Parent Network

Parent to Parent Network

Ever had a job where you had no previous experience, no training, you couldn't quit, and peoples' lives were at stake? That's parenting.
                                                                                                                      —Author unknown 

Questions about Parent Network programs?
Call 847.459.4260, ext. 8136, or send email to KCSD96 Community Parent Liaison Lubna K. Andrabi at [email protected]

 

Scheduled for 2024-25

OCTOBER 2024
PARENTING NETWORK PROGRAM
 
Topic: "Talking It Out ~ How to Have Great Communication with Your Kids Without Losing Your Hair or Your Mind"

District 96's Parent Network hosts this parenting program featuring Michael Brandwein, a celebrated educator, speaker, author and star of the PBS television series "Parenting Puzzle."   Parenting Expert Michael Brandwein
     Mr. Brandwein's practical presentation will include specific actions to do and things to say to improve family communication and teach your children (of all ages) essential skills for life. This is not “theory”—you will use these tools the  moment you return home and every day to: 
  • Build stronger relationships and positive connections
  • Learn to teach children to express their feelings respectfully and clearly
  • Reduce tension and increase cooperation 
  • Learn how to solve problems by talking things out
  • And more! 
                                                                                    
  • Thursday, October 24, 2024 (7:00 p.m., Twin Groves Middle School)                         
SEPTEMBER  2024
Family Tech Talk
District 96's Parent Network hosts its annual Family Tech Talk, where families learn about ways to keep their children safe online and about the District's technology offerings.                                                                                 
 

Stay tuned for information on presenters and pre-registering.                                                                                                                                                                             

  • Tuesday, September 24, 2024 (7 p.m., in-person)

 

 
   

 

Scheduled for 2023-24

FEBRUARY   2024
Addressing Toxic Achievement Culture

The District's Parent Network co-hosts "Addressing Toxic Achievement Culture," which features author Jennifer Wallace talking about how we can "teach our kids to strive toward excellence without crushing them."  This session is hosted in collaboration with District 102, District 103 and District 125 and the Vernon Area Library.

        February 7:  Addressing Toxic Achievement Culture

.                                          
JANUARY    2024
Simplifying Stevenson 2024
The District's Parent Network hosts this session for parents of Twin Groves and Woodlawn Middle School eighth-graders, who are entering Stevenson High School as freshmen in the Fall 2024.       Simplifying Stevenson 2024                                                                                    
  • Thursday, January 25, 2024 (7 p.m., Twin Groves Middle School, cafeteria)

DECEMBEr    2023

Newcomer Coffee & Conversation
District 96's Parent Network hosts a Newcomer Coffee & Conversation for parents and guardians of newly registered students, to give them an opportunity to ask questions and share information about their transition.  This is an informal, parent-only opportunity for these new parents and guardians to ask questions and share their thoughts — with other parents and staff — about their experiences in the district. These parents might be experiencing the District’s social customs and teaching practices for the first time, just as their students have, and can glean from the experiences of others.
 

For planning purposes, please RSVP by December 13 to https://forms.gle/Kn5SkyzZFbHgtyCn7.

  • Tuesday, December 19, 2023 (7 p.m., Ivy Hall Elementary School, Mat Room)
OCTOBER 2023
The District's Parent Network leads this session with writer Devorah Heitner, author of "Growing Up In Public" (new release) and "Screenwise:  Helping Kids Thrive (and survive) in Their Digital World."                                                                   Conversation with Author Devorah Heitner
SEPTEMBER  2023
Family Tech Talk
It’s a talk that District professionals want to have with you about your family and its use of technology: It’s the annual “Family Tech Talk.”  This virtual discussion is scheduled for 7 p.m. September 20.
Presenters are Bob Hanrahan, D96 Technology Director, and Officer Edyta Zuk, the District's School Resource Officer.

Programming for 2022-23

   

MAY 2023
 

Raising Children Cross-Culturally: Maximizing the Benefits, Minimizing the Challenges

  • Tuesday, May 23, 2023 (7 p.m., Zoom)

Guests will hear from author Ruth E. Van Reken, auhor of “Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds (3rd edition)" and expert in the raising of children cross-culturally. 

April 2023

Transition to Middle School

  • Monday, April 24, 2023 (7 p.m., Zoom)

MARCH 2023
 

Self-Care for the Caregivers: Evidence-Based Strategies for Fostering Personal and Family Well-Being (with Caroline Adelman)
Hybrid sessions offering tips for self-care for the caregiver.
  • Wednesday, March 1, 2023:  Hybrid (virtual and in-person), 7 p.m.
(Co-hosted by School Districts 96, 102, 103 and Vernon Area Public Library)
January 2023
Dual-Language Parent Night:  Raising Bilingual, Biliterate and Bicultural Children (with Amy Mosquera)
Session for families of D96 Dual Language students.
  • Tuesday, January 24, 2023
January 2023 Simplifying Stevenson
In this question-and-answer session, parents of Twin Groves and Woodlawn 8th graders (who will be freshmen at Stevenson High School in the fall) glean from current students and SHS's Assistant Principal.
  • Thursday, January 19, 2023 (7 p.m., Ivy Hall Elementary School, in-person)
December 2022 Mongolian Family Coffee
In-person session.
  • Thursday, December 1, 2022
NOVEMBER 2022
Dual-Language Parent Night: Connection Post-Pandemic
In-person session with families of Dual Language students.
  • Tuesday, November 29, 2022
OCTOBER 2022
The Self-Driven Child: Helping Build Resilience and Motivation in Our Kids (with Ned Johnson)
Virtual session with author Ned Johnson.
  • Monday, October 17, 2022
OCTOBER 2022
Ukrainian Family Coffee
  • Tuesday, October 11, 2022

SEPTEMBER 2022
 

Family Tech Talk
In this Family Tech Talk session, Lucas Cowden, District 96 Director of Technology, and Officer Essig, the D96 Resource Officer, discussed Kildeer's technology offerings and ways to keep children safe online.
To view part of the presentation, click on this Family Tech Talk file:  tinyurl.com/FamilyTechTalk2022
  • Wednesday, September 28, 2022

For questions about this or future presentations, email Lubna Andrabi, the District's Community Parent Liaison, at [email protected].

