Led by District 34 Instructional Coach for Student Services Dr. Sarah Gebhardt.

Parents, guardians, and caregivers got to learn how understanding emotions strengthens students' engagement and academic performance, how we support emotional learning and regulation in classrooms, and how you can help your children become effective "emotions scientists."

Presentation Slides:

English     Spanish     Korean     Mongolian

Handouts:

English     Spanish     Korean     Mongolian

The Passion Protocol: How to Rebound from Both Sides of Bullying & Bad Behavior, Chris Falcon

Artist and motivational speaker Chris Falcon shares his personal story of resilience as he brings The Passion Protocol to District 34. The Passion Protocol is a teachable system of beliefs and practices that can help you discover your true passions, through harnessing the power of your fear and insecurities.

When: Wednesday, October 25

Time: 7-8:30pm

Where: Hoffman School (2000 Harrison St.)

Middle school student programs will take place during the school day on October 3 (Attea) and October 19 (Springman).

Sponsored by the Debra Gelfand Children's Foundation

Do you wonder how to open the door for conversation with your child, who seems to be changing rapidly -- and responding with BIG emotions even more rapidly -- who communicates primarily through social media, and who seems to be evolving into someone you aren't sure you really know? Do you need help finding ways to approach them so they actually listen?

You are not alone. 

This presentation is designed to support parents in navigating some of the difficult topics of adolescence, including body changes, emerging sexuality, and increasing peer relationships. Parents will learn concrete strategies to support their child and practice skills to keep communication open.

Presentation Slides:

English    Spanish     Mongolian     Korean

Handout:

English    Spanish     Mongolian     Korean

Book Recommendations:

1. Siegel, D. J., & Bryson, T.P. (2012). The whole-brain child. Random House.
2. Stixrud, W & Johnson, N (2021). What do you say:  How to talk to kids to build motivation, stress tolerance, and a happy home. Penguin Life.
3. Kennedy, B. (2022).  Good Inside:  A guide to becoming the parent you want to be. Harper.
4. Lebowitz, Eli. (2021). Breaking free from childhood anxiety and ocd:  A scientifically proven program for parents. Oxford University Press.

Restorative Parenting: Restoring Calm & Resolving Conflict at Home With Meagan Novara

Restorative practices are methods that address conflicts and mend relationships by encouraging open communication, mutual understanding and collaborative problem-solving.

The February Mental Health Matters event brings restorative practices to parenting, helping families explore proactive approaches and strategies for nurturing a positive family atmosphere. This session provides a supportive space for families and caregivers to share perspectives and to gain effective tools and insights for enhancing family dynamics.

Presentation Slides:

English    Spanish     Mongolian     Korean

Pathways to Success: A Connected Approach to Mental Health

D34 social workers and psychologists, along with Family Service Center counseling staff, will help you in supporting your child’s – and your own – mental health. Gain insight into how D34 schools support students, and hear how you can use those strategies at home.

Made possible by The Debra Gelfand Children's Foundation

Children are struggling emotionally in unprecedented ways, and often, families struggle to know how to best support them. Unfortunately, many modern parenting practices and beliefs interfere with children's emotional development.

In Celebration of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, the Debra Gelfand Children’s Foundation invited Psychologist Doug Bolton to speak to D34 families on Monday, May 6, at 7pm at Attea Middle School (2500 Chestnut Ave). Dr. Bolton identifed the myths that create unnecessary pressure on families and shared strategies to help refocus your caregiving energy on the things that support wellness in your children and yourself.

Doug Bolton is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Director of School Consultation for Formative Psychological Services. He spent over 20 years as a psychologist and principal at North Shore Academy, a K-12 therapeutic school in Highland Park. Dr. Bolton provides consultation, supervision and professional development to caregivers, educators, and clinicians throughout northern Illinois to create communities that help foster child and adult resilience.

Presentation Slides:

English    Spanish     Mongolian     Korean