Growing. Learning. Leading.
Idaho PTA Annual Convention
April 17-18, 2026
Meridian, Idaho
Idaho PTA Convention 2026
April 17-18
West Ada School District Training Center
1303 E Central Dr, Meridian, ID
This year, we’re excited to host a two-day event!
We encourage you to bring both outgoing and incoming board members — it’s a great opportunity for learning, networking, and preparing for the year ahead.
Friday, April 17
8:30 am | Registration & Breakfast (Sponsored by AIM Insurance)
Vendor Fair is open 8:30 am - 1:00 pm
9:00 am | Welcome
9:30 am | Break - Visit Vendors
10:00 am | Breakout Session 1
AI in Education - Will Goodman, Chief Technology Officer Boise School District
Building My Board & PTA Basics
10:45 am | Break - Visit Vendors
11:00 am | Breakout Session 2
Family Engagement and the PTA - Tim Lowe, Adjunct Professor at BSU & Retired School Principal
Givebacks Overview & Basics - We are rolling out something new!
11:45 am | Visit Vendors
12:00 pm | Lunch (Sponsored by Mountain America Credit Union)
Awards - Educator of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Advocate of the Year, Anna H. Hayes Memorial Scholarship
12:55 pm | General Session
1:40 pm | Speaker
2:30 pm | Small Group Discussion
3:45 pm | Closing Remarks
4:00 - Dismiss
- 7:00 pm | State PTA Reflections Program & Awards -
Convention Schedule
Saturday, April 18
8:30 am | Breakfast & Registration
9:00 am | Breakout Session 3
President/VP Training
Reflections/Programs Training
9:45 am | Break
9:50 am | Breakout Session 4
Teaching and Technology
Secretary Training
10:35 am | Break
10:40 am | Breakout Session 5
Awesome Administration & Advocacy
Treasurer Training
11:30 am | Closing
Workshop Descriptions
Friday, April 17
Breakout Session 1 Options
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This workshop is designed to engage parents in a discussion about what is possible in their schools. PTA groups have historically focused on fundraising and fun-filled schoolwide events. How else might parents and guardians be meaningfully involved in their child’s education? Parent engagement is one of the strongest predictors of student success. Let’s talk about how you can help improve academic performance and attendance as well as reduce social and behavioral challenges at your children’s schools.
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Join Leah, Idaho PTA Treasurer, and Nicol, Idaho PTA Director of Membership & Compliance for a foundational training designed to equip local PTA board members, volunteers, and officers with the essential knowledge, tools, and best practices needed to run a successful, compliant, and effective PTA unit.
Special guest: Tracy from AIM Insurance to answer all of your coverage questions.
Breakout Session 2 Options
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AI can support learning—but it also raises real concerns. We’ll break down how AI works at a high level, what generative AI can produce, where it fits (and doesn’t) in education, and how schools can use it responsibly with clear boundaries, including how Senate Bill 1227 shapes AI in public education.
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Idaho PTA is rolling out something new!
Givebacks is your FREE platform for Membership, Communication, Compliance, Fundraising, and Store needs. Hear about all the Givebacks features you know and learn about the ones you've left to explore. This overview will explain each tool and is great for both new and experienced users. Questions are highly encouraged! Leave engaged and ready to start the year off right utilizing Givebacks to the fullest.
Afternoon Session Together
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Introductions
Credential Report
Convention Standing Rules
Adoption of Convention Program
Vote on Proposed Bylaw
Treasurer's Report and Proposed Budget
Leadership Awards Overview
Legislative Update
Call to Convention - April 2027
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When challenges arise at school, it’s natural to step in and fix things for our kids. This session shows parents how to respond so their sons and daughters learn to handle conflict, speak up respectfully, and solve problems on their own, gaining confidence and empowerment. You’ll leave with practical strategies to coach your child through tough moments, while maintaining strong communication with teachers and principals. We’ll also tackle how to intervene with teachers and principals when it’s time. This session connects to the Dignity Index scale introduced to PTA members at the 2025 Convention.
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This interactive session is your chance to connect with fellow PTA leaders from across Idaho to exchange ideas, challenges, and successes. Whether you're looking for solutions or have great strategies to share, this is the space to ask questions and offer insights. Learn from real experiences, build your network, and find inspiration for your local unit. Together, we lead stronger, smarter, and more connected for the future.
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What an incredible role: president or vice president of your local school’s PTA. This is where many leaders start, refine, or bookend their illustrious careers. Idaho PTA President Jamie will guide you through your duties and help you navigate the responsibilities of this role. As a certified Clifton Strengths trainer, Jamie will provide insights, discussion, and exploration of how you can use your strengths to create successful schools and empowered students and families.
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Learn how to bring creativity to life in your school through the National PTA Reflections program! Lisa, Idaho PTA Reflections Chair, will walk through the basics, including how the contest works, how to promote it, collect entries, and organize judging, without it feeling overwhelming. Michelle, Idaho PTA Director of Programs, will answer your questions on how to apply for NPTA grants.
Saturday, April 18
Breakout Session 3 Options
Breakout Session 4 Options
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Our state PTA President leads this session focused on when using technology in the classroom makes sense. Discussion will be supplemented with information about high-reliability teaching practices. Participants will learn more about the Idaho PTA’s position on cell phones for students as well as recommendations for managing computers and tablets at home. Our focus is on giving kids the childhoods and education they deserve.
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Are you a PTA secretary, or interested in learning more about the role? This workshop will cover everything you need to know to keep your local unit running smoothly. You’ll learn how to take accurate meeting minutes, the difference between notes and official minutes, what documents need to be kept on file, and the key responsibilities of the secretary’s role.
Walk away empowered, armed with tools, tips, and a clear plan for keeping everything organized.
Breakout Session 5 Options
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In this session, participants will submit dilemmas they have had or heard about when working with school principals and teachers. Shelly, Director of Leadership, will share both her own responses to these dilemmas, as an administrator of 13 years and teacher for 20, as well as successful interventions by parents that will work well for participants.
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Managing your PTA’s finances doesn’t have to be intimidating! In this workshop, treasurers will learn how to set up and maintain a clear budget, track income and expenses, and stay on top of reporting and compliance requirements. We’ll break down the essentials so you can confidently handle your unit’s money and keep your PTA running smoothly.
Whether you’re new to the role or looking for a refresher, this session will give you the skills to keep your PTA’s finances organized and transparent.
Idaho PTA Convention Travel Grant
Please fill out the form to apply for the travel grant to Convention. Local schools may apply.
The application deadline is March 1, 2026.
If you have any questions regarding Idaho PTA Convention or the travel grant, please email Convention@IdahoPTA.org
Hotel Information
Hampton Inn & Suites
875 S. Allen Street
Meridian, ID 83642
(208) 887-3600
A discounted room rate is available for event attendees; please book by March 28, 2026 to receive the special rate.