Programming for 2021-22

NOVEMBER 2021
Family Tech Talk
The Parent Network presents KCSD 96 Tech Director Lucas Cowden and Resource Officer Essig talking with parents about District technology and how to keep their children and families safe online.
  • Wednesday, November 17, 2021 (6:30 to 8 p.m.)

View slides from the presentation

SEPTEMBER 2021
 

"Using the 3Cs: Connections, Communication, Capability to Combat Challenging Behaviors"
KCSD's Parent To Parent Network hosts best-selling author Katherine Reynolds Lewis (of "The Good News About Bad Behavior") in this free, virtual presentation Sept. 29, 2021.
  • September 29, 2021 (7 to 8:15 p.m.) 

RSVP for session

  • Session Recording (accessible until October 14, 2021)
  • Session Notes (pdf format)

Programming for 2020-21

SEPTEMBER 2020 Building Resilience During a Pandemic
The Community Parent Network will present a program featuring guest expert Clinical Psychologist Dr. Doug Bolton, who will share strategies that will help parents navigating the unique challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn to help your family build resilience and manage stress.
  • Tuesday, September 22, 2020: Virtual, 7 p.m.

OCTOBER 2020
 

Parenting in a Pandemic
Expert guest speaker Dr. Devorah Heitner will present the latest info and helpful strategies for those Parenting in a Pandemic. Dr. Heitner has helped hundreds of KCSD96 parents understand how to tap technology benefits and set boundaries to help their children thrive.
  • Thursday, October 20, 2020:  Virtual, 7 p.m.
(Presented by School Districts 96 and 102)
NOVEMBER 2020
Managing Stress During Coronavirus: Tips for Parents and for Parenting Our Kids
Expert guest speakers Dr. Victoriya Tsaran and Jennifer Goss (more info) will offer tips for managing stress–as children and as adults–during trying times such as these. The program will also include a Q&A opportunity moderated by Mental Health Counselor Elena Silberman Scott.
  • Tuesday, November 10, 2020:  7 p.m.


(Presented by School District 96)

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2020 Newcomer Questions & Conversation
All parents new to School District 96 in the 2020–21 school year are invited to this conversation opportunity. 
Meet other parents and District faculty, get questions answered, and feel welcomed in our KCSD96 community.
Questions? Contact Community Parent Liaison Lubna Andrabi, 847.459.4260, ext. 8136
  • November 16, 17, 18, 19, 23 and December 3, 2020: Virtual, times vary by date; Contact Lubna Andrabi for info.
December 2020 Managing Parental Stressors and How Your Own Mental Health May Affect Your Children
Expert guest speaker Dr. Victoriya Tsaran (Progressive Psycholological Healthcare) will discuss how to identify personal triggers that may lead to negative responses; tips and tools for conflict resolution when dealing with your children; and how to increase awareness and insight to support better parenting.
  • Wednesday, December 16, 2020: Virtual, 7 p.m.
(Presented by School District 96)
JANUARY 2021
Simplifying Stevenson for Parents of Current 8th Graders
This Q&A program for parents of current 8th-grade students gives parents opportunities to ask Stevenson student panelists and SHS Principal Troy Gobble questions about how SHS students choose their classes and extracurricular activities, make summer school decisions, make the transition from middle school, balance the workload, and more.
  • Monday, January 25,2021:  Virtual, 7 p.m. 

(Presented by School District 96 in collaboration with Stevenson High School)
FEBRUARY 2021 To April 2021
Parenting in Place Masterclass Series
Virtual live sessions with experts, therapists, authors, and educators. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
  • Wednesdays, February 17 to April 7, 2021
MAY 2021 Transition to Middle School for Parents of Current 5th Graders
This program (virtual), for parents of current fifth graders, offers info and insights about what to expect in the middle school years. Middle School Principals Jessica Barnes (Twin Groves) and Greg Grana (Woodlawn) will discuss academics, extracurricular opportunities, and changes that the middle school years bring. Also, current sixth-grade student panelists will share their perspectives. The presentation (virtual) will begin at 7 p.m.
  • Monday, May 10, 2021:  Virtual, 7 p.m.
    • Zoom link: https://kcsd96.zoom.us/j/88296995872?pwd=S0d6QnplZzh6S2t0dUMzYXcxSTVPZz09
      • Meeting ID: 882 9699 5872
      • Passcode: 450506

MAY 2021
 

Topic:  Are We Ready for Normal?
Guest expert Dr. Michael Maniacci – clinical psychologist, author, and popular returning speaker – presents practical parenting strategies.
In these challenging times, family members are stressed. Stress often leads to conflict. How do we return to normal?
This parent workshop (virtual) will focus on reducing the tension and conflict that will be generated as COVID recedes.
  • Thursday, May 13, 2021:  Virtual, 7 p.m.
REGISTER HERE to receive the Zoom link.
 
Questions about Parent Network programs? Call 847.459.4260, ext. 8136, or send email to KCSD96 Community Parent Liaison Lubna Andrabi
Questions about Parent Network programs? Call 847.459.4260, ext. 8136, or send email to KCSD96 Community Parent Liaison Lubna Andrabi