also participated in the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) Public Engagement Meeting.

In November, MNPTA and Wisconsin PTA held a joint leadership training in Superior, Wisconsin. Both state's PTAs are planning on a similar training this year. Look for details as Fall approaches.

In December, National PTA Advocacy Training of Trainers meeting, held on December 9-11 in Alexandria, VA, at National PTA headquarters.

The event and meeting entailed further training of 10 leaders chosen from across the country and receiving National PTA staff instruction in the areas of advocacy, media, communication, and strategy. These leaders will be available for presentation at meetings and conferences within home states or regional areas. Lori Ortega, Winona Senior High School PTA treasurer and former MNPTA board member was invited to attend this training.

Throughout the year the MNPTA also represented you on various boards and conferences such as the P-20 Partnership, selecting the Minnesota Teacher of the Year and attending the Minnesota Elementary School Principals Association conference among others. MNPTA also submitted names for parents to sit on various panels such as MCEC and the Teacher Evaluation Work Group organized by Assistant Commissioner Rose Hermodson of the Minnesota state Education Department. If you're interested in participating, MNPTA is always looking for passionate people who care about kids to sit at the table. Contact Bonnie Cannon at mnptapresident@gmail.com to add your name to the list.