Fall 2022 Parent Academy
Urbana School District #116
Embedded Files
Overview
Overview
Parent Academies are designed to provide families with information to support their children, themselves, and to strengthen family engagement in Urbana School District #116 to enhance our students' success.
The Fall 2022 Parent Academy will take place on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Urbana Middle School.
Families can attend the Parent Academy session(s) of their choice without registering.
On the evening of the Parent Academy, families are asked to enter the main entrance at Urbana Middle School, sign in at the check-in table, pick up a paper copy or scan the QR code to access the electronic version of the sessions being offered, and go to the session(s) of their choice.
The sessions that will be offered during the Parent Academy are organized below by the time period that they will be offered.
You are welcome to bring your children to the Parent Academy with you.
Childcare will be provided by district staff members in the cafetorium from 6:00-8:00 pm.
Parent Academy Sessions
Parent Academy Sessions
All sessions will be presented in person at Urbana Middle School on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 from 6:00-8:00 pm.
6:00-6:30 pm.
6:00-6:30 pm.
Skyward from a Parent's Perspective
Skyward from a Parent's Perspective
Presenter: Christopher Fuller
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 6:00-6:30 pm
Audience: All Families
Location: Computer Lab at Urbana Middle School
Session Overview: In this session,
families will learn how to navigate Skyward to access their children's information.
What is Phonological Awareness and Why is it Important?
What is Phonological Awareness and Why is it Important?
Presenter: Kelly Allen
Presenter: Kelly Allen
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 6:00-6:30 pm
Audience: PreKindergarten-Second Grade Families
Location: Room 1401 at Urbana Middle School
Session Overview: Phonological Awareness is the foundation for learning to read. Phonological awareness refers to the bigger “chunks” or “parts” of language. It starts with basic letters and sounds to rhyming words and working with multiple sounds at once. In this session, you will find out what the different levels of Phonological Awareness are, watch videos to see these levels being taught, and practice activities to help your students home.
Session Overview: Phonological Awareness is the foundation for learning to read. Phonological awareness refers to the bigger “chunks” or “parts” of language. It starts with basic letters and sounds to rhyming words and working with multiple sounds at once. In this session, you will find out what the different levels of Phonological Awareness are, watch videos to see these levels being taught, and practice activities to help your students home.
Parkland College Early College Opportunities
Parkland College Early College Opportunities
Presenter: Paula Prather, Early College Services Advisor
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 6:00-6:30 pm
Audience: Families Interested in Early College Opportunities
Location: Room 1402 at Urbana Middle School
Session Overview: Early College Services at Parkland College - We will present opportunities for students age 15 years and older to take college classes while still in high school. Students can take general education classes or get started on career and certificate programs. This is an opportunity for students to get a head start on college and save time and money, all while gaining early college experience.
College Readiness and Career Readiness
College Readiness and Career Readiness
Presenter: Leigh Ann Stuckemeyer
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 6:00-6:30 pm
Audience: Families interested in College Readiness and Career Readiness
Location: Room 1403 at Urbana Middle School
Session Overview: This session will cover what it means to be college and career ready. Families will receive strategies to help students complete college and job applications. The presenter will also resources available for families with websites and career/interest inventory information.
Restorative Practices
Restorative Practices
Presenter: Nathan Wahl
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 6:00-6:30 pm
Audience: All Families
Location: Room 1731 at Urbana Middle School
Session Overview: This session will discuss the importance of restorative practices, what it looks like in a school space, and what it can look like at home.
How to Access your Student's Seesaw Account!
How to Access your Student's Seesaw Account!
Presenter: Sherry Gittens
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 6:00-6:30 pm
Audience: Elementary Families
Location: Room 1404 at Urbana Middle School
Session Overview: This session will cover how to log in to your student's SeeSaw account in order to complete assignments. The presenter will also cover what each tab means, how to use them, and how to turn an assignment in!
A Conversation on Parenting Middle School Children
A Conversation on Parenting Middle School Children
Presenter: Joseph Wiemelt
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 6:00-6:30 pm
Location: Room 1852 Urbana Middle School
Audience: Middle School Families
Session Overview: In this session we will discuss issues related to raising middle school children. Topics include: managing screen time usage (computers, phones, gaming devices), scheduling time for family activities, night time routines, among other topics. A general question and answer session amongst participants will be encouraged to support each other as parents of middle school children.
6:15-7:15 pm.
6:15-7:15 pm.
¿Necesita ayuda con Skyward?
¿Necesita ayuda con Skyward?
¡Podemos ayudarle!
¡Podemos ayudarle!
