By the California State PTA Convention Commission
The 2026 PTA Convention in Fresno will bring together parents, educators, and community leaders from across California to celebrate the vital role families play in education. With November being Family Engagement Month we want to emphasize the importance of family engagement. This highlights how collaboration between home and school leads to greater student achievement, motivation, and well-being.
Family engagement is more than checking homework or attending school open houses. It’s about building strong, ongoing partnerships between families, teachers, and the school community. When families are involved, students experience better attendance, higher grades, stronger confidence, and a deeper sense of belonging. Research proves what parents and educators have long known: children thrive when they see their families and schools working together.
The Fresno Convention will focus on strengthening these vital partnerships through inspiring keynote speakers, hands-on workshops, and meaningful networking opportunities. Attendees will learn practical strategies that can be applied in every school community from building inclusive PTAs to improving communication between home and classroom. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, administrator, or PTA leader, this event will offer valuable insights and connections to help students succeed.
Five Simple Ways Families Can Stay Engaged
Here are five meaningful ways families can support their children’s education and strengthen the school community:
- Stay informed and connected. Attend PTA meetings, family nights, and school events to stay up to date on programs, goals, and opportunities. Your presence shows students that their education matters.
- Communicate regularly with teachers. A quick message or conversation helps families understand classroom expectations and how to support learning at home. Open communication builds trust and teamwork.
- Encourage learning beyond the classroom. Ask about your child’s day, read together, or explore new topics as a family. Showing interest in what they’re learning boosts curiosity and confidence.
- Volunteer when possible. Engagement doesn’t always mean being on campus. You can help plan an event, share a skill, or assist from home. Every contribution big or small strengthens your school community.
- Advocate for all students. Join your local PTA or serve on school committees to help shape policies and programs that benefit every child. Advocacy ensures that all students have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
At the 2026 California State PTA Convention, participants will come together to exchange ideas, celebrate successes, and return home with practical tools to build stronger family-school partnerships. Together, we can create school environments where every family feels welcomed, every voice is heard, and every student is supported.
Mark your calendars for May 1-3, 2026 in Fresno and join us for this inspiring, energizing event. When families are engaged, schools grow stronger, communities unite, and students thrive.
Let’s keep working together to ensure every child has the support they need to reach their full potential.