Parent University 2018-19

Essentials for parents to know about the new English Language Arts curriculum

This grades K-5 Parent University was held on March 20, 2019. It invited parents to learn about the recently adopted new English Language Arts (ELA) Framework and curricular resources: Reading Units of Study and F&P Phonics, Spelling and Word Study. Participants enjoyed a guided, virtual "peek" into their children's classrooms to see what their literacy experiences look like at school, and explored resources to support their reading life at home.This elementary evening was led by D64's ELA Curriculum Specialist Meghan Keefer and Instructional Technology Coach Tiffany Costa.

First Family Edition: BreakoutEDU

...was held on February 6, 2019.

D64 families participated in our first-ever BreakoutEDU Family Edition. This all-ages Parent University event offered families an engaging adventure into BreakoutEDU -- learn how it's being used in our District to spark problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking skills in the classroom and beyond. Families had the opportunity to work together as they learn to communicate, collaborate, and persevere through a series of challenges.

This Parent University event was held on February 6 at Roosevelt School (LRC), 1001 S. Fairview, Park Ridge, and was facilitated by the D64 Technology Department.

Screenwise, Helping Kids Survive and Thrive in their Digital World featuring Author, Dr. Devorah Heitner

...was held on December 5, 2018.

Dr. Heitner returns to D64 with her new book . . . copies will be available for purchase!

Rather than worry that kids are addicted, detached or distracted because of digital devices, Devorah Heitner focuses on how parents can offer mentorship to help kids thrive, develop social skills and succeed in a future where they will likely find a job and build their reputations in interactive, digital communities. Drawing from Screenwise, her popular new guidebook for parents and from the latest research, Dr. Heitner provides gems of guidance to help parents become confident digital media mentors to texters, gamers and social media users from preschool to young adult. You'll learn what it is like for children to grow up in a world where school experiences, family life and friendships are all shaped by digital connections and how you can share your own lifetime of social wisdom to mentor children to become the best people they can be.

Dr. Devorah Heitner is an expert on young people's relationship with digital media and technology and the founder of Raising Digital Natives. Her mission is to cultivate a culture of empathy and social/emotional literacy. Dr. Heitner's work has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, TIME magazine and Education Week. She has a Ph.D. in Media/Technology & Society from Northwestern University and has taught at DePaul and Northwestern. She is delighted to be raising her own digital native.

A Family Night of Making, Coding and STEAMing

...was held on November 28, 2018.

JOIN THE GLOBAL < MAKER & STEAM > MOVEMENT! Back by popular demand, this all-ages Parent University event invites families to join the technology department for a hands-on night of Making, Coding and STEAMing (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) exploration. You will try MakerSpace activities, coding with your family, and learn about the fundamental ideas behind our innovation and design mindset. Families will have the opportunity to learn and problem-solve through exploration and play. Popular activities from last year's family night are back, along with some new ideas and activities to explore! The evening is free.

The free evening was facilitated by D64 Library Info Specialist and Instructional Tech Coaches Denise Reeder, Rachel Labuz, Kevin Michael, Megan Preis and Jessica Radek.

Gsuite for Education

....was held on September 12, 2018 - All parents were invited to attend this program on Gsuite for Education, which is an integral part of District 64's Learning Ecosystem as students are given the opportunity to use this powerful productivity tool in their daily learning environments. In this Parent University session, parents learned about Google Drive, how it works, and the awesome suite of apps students can use to practice their creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills. We reviewed the basics of Google Drive and highlighted some of the great ways G Suite is used for student learning and supporting students as they practice the 4C's – communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. The evening was facilitated by D64 Instructional Technology Coaches Kevin Michael and Angel Villarreal, and was free and open to all adult members of the community.

A Different Kind of Cool

...was held on August 16, 2018
The first Parent University of the 2018-19 school year featured a presentation by Jack Gallagher, former educator, comedian, author and Dad. "Cool" is something that stands out from the crowd and makes the person an individual -- unique from everyone else. Gallagher demonstrated from his own personal experiences how important it is to accept differences in people. . . and how our definition of "cool" may differ from others'. His presentation focused on his relationship with his son, who is a child with autism, whom Gallagher has come to realize is truly a "Different Kind of Cool." His talk illustrated the intersection of family, school and community working together to support the unique needs of every child.

A professional comedian, author, actor, TV host and three-time Emmy Award winner, Jack Gallagher has been entertaining for most of his life -- first as a child for his family, then for friends and teachers at school before adopting it as a career. Adapted from his one-man play, a "Different Kind of Cool" is his own funny, relatable, and ultimately moving story.

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Early Childhood