Presentadoras: Mitzy Maldonado, Andi Marroquin, and Lucia Maldonado
Fecha: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Tiempo: 6:15-7:15 pm
Ubicación: Sala de Banda
Resumen de la sesión: Skyward es la plataforma que utiliza el distrito escolar para almacenar la información de cada estudiante. Skyward también es una herramienta excelente para que los padres puedan mantenerse informados e involucrados en la educación de sus hijos. Si no ha utilizado Skyward o aun tiene algunas preguntas sobre su uso acompáñenos a esta sesión y resolveremos sus dudas. Si usted ya sabe usar Skyward considere acompañarnos también para compartir su experiencia con otros padres.
¡Los esperamos!
6:00-6:45 pm.
6:00-6:45 pm.
Simple Strategies for Raising Anti-Racist Children
Simple Strategies for Raising Anti-Racist Children
Presenter: Brandon Caffey
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 6:00-6:45 pm
Audience: All Families
Location: Room 1405 Urbana Middle School
Session Overview: Raising anti-racist children is a continual learning process that we all must engage in to foster the inclusive schools and American society we desire. Racism is real and present in our communities and recognizing and understanding it, however, is not always easy or simple. Engaging in conversations centered on race and racism can also create discomfort, but people, including children, have died because of racist policies and racist institutions. Research informs us that children begin recognizing differences in race and treatment of people based on race as early as the age of two, thus it is important for parents and guardians alike to have simple strategies to effectively deal with the ills of society and raising anti-racist children.
How to Enhance Your Student's Executive Functioning Skills
How to Enhance Your Student's Executive Functioning Skills
Presenter: Yolande Cooke
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 6:00-6:45 pm
Audience: All Families
Location: Room 1624 Urbana Middle School
Session Overview: When it's moving day being able to organize, categorize, and coordinate goes a long way. Those skills are examples of Executive Functioning Skills in the home. Families, let's get together and talk about Executive Functioning Skills and the learning process. How will this Executive Functioning Skills session benefit you and your student? Is there a relationship between Executive Functioning Skills, Study Skills and Student Outcome/Performance? Finally, let's look at how we can develop these skills in your students.
Meditative Painting
Meditative Painting
Presenter: Rusty Clevenger
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 6:00-6:45 pm
Audience: All Families
Location: Room 1530 Urbana Middle School
Session Overview: This session will provide families with an opportunity to participate in meditative painting. The main goal of this session is to provide families with an opportunity to clear their minds of everything except the paints, brushes, and paper to enter into a relaxing creative space.
Building a Home Library and Curious Play at Home
Building a Home Library and Curious Play at Home
Presenter: Yavonnda Smith
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 6:00-6:45 pm
Audience: Early Childhood-Third Grade Grade Families
Location: Room 1622 Urbana Middle School
Session Overview: Have you ever dreamed of creating a home library? Not only can a home library create a cozy environment in your home, there are other benefits that go well beyond just the decorative touches of books. Having books in the home is proven to positively benefit children in a myriad of ways. A two-decade long study found that the mere presence of a home library increases children's academic success, vocabulary development, attention and job attainment.
Come and find out the "why" reading in the home is important and ways you can engage your child.
Tik Tok, Instagram and Parental Controls: How to let your kid explore social media and keep them safe
Tik Tok, Instagram and Parental Controls: How to let your kid explore social media and keep them safe
Presenter: Claire Pritchard
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 6:00-6:45 pm
Audience: All Families
Location: Room 1623 Urbana Middle School
Session Overview: Learn the basics of Tik Tok and Instagram, as well as how to set parental controls. A discussion of the iOS screen time feature will be included in this session, as well as an opportunity for Questions and Answers.
How to Advocate for Your Special Needs Child
Presenters: Wendy Wirtz and Chris Mitchaner
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 6:00-6:45 pm
Audience: Families with Students who have an Individual Education Plan/IEP
Location: Room 1735 Urbana Middle School
Session Overview: Do you ever feel like you don’t know how to help your child with an IEP at school? Are you concerned about how to see that your child has the best supports possible within the system? Do you have questions about how to communicate with your child’s teacher or wonder how to get more information about your child’s progress? This workshop is designed to provide some practical tips for parents as well as point you in the direction of other resources to help address your particular concerns. Led by a classroom teacher and parent of an autistic child and a special ed teacher. The session is designed to let you ask your questions and will include plenty of dialogue.
6:35-7:05
6:35-7:05
Restorative Conversations: How They Can be Used at Home and School
Restorative Conversations: How They Can be Used at Home and School
Presenter: Candice Cobb
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 6:35-7:05 pm
Audience: All Families
Location: Room 1642 Urbana Middle School
Session Overview: Has your child ever made a mistake, and you wanted to talk to them about it? Have you ever wondered, how can I get them to take accountability? Well, in this session, you can come learn about Restorative Circles and how they can be used as a tool to help in similar moments. In this session, the presenter will share a brief history of what restorative circles are vs what they are not. This session will also provide families with a space to practice restorative strategies.
