College Planning (Session 1 only)

This workshop will cover all aspects of the college search and application process. Topics will include: Basics of the College Application Process, Factors Colleges Consider Most, Financial Aid/Scholarships, and Resources Available to Students. There will be a question and answer period at the end of the presentation.

Presenters: Dave Robinson, WMHS Director of Guidance and Meg Delory, Guidance Counselor

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Early Childhood Milestones (Session 1 only)

The first years of life are so important for development. Parents/Caregivers spend a lot of time with their young children and are key to determining the experiences they will have. Parents/Caregivers are in a position to monitor the development of each of their children. This workshop will review age-specific developmental milestones in ages 2-7. These milestones will help you shape expectations and plan for your child on a daily basis. The workshop will also focus on ways that parents/caregivers can work with their children to develop these milestones.

Presenters: Shannon Blacker, Doyle Preschool Director; Cheryl Walsh, Doyle Preschool Teacher; Krista Popek, Doyle Speech and Language Pathologist 

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ELA Curriculum Review 

The Wakefield Public Schools is currently undergoing a K-12 English Language Arts Curriculum Review. The purpose of the curriculum review process is to evaluate, improve, and implement resources for reflective teaching and learning in relation to student needs and achievement. This session will serve to provide an overview of and update on the progress of the K-12 ELA Curriculum Review. We will provide an overview of the process, updates on the results of early phases of planning, a summary of the curriculum materials explored, and next steps. We will also save time for questions.

Presenters: Margaret Messier, 5-12 ELA Curriculum Coordinator and Michele Labreque, Elementary Humanities Coach 

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Escape the Vape: A Parent’s Guide to Vaping, Nicotine, & Marijuana Trends

According to the American Lung Association, more than 5 million U.S. middle and high school students have reported using e-cigarettes in the past 30 days. Unfortunately, like many other communities, Wakefield is seeing an uptick in the number of teens who are currently vaping.  In this informative and interactive workshop, parents will learn the current vaping and nicotine trends among middle and high school students in Wakefield and Massachusetts, common devices used for vaping, substances vaped (including marijuana), and health risks associated with vaping.  Additionally, parents will be provided with resources on how to talk to their children about this important topic.  Parents will also have the opportunity to ask questions.

Presenters: Amy Chiaravalloti, Prevention & Wellness Coordinator, Town of Wakefield Health & Human Services and Maureen Buzby, Regional Tobacco Prevention Program 

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Executive Functioning and Practical Application 

In this workshop, families will be able to collaborate and discuss their unique family schedules and review goals to increase their children’s independence. Focus will include strategies to help children tackle homework and prepare for after school activities. Additionally, families will learn about Sarah Ward's timer clocks and how to utilize them with the gradual-release model to encourage independence in tasks and chores in the home.

Presenter: Lauren Grams, Galvin Middle School Special Educator

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Navigating Social Media with Your Teens and Tweens (Perspective from WPS Students)

Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram, oh my! We know you have lots of questions about what your child is doing online and who better than responsible teenagers to explain it to you. Wakefield High School students will provide you with a description of the most widely used apps, the ways they are being used, and what to look out for. Galvin Adjustment Counselor Dorie Blieden will provide parents with practical tools for monitoring online activity and tips for opening up conversations with your student.

Presenters: Dorie Blieden, Galvin Adjustment Counselor and the Youth Action Team 

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Social Media Guide- Galvin

Raising a Reader

In this session, Beebe Library Youth Services librarians Molly and Holly will discuss strategies to select books suitable for young readers, give tips on how you can create a culture of readers at home, and review resources the public library has to offer for students in Pre-K through grade 4.

Presenters: Molly McDougald and Holly Turner, Beebe Library Youth Services Librarians 

Raising Money-Savvy Children

The Raising Money‐Savvy Children workshop provides parents useful tools to use with their kids. We will work through age‐appropriate activities that will help parents engage their kids in learning about money. Providing children with a foundation for saving, spending, investing and donating will help them to be better prepared for the financial challenges of life. We also discuss how to avoid making money a taboo subject in the household so kids grow up with a healthy relationship with money.

Presenter: Tom Elkins, Financial Advisor, Wakefield Co-Operative Bank

Student Mental Health Support- What to Expect for your Child’s Transition to WMHS (Session 2 only)

Join us for an informative and supportive conversation around how your child can thrive as a student. Wakefield Memorial High School Adjustment counselors Andrea Keough and Suzanne Burns will share some tips and strategies for an easeful transition from middle school to high school.

Presenters: Suzanne Burns and Andrea Keough, WMHS Adjustment Counselors 

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Transition to Middle School (Session 1 only)

One of the key components and goals of the Galvin Middle School administration is to help ensure a smooth transition to the 5th grade. We know that parents play an important role in their child's transition from their elementary school to middle school and families may have questions/concerns about what happens in middle school. This session will be informative and interactive for incoming fifth grade parents. Administrators from the Galvin will review how students transition from elementary schools to the Galvin, what a typical day/week/year looks like for fifth graders, and answer other questions parents may have about their child's next educational experience within Wakefield Public Schools.

Presenter: Erin Bailey, Galvin Middle School Assistant Principal

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Typical or Troubled?

This session will help parents, caregivers and community stakeholders identify and respond to typical mental health presentations exhibited at home, in the classroom and/or community settings.

Presenter: Donna Kausek, LMHC, Clinical Director, The Nan Project at Eliot Community Human Services

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