Past Presenters

You will find below on ongoing list of past engagements. For those who did not have an opportunity to attend, we have provided trailers, introductions and snippets of Friday CAFÉ engagements.

The Creativity Connection for 21st Century Skills

Date: November 1, 2019

Speaker

Nancy Meyer, Crayola Innovative Teaching and Learning Manager

Location

Oddfellows Playhouse, 128 Washington Street, Middletown

Description

Why 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.

Event Video


Partnering with Families for Social-Emotional Learning

Date: December 13, 2019

Speaker

Sherie Chapman, Katherine Thompson, Donna Marino and Elizabeth Waszkiewicz, Middletown Public Schools

Location

The Carousel Building at Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport

Description

Partnering 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.

REGISTER HERE


March 2019 Friday CAFE

Date: March 1

Speaker

Dr. Shulamit Riblatt

Location

San Diego Gas and Electric Energy Innovation Center

Description

Loneliness and Isolation: How can families and schools deal together with the new epidemic?

At our first meeting of 2019 we were fortunate to have Dr. Shulamit Riblatt as our presenter.  Dr. Riblatt, Professor of Child and Family Development, is the director of the Center for Family, School and Community Engagement at San Diego State University.  Her work focuses on prevention and early intervention, utilizing relational, reflective, and trauma-informed practices to support the healthy development of young children.  Dr. Riblatt’s presentation was titled “Loneliness and isolation: How can families and schools deal together with the new epidemic.” Following the presentation, we had a great discussion, and networking session with parents and professionals from across San Diego County.  Please join us in May for our next meeting.


ParentCamp 2016

Date: May 6, 2016

Speaker

An "Un-Conference" for Families and Educators

Location

Pond House Cafe, West Hartford

Description Event Video


Circle of Security – How We Can Help Parents Support Children’s Emotional and Behavioral Learning

Date: April 1, 2016

Speaker

Amy Waterman, Program Coordinator, Middletown Family Resource Centers

Location

Artspace New Haven

Description Event Video


Beyond “Donuts for Dads” – Really Connecting with Fathers and Family Men

Date: March 4, 2016

Speaker

Doug Edwards, Director, Real Dads Forever

Location

Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport

Description Event Video


Mindfulness In Schools

Date: January 29, 2016

Speaker

Maritza Soto-Gomez, Breakthrough Magnet School, Hartford, Monique Butler, O'Brien STEM Academy, East Hartford; Marie Menut, Vibrational Healing Center, East Hartford

Location

Noah Webster House, West Hartford

Description Event Video


Meeting Parents Where They Are: Bridging Cultural Barriers between Home and School

Date: December 4, 2015

Speaker

Marlene Ho-Yen, Extended Learning Program, Danbury Public Schools

Location

Tarrywile Mansion, Danbury

Description

Marlene 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 Video


Collaborative Conversations: Creating Space for Real Relationships

Date: November 6, 2015

Speaker

Carrie Rose & Yesenia Gonzalez, The Parent/Teacher Home Visit Project, Sacramento, CA

Location

New Britain Museum of American Art

Description

The 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.
Event Video


Your Best Family Engagement Year EVER!

Date: October 2, 2015

Speaker

Julia Horne, Award Winning Former Principal, Shelter Rock School, Danbury

Location

Oddfellows Playhouse, Middletown

Description

Julia 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.
Event Video


More Past Presentations

Friday Cafe

Stay Connected

News

Keep updated on what we’ve been doing

News

Social Media

Check out event photos, happenings, and more!

Social Media