College Readiness and Career Readiness
College Readiness and Career Readiness
Presenter: Leigh Ann Stuckemeyer
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 6:35-7:05 pm
Audience: Families interested in College Readiness and Career Readiness
Location: Room 1403 at Urbana Middle School
Session Overview: This session will cover what it means to be college and career ready. Families will receive strategies to help students complete college and job applications. The presenter will also resources available for families with websites and career/interest inventory information.
Kindergarten Parent Academy
Presenter: Kelly Allen
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 6:35-7:05 pm
Audience: Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Families
Location: Room 1401 Urbana Middle School
Session Overview: In this session, we will talk about all things Kindergarten including: what to expect for the year, Kindergarten assessments, ways to help at home, and how to best support your child as a learner. There will be time for questions at the end, as well as handouts to take home.
Supporting Literacy at Home
Supporting Literacy at Home
Presenter: Jeniece Mitchell
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 6:35-7:05 pm
Audience: All Families
Location: Room 1520 Urbana Middle School
Session Overview: This session will discuss literacy at all levels and how that translates to academic success and lifelong learning. Families will receive easy-to-use resources at home with their children.
Raising Self-Reliant Teens in a Self-Indulgent World
Raising Self-Reliant Teens in a Self-Indulgent World
Presenter: Alicia Trezise
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 6:35-7:05 pm
Location: Room 1406 Urbana Middle School
Audience: Families with Teenagers
Session Overview: This will be an interactive discussion on the challenges faced by parents of youth and young adults as we ready them for adult life.
Development in Middle School and Mindfulness Skills for Families
Development in Middle School and Mindfulness Skills for Families
Presenter: Eva Martone and Luisana Hernandez
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 6:35-7:05 pm
Audience: Room 1732 Middle School Families
Location: Urbana Middle School
Session Overview: Middle school is a huge time for growth and development. In this session, families will receive information about students' development in the areas of physical development, spirituality and religion, sexuality, identity, emotional and social development, and cognitive development. Mindfulness skills that can be used at home will also be shared.
The information in this session will be offered in English and Spanish.
*La información de esta sesión se ofrecerá en inglés y español.
6:35-7:20
6:35-7:20
Helping Our Youth Heal From Trauma
Helping Our Youth Heal From Trauma
Presenter: Stephanie Cockrell and Khayla Moore
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 6:35-7:20 pm
Audience: All Families
Location: Room 1310 Urbana Middle School
Session Overview: Every behavior is telling us something. Are we listening? In this session, we will discuss what trauma does to the brain and discuss what we can do to help. Let's talk about how we can be part of the solution to help heal families and save our youth.
6:35-7:35
6:35-7:35
Mental Health for Families
Mental Health for Families
Presenter: Mary Adams
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 6:35-7:35 pm
Audience: All Families
Location: Room 1714 Urbana Middle School
Session Overview: In this workshop, we will talk about ways to support mental health at home in everyday rhythms and routines, for both children and caregivers. We will also discuss when and how to seek professional help.
7:00-7:45 pm
LGBTQIA+ Rights & Responsibilities Roundtable
LGBTQIA+ Rights & Responsibilities Roundtable
Presenter: Kelly Halcom, Erica Cooper-Peyton, Mitzy Maldonado
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 7:00-7:45 pm
Location: Room 1402 Urbana Middle School
Audience: All Families
Session Overview: This session will provide a safe place for families to discuss LGBTQIA+ Rights and Responsibilities.
Social Emotional Learning for Families
Social Emotional Learning for Families
Presenter: Linda Gibbens
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 7:00-7:45
Location: Room 1735 Urbana Middle School
Audience: All Families
Session Overview: During this session, families will learn about social emotional learning/SEL and why it is important for families and schools to work together to support SEL skills for students' and families' overall success. Families will receive SEL strategies to use at home such as focusing on your child's strengths, discussing feelings, controlling anger, etc. Families will leave this session with activities they can complete at home.
Classroom Technology and Your Student
Classroom Technology and Your Student
Presenter: John Gutzmer
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 7:00-7:45
Location: Urbana Middle School Computer Lab
Audience: All Families
Session Overview: In this session, we will explore updates to classroom technology this year and how they affect you and your student. We will look at the new interactive view boards, VR, Classroom tools and how your student can effectively use technology at school.
