After many weeks of careful consideration, California State PTA has decided to hold an all-virtual convention next May.

On Saturday, November 7, the Board of Managers acted upon the recommendation of the Board of Directors and approved a virtual Convention 2021. The BOD & BOM concluded that this is the most responsible choice, based on the results of the convention survey, analysis of numerous financial scenarios, and evaluation of the latest public health guidelines and predictions about the COVID-19 pandemic.

While we are disappointed that we will not be able to see all of you in person, we feel that health and safety factors outweigh the joy of bringing everyone physically together. Furthermore, based on the success of the all-virtual Statewide Association Meeting last June and the Virtual Summer Leadership Academy in July and August, we are confident that Convention 2021 will be an engaging and exciting event.

We look forward to bringing you an innovative virtual experience during 2021, including an online vendor fair, numerous training sessions, 2021-2023 officer elections, the Reflections art gallery, and other business of the association.

Look for information on the convention page, in your email and on social media in the coming weeks and months about dates, registration procedures, and the program of events.

We hope to see you there!

State Superintendent Tony Thurmond hosted the first online event for the new Virtual Parent Support Circle yesterday in the form of a panel discussion with California Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris and partners from the California State PTA and the Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE).

The panel highlighted the diverse challenges our parents are encountering. According to Thurmond, the Virtual Parent Support Circle seeks to reach out and hear directly from parents across California and encourage them to do their best while sharing resources and supports as they cope with distance learning and economic challenges.

“Through this virtual support group, I felt compelled to provide a space to let California parents know they are not alone as this pandemic affects parents differently,” Thurmond said. “Some parents work and don’t have access to reliable child care, or there may be technology limitations and language barriers to consider. Other parents are also teachers, who have poured their hearts into supporting both their own children and their students. As a father of two daughters in public schools, I am committed to ensuring resources—and, yes, emotional support—are reaching parents as they deal with so much uncertainty. The California Department of Education is committed to providing clarity during this unprecedented time.”

Yesterday’s event featured video testimony from parents across the state about their respective challenges and an overview of academic, bilingual, and mental health resources. Dr. Burke Harris spoke about dealing with stress and the importance of daily exercise, and encouraged parents to take care of themselves and reach out to others for support.

This was the first of many events planned for the Virtual Parent Support Circle series. It can be watched via Facebook Live on the California Department of Education (CDE) Facebook page. The PowerPoint utilized during yesterday’s presentation with information on parent resources will be published on the CDE web page in the next few days and then shared on the CDE’s social media. Comments from parents and educators are welcomed at COVID19@cde.ca.gov.