The Creativity Connection for 21st Century Skills
Date: November 1, 2019
Nancy Meyer, Crayola Innovative Teaching and Learning Manager
LocationOddfellows Playhouse, 128 Washington Street, Middletown
DescriptionWhy Creativity is Critical to Student Success and Family Engagement
Creativity isn’t just important – creativity is an essential 21st Century skill. Join us to discuss the role creativity plays in learning and development, and explore hands-on activities you can share with families.
Partnering with Families for Social-Emotional Learning
Date: December 13, 2019
Sherie Chapman, Katherine Thompson, Donna Marino and Elizabeth Waszkiewicz, Middletown Public Schools
LocationThe Carousel Building at Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport
DescriptionPartnering with Families for Social-Emotional Learning
Helping Children Grow Socially, Emotionally and Behaviorally
Let’s talk SEL! Parents are hearing about social-emotional learning (SEL) but often wonder what it is. Middletown Public Schools launched a community-wide project to make children’s emotional health a priority and family engagement is at the center. Join us to learn about Middletown’s unique community coalition and innovative approaches for engaging families in SEL.
March 2019 Friday CAFE
Date: March 1
Dr. Shulamit Riblatt
LocationSan Diego Gas and Electric Energy Innovation Center
DescriptionLoneliness and Isolation: How can families and schools deal together with the new epidemic?
ParentCamp 2016
Date: May 6, 2016
An "Un-Conference" for Families and Educators
LocationPond House Cafe, West Hartford
Description Event VideoCircle of Security – How We Can Help Parents Support Children’s Emotional and Behavioral Learning
Date: April 1, 2016
Amy Waterman, Program Coordinator, Middletown Family Resource Centers
LocationArtspace New Haven
Description Event VideoBeyond “Donuts for Dads” – Really Connecting with Fathers and Family Men
Date: March 4, 2016
Doug Edwards, Director, Real Dads Forever
LocationBeardsley Zoo, Bridgeport
Description Event VideoMindfulness In Schools
Date: January 29, 2016
Maritza Soto-Gomez, Breakthrough Magnet School, Hartford, Monique Butler, O'Brien STEM Academy, East Hartford; Marie Menut, Vibrational Healing Center, East Hartford
LocationNoah Webster House, West Hartford
Description Event VideoMeeting Parents Where They Are: Bridging Cultural Barriers between Home and School
Date: December 4, 2015
Marlene Ho-Yen, Extended Learning Program, Danbury Public Schools
LocationTarrywile Mansion, Danbury
DescriptionMarlene Ho Yen has a wealth of experience engaging families from diverse backgrounds and cultures. She shared practical tips as well as uncommon insights. The discussion highlighted the nuanced ways school culture and practices can either welcome or distance families, often unintentionally.
Event VideoCollaborative Conversations: Creating Space for Real Relationships
Date: November 6, 2015
Carrie Rose & Yesenia Gonzalez, The Parent/Teacher Home Visit Project, Sacramento, CA
LocationNew Britain Museum of American Art
DescriptionThe Parent/Teacher Home Visit Project is a nationally-recognized model for building home-school relationships that result in increased student achievement. At the heart of the model are two-way collaborative conversations. This session focused on the essential elements of collaborative conversations and why these conversations work!
A-Ha Moments!- Families don’t care what you know until they know that you care.
- Shared power makes real sustainable change.
- One person alone cannot be responsible for family engagement.
- Focus on building the relationship, not on “fixing” the family.
- Share your vision of success for their child – hopes and dreams are a uniting force.
Your Best Family Engagement Year EVER!
Date: October 2, 2015
Julia Horne, Award Winning Former Principal, Shelter Rock School, Danbury
LocationOddfellows Playhouse, Middletown
DescriptionJulia Horne shared insights about creating programs that attract parents, developing relationships based on respect, building on family strengths – and, most importantly, having FUN! By developing relationships with families, Shelter Rock School has 100% attendance at parent-teacher conferences. Ms. Horne gave inspiring examples of student success that was a direct result of engaging families.
A-Ha Moments!- Just ASK! Personally ask parents to participate, host an event, contribute in some way.
- Leadership sets the tone. If the principal believes it, others will follow suit.
- Extend an ear and a hug and allow the relationship with families to build organically.
- The college conversation starts in kindergarten and first grade.
