As part of the Westerville City School District’s Second Annual Parent Prep workshop series, parents can take sessions on various topics including technology, mental health, the college application process and adjusting to a changing school environment due to COVID-19.
“The sessions selected for the November event are based on current asks from our parents/community along with the overwhelming positive feedback from the most attended sessions at last year’s event,” said Tami Santa, WCSD's coordinator of student well-being and mental health.
The all-virtual Parent Prep event is Nov. 11-14. Registration begins Oct. 21.
Session Details:
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Overview: WCSD Student Well-Being Resources (K-12): Learn about the various student well-being resources available at each school/level to help your student be successful. Participants will leave with a better understanding of WCSD resources and how to access them. Time will also be left at the end of session to talk through resources specific to your needs.
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Managing Stress (K-5): Interactive session discussing various levels of stress along with techniques and strategies aimed at gaining better control over stress levels.
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Managing Stress & Pressure (6-12): Interactive session discussing various levels of stress along with techniques and strategies aimed at gaining better control over stress levels. Facilitator: Noelle, Jessie, Adam
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Teens and Technology: Dating in a Digital World (6-12): Instagram. Snapchat. Monkey. This interactive session will explore teen relationships and dating in today’s digital culture. Participants will get tips and resources about communicating and setting appropriate digital boundaries with teens, including a family media agreement.
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Kids and Technology: Social Media and Online Safety (K-5): This interactive session will explore different social media apps and discuss online safety. Participants will get tips and resources about communicating and setting appropriate digital boundaries with kids, including family media agreements. Facilitator: Margie Carrington, The Center for Family Safety and Healing
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Let’s Talk about Mental Health (K-12): This session sets out to discuss warning signs and stats surrounding anxiety, depression (suicide included) and other common mental health diagnoses. Participants will be able to identify signs and symptoms of these diagnoses as well as strategies and resources to use when/if needed.
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Understanding the College Application Process (9-12): Not sure where to start? Participants in this session will be provided an overview of the college application process along with resources to get started on the journey.
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PSAT, SAT, ACT, oh my!: What college readiness test should my student take? What is a good score? Learn the basics and scoring for each assessment as well as how to access free resources to prepare.
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Talking to Your Student About Race: It’s never too late to talk to your student about race, racism and equity. This session will provide age-appropriate ways for families to start the conversation and create a social culture where all kids and families can thrive.
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Executive Functioning (K-12): This session will help you support your student with organization, time management and work completion. Specific supports will be provided for students of all ages.
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Technology Used in my Child’s Classroom (K-12): Many technology tools are being utilized in classrooms throughout WCS. This session will go over the most common programs being used, how they are being used with students, and how parents can support their own child’s learning within these programs. (Examples include: Schoology, PowerSchool, Clever, Lexia, Dreambox, i-Ready, and more!)
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Tips for adjusting to COVID and changes in school environment (K-12): In this ever-changing nature of COVID-19, the world has been in a constant state of disruptions and adjustments. Throughout this time, both parents and students have had to adjust to virtual and blended learning environments and the many emotions that this experience has elicited. This presentation will provide tips and suggestions on how to navigate this ever-changing school environment.
Last year, Parent Prep participants learned hands-on strategies targeting self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, responsible decision-making, and relationship skills.
The event is sponsored by Westerville Education Challenge with support from the Westerville Parent Council.
To learn more about the event, visit the district’s website.