Bilingualism in The Home
Bilingualism in The Home
Presenter: Idalia Nuñez
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 7:00-7:45
Location: Room 1733 Urbana Middle School
Audience: Bilingual Families
Session Overview: This session will be about bilingualism and creating a space for families to reflect on their experiences with language and how they foster bilingualism in their homes. Participants will be engaged in activities during this session to engage in discussions.
Meditative Painting
Meditative Painting
Presenter: Rusty Clevenger
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 7:00-7:45 pm
Audience: All Families
Location: Room 1530 Urbana Middle School
Session Overview: This session will provide families with an opportunity to participate in meditative painting. The main goal of this session is to provide families with an opportunity to clear their minds of everything except the paints, brushes, and paper to enter into a relaxing creative space.
The Science of Reading for Families
The Science of Reading for Families
Presenter: Karen Shelton
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 7:00-7:45 pm
Audience: All Families
Location: Room 1734 Urbana Middle School
Session Overview: This session will provide families with an overview of the Simple View of Reading. Families will receive strategies to support literacy growth at home. These strategies are useful for students of all ages, no matter what stage they’ve reached in their reading development.
Strategies and Programs for Improving Literacy in Secondary English Learners
Strategies and Programs for Improving Literacy in Secondary English Learners
Presenter: Gordon Brown
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 7:00-7:45 pm
Audience: Secondary Families
Location: Room 1713 Urbana Middle School
Session Overview: Based on more than 25 years of experience of teaching and research, Dr. Brown will share effective strategies and programs for improving literacy in secondary students who are English learners. You will leave this session with tips you can use when you get home to help your child improve English and language literacy.
7:10-7:40
Math Games & More for Primary Grade Scholars
Math Games & More for Primary Grade Scholars
Presenter: LaDonna Helm
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 7:10-7:40 pm
Audience: Primary Grades
Location: Room 1404 Urbana Middle School
Session Overview: Come to this session to receive math games and other interactive learning activities to use at home with your primary grade level students.
Stress Management for Families
Stress Management for Families
Presenter: Barbie Price
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 7:10-7:40 pm
Location: Room 1330 Urbana Middle School
Audience: All Families
Session Overview: This session will provide families with strategies to manage their stress in order to support themselves and their families.
Así se hace: Leyendo con Sus Chiquitos
Así se hace: Leyendo con Sus Chiquitos
Presentador: Gabriel Nardie
Fecha: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Tiempo: 7:10-7:40 pm
Ubicación: Room 1405 Urbana Middle School
Audiencia: Familias con Estudiantes de Primaria
Descripción general de la sesión:
Esta sesión proporcionará a las familias estrategias para apoyar las habilidades de lectura de sus hijos en el hogar.
Raising Self-Reliant Teens in a Self-Indulgent World
Raising Self-Reliant Teens in a Self-Indulgent World
Presenter: Alicia Trezise
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 7:10-7:40 pm
Location: Room 1406 Urbana Middle School
Audience: Families with Teenagers
Session Overview: This will be an interactive discussion on the challenges faced by parents of youth and young adults as we ready them for adult life.
Restorative Practices
Restorative Practices
Presenter: Nathan Wahl
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 7:10-7:40 pm
Audience: All Families
Location: Room 1731 at Urbana Middle School
Session Overview: This session will discuss the importance of restorative practices, what it looks like in a school space, and what it can look like at home.
Community Resources and Programming
Community Resources and Programming
Presenter: Jeniece Mitchell
Date: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Time: 7:10-7:40 pm
Audience: All Families
Location: Room 1520 Urbana Middle School
Session Overview: This session will provide families with community resources and programming for their children. Families will receive take-home goodies and information packets.
Façons pour les familles de participer à l'éducation de leurs enfants/Ways for Families to be Engaged in Their Children's Education
Façons pour les familles de participer à l'éducation de leurs enfants/Ways for Families to be Engaged in Their Children's Education
Présentatrice: Jeanine Bumba
Date: Mercredi 2 Novembre 2022/Wednesday, November 2 2022
Temps: 7:00-7:45 pm
Emplacement: Room 1401 Urbana Middle School
Spectateurs: Familles francophones et anglophones/ French and English Speaking Families
Aperçu de la session: Cette session fournira aux familles des façons de participer à l'éducation de leurs enfants. Les familles apprendront également l'apprentissage socio-émotionnel et comment soutenir la croissance socio-émotionnelle de leurs enfants. Cette session sera présentée en français, mais les diapositives de présentation visuelle seront à la fois en anglais et en français.
This session will provide families with ways to be engaged in their children's education. Families will also learn about social emotional learning, and how to support their children's social emotional growth. This session will be presented in French, but the visual presentation slides will be both in English and French.
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