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About the Sessions
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Interactive webinars via Zoom
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Live Q&A, panels, polls, and idea-sharing
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Translated captions and multi-language transcripts
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All sessions will be recorded and shared post-event
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Resources provided for each topic
Webinar Wednesdays on Family Engagement
Join us for Webinar Wednesdays on Family Engagement, a free, virtual series dedicated to building inclusive, informed, and empowered school communities. This four-part series is rooted in the National PTA Standards for Family-School Partnerships and explores practical strategies to strengthen collaboration between families and schools.
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Each session focuses on a key theme—from welcoming all families and supporting student success to effective communication and advocacy for families of students with disabilities.
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Sessions​
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When Reading and Learning Get Hard:
How Families Can Help
Available On-Demand
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Share Power & Communicate Effectively:
Family Advocacy in School Decision-Making
January 7, 2026 | 7–8:30 p.m. | Zoom
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Engaging Special Education Families
​March 4, 2026 | 7–8:30 p.m. | Zoom
When Reading and Learning Get Hard:
How Families Can Help
Available On-Demand
This two-part session will equip families with tools to help students thrive—from building reading skills at home to navigating the available support systems.
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Gain a clear overview of intervention programs, Multi-Tiered System of Supports, 504 plans, the IEP process, and how families can be strong advocates for their children.
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Part A: Supporting Student Success in Literacy
Learn how families can support early literacy development and use school data to strengthen reading outcomes.
Featured Speaker:
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Leslie Zoroya, Literacy Expert, Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE)
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Part B: Understanding Interventions, IEPs, and the Family’s Role
Gain a clear overview of intervention programs, the IEP process, and how families can be strong advocates for their children.
Featured Speaker:
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Deanna Sinfield, Assistant Superintendent - Student Services and Special Education Coordinator, Torrance Unified School District
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The session includes a Q&A and actionable tips for reviewing literacy and special education data at your school.
Share Power & Communicate Effectively: Family Advocacy in School Decision-Making
Wednesday, January 7, 2026 | 7– 8:30 p.m. on Zoom
Strong schools need strong family voices. Learn how to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion through meaningful participation in school decision-making.
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Featured Speakers:
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Summer McBride, Director of Community Concerns, Thirty-Third District PTA
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Zakiya, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Thirty-Third District PTA
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Panel Discussion:
PTA Leaders with real-world experience in school governance share insights on:
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School Site Council
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ELAC, DELAC, DAC
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Curriculum Committees & School Board Meetings
Engaging Special Education Families
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 | 7– 8:30 p.m. on Zoom
Families of students with disabilities often feel left out of school conversations. This session will explore how PTAs and school communities can build bridges and foster truly inclusive engagement.
Featured Speakers:
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Karen Ford Cull, Director of Family Engagement, Thirty-Third District PTA
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Zakiya, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Thirty-Third District PTA
Topics Include:
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Creating welcoming, inclusive PTA events
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Establishing Special Education Committees
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Supporting family participation in:
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SELPA Community Advisory Committees (CACs)
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LCAP and school district special education committees
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Special Education PTAs
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Parent Panel:
Real stories from parent advocates shaping policy and programs:
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Robin Chen, Long Beach
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Lindsay Crain, Culver City
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Iris Barker, Norwalk
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Carrie Wetsch, Manhattan Beach
Resources & More
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Thirty-Third District PTA
Questions?
Email the Family Engagement Committee at familyengagement@33rdpta.org.