PARENT UNIVERSITY

Check out the detailed overview for each session offered at Parent University this year, along with link to register for all sessions on SignUpGenius.

-Keeping Kids Smart & Safe Online: Are you up to date on the variety of ways that children of all ages use social media platforms and gaming applications to connect with others, including peers and strangers, how children are targeted and exploited online, and the red flags that you should be looking for when they are engaging online?  It can feel overwhelming given how quickly tech advances and how much time kids spend on their devices! Join this session to hear practical and current intel on how to help keep your kids safe and smart online at any age, including how to teach them to protect themselves when you cannot be there to intervene.

• Presenter: Megan Farrell, Assistant US District Attorney and GC parent
• Register Here

-Food for Thought: Keeping our Children’s Bodies and Brains Healthy: Join fellow GC parent and registered dietitian Maria Sorbara Mora for an impactful and action-oriented discussion. We’ll be covering nutrition tips for growing minds and bodies and discuss foods for focus and mood, with special considerations for ADD, ADHD and ASD. 

• Presenter: Maria Sorbara Mora, MS, CEDRD-S, C-IAYT and GC parent
• Register Here

-Nurturing and Supporting Your Child's Musical Journey Into Higher Education: A talk surrounding college audition preparation, current job market, different college majors, resume preparation, and how to support musically passionate students in all grades. Robert will include thoughts on how a student can major in a non-music subject and still minor in music or take non-major applied lessons or participate in the ensembles as a non-music major.

• Presenters: Dr. Robert C. Jordan, Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Music Education, Adelphi University; Amanda Hauser, Coordinator for Music and the Arts
• Register Here

-Getting Into College: Preparing Your Family for Today’s Admissions Landscape: Please join us as we discuss the evolving college landscape. We will review varying factors to consider during the application process, including testing, trends, and finding the right fit.

• Presenters: Jeannie Kennedy & Katie Schweitzer, GCHS Counselors
• Register Here

-Change Doesn’t Have to Be Hard: Managing the Middle-to-High School Transition: The move to HS is more than just a new building. Hear directly from students about what to expect so you’re prepared as an even stronger support system at home. That includes tips to help both the kids AND the parents! 

• Presenters: Garden City High School “Peer Leaders” Students
• Register Here

-Recognizing and Addressing Stress and Anxiety in Children: Anxiety, though common, can come on strong and be challenging for youth to explain and manage. Join our expert Laura Campbell to learn how to recognize risk factors, and warning signs – such as how a child or youth with increasing anxiety may think, feel, behave, and appear.  We’ll discuss what signs you may see at school, home, and social settings, and include helpful tips, self-help strategies, and when appropriate professional options might be needed. Although anxiety is a leading youth mental health challenge, it is also the most manageable when we have an understanding of what to look for and how to best help. Two sessions will be offered, one targeting Upper Grades; one targeting Lower Grades.

• Presenter: Laura Campbell, Crisis Counselor
• Register Here

-Non-Traditional Post-HS Pathways: Gap Year Options: In this gap year presentation Jane will define and demystify the gap year, share data on gap year benefits, outline planning strategies, and answer your questions about how to plan an effective gap year. This session will be held in a hybrid format, with Zoom access offered on-site at GCHS or remotely from home.

• Presenter: Jane Goldstone Sarouhan, J2 Guides Co-Founder & Gap Year Consultant
• Register Here via Zoom

-Planning for Post-Secondary Employment: ACCES-VR: The goal of ACCES-VR is to assist individuals with disabilities to achieve and maintain employment. It can also support independent living through training, education, and career development. Our ACCES-VR vocational counselor will present on the application process, eligibility, and what is expected from the service. Families of students with IEPs, 504 plans, and declassification plans are invited. This session will be held in a hybrid format, with Zoom access offered on-site at GCHS or remotely from home.

• Presenter: Nicole Caminiti, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, ACCES-VR
• Register Here via Zoom

-Change Doesn’t Have to Be Hard: Managing the Elementary-to-Middle School Transition: Join our round table discussion  of educators and parents as they present information on and share about managing your family’s transition from elementary to middle school. We’ll be talking through information and sharing experiences that will be helpful for elementary and new Middle School parents, as they look to manage a successful move from 5th to 6th grade. The session will include tips and resources to help both students AND parents.

• Presenters: Matthew Samuelson, Principal, Garden City Middle School; Erin Hegmann, Elementary Teacher; Michele Ingoglia, Counselor; Erin Debrich, Parent, SEPTA President
• Register Here

-Making Math Feel Second Nature with the Right Mindsets: Back by popular demand! Why is building a mathematical mindset important? How can what we say, do, and think help to build habits for mathematical mindsets in our kids? Join us in a vibrant discussion and play some unique family math games that foster year-round learning.

• Presenters: Christina Cardella, Coordinator of Mathematics and STEAM; Jenny Campbell, Elementary Math Specialist; Tara Beamer, K/1 Math Coach; Jose Suaya, parent
• Register Here

-Reading and Writing Adventures: Building Family Literacy Together: Explore the world of reading and writing with us. We'll be sharing simple, yet effective activities tailored for home. From storytelling games to enjoyable writing experiences, discover practical ways to make literacy an enjoyable part of your family's everyday routine.

• Presenters: Lauren Kaufman, Director of Literacy; Lauren Quezada, Assistant Principal, Stratford School; Danielle Emmel, parent member of the GC  Literacy Committee
• Register Here