• Parent Academy 2018-2019
    Child Development/Milestones

    Ready, Set, Connect to Kindergarten: How to Prepare for a Confident Start to Kindergarten*
    This training informs parents and child-care providers about skills that help children with having a smooth start to school. Facilitators explain what to expect in the classroom, school and school district resources, kindergarten registration and more. Educational tools and resources are provided.

    Let’s Talk!
    A series of classes to help parents/caregivers communicate with youth about sexuality and strengthen family communication. These workshops can also be presented for culturally-specific families in Spanish.

    I. You want to know when I started puberty?: Talking with kids about puberty
    (Elementary school parents) In this workshop you will receive information about the changes young people go through, discuss common question youth and adults have, and practice answering questions with other parents.

    II. How do I share my values and beliefs with my kids?
    (Middle School parents) Parents will leave feeling more comfortable and confident discussing healthy relationships and sexuality with their children. This workshop will help parents articulate their values about sexuality in positive ways and practice answering questions their children have.

    III. What did you learn in school? : Opportunities for conversation about sexual health
    (High School parents) Many parents wonder what young people are being taught in school regarding sexuality. In this workshop we will share information about STIs, safer sex and family planning, so parents can take advantage of opportunities for conversation about sexuality with their families.

    Substance Abuse Prevention 101
    This seminar will help parents and caregivers understand substance abuse among youth; how to recognize if there is a problem; how to communicate with your child and how to set boundaries as they grow older.

    Understanding Autism
    Years ago, autism was a rare diagnosis. Recently, it has become more common, and many people have had it touch their lives in some way. The characteristics of autism affect those who experience it at varying levels. This workshop is for family members, educators, and community members. You will learn about autism and how to see the world from that perspective.

    Understanding Challenging Behavior
    In this presentation, you will learn how to use a simple assessment tool to understand the context of challenging behavior and develop strategies for yourself and others.

    Special Education: Parents as Advocates and the Family-School Partnership*
    Learn about the special education process and how to advocate for your child. Topics include the Individual Disabilities Education Act, Individualized Education Program (I.E.P.), resolving issues, community resources and support. Learn, network, and share tips with other parents.

    Why Doesn’t My LGBTQ Teen Talk to ME? What does LGBTQ Mean?
    Do you want to understand what is going on with your LGBTQ teen? Are you wondering if your child is LGBTQ and don’t know how to talk about it? Learn how to communicate with and support your child at home, school and in the community. This workshop will be led by gay teens and parents of LGBTQ teens.

    Social Bullies: Dealing with Exclusion and Cliques
    People often think of bullies as big kids on a school playground who take lunch money from smaller children. Today’s students are using exclusion, rumors, and teasing to bully others. Come and explore these behaviors and discuss strategies for helping bullies, victims and bystanders.

    *These workshops can also be presented for culturally-specific families in Chinese, Russian, Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese The mission and vision for the PPS Parent Academy is to create a strong tie between parental involvement, support and communication, and school success for students by providing families with access to valuable educational resources. The goal of the Parent Academy is to connect parents and families with the training, information and support needed for them to become full partners in their children's education.

     

  • Three Steps to Requesting a Parent Academy Workshop

    1) Please review the course menu and select the workshop(s) that would be most beneficial for your families and school community.

    2) Email Andrea Wade at awade@pps.net and request the workshop that you would like to offer to your families.

    3) A School-Family Partnerhips coordinator will contact you within 2 to 3 business days regarding potential dates and review a partnership agreement (expectations, registration procedure, room/building requirements, etc.).

     

    We will try to accommodate all requests; however, this is based on program funding and number of requests.

    If there is a workshop that is not reflected in the Workshop Catalog, please contact us to discuss developing a workshop.