Parent Ed Events
Parent Ed
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One of the central values in Presbyterian School's mission is the family’s role in the educational partnership. From our beginning thirty years ago, the School has been and continues to be committed to educating parents along with students. Our Parent Education Program has long sought to provide a substantive curriculum for adult learners—parents, grandparents, faculty members, and friends alike. Our parent education offerings span a variety of topics designed to appeal to a diversity of ages, disciplines, and issues so that parents of Early Childhood students benefit as do parents of Lower and Middle School students. Our Parent Ed program focuses on topics that educate Presbyterian School families on our six core values; perseverance, courage, integrity, gratitude, respect and compassion.
Spring 2026 Parent Ed Events
- ISAS Parent Webinar Series (Sept. - May)
- Heading to High School Panel (Jan. 15)
- Childhood Phases - Part 2 (Jan. 21)
- 7th Grade Parent Sex Ed Meeting (Jan. 28)
- Dads Breakfast (Jan. 30)
- Birds & Bees (Feb. 6)
- Youth Mental Health (Feb. 10)
ISAS Parent Webinar Series (Sept. - May)
Helpful Parenting Webinar Series
September - May | Zoom
Join us for a Parent Ed Webinar Series hosted by ISACS (The Independent Schools Association of the Central States). The six one-hour webinars are for parents in all stages of their children’s growth and will give you an opportunity to from leading experts in the fields of education, parenting, and child development.
Every parent must pre-register one time in order to have access to the webinars and recordings. The one time pre-registration will allow you to register for all of the webinars at once. Webinars recorded in 2025 will be available until December 31, 2025 and webinars recorded in 2025 will be available until June 30, 2026. See below for the descriptions of the webinars. Registration information coming soon.
School Skills: Setting Kids Up for Success
Thursday, September 25 | 6:30p.m. | Zoom
Dr. Lisa Damour, author of three The New York Times bestsellers: Untangled, Under Pressure, and The Emotional Lives of Teenagers, will address how to help children and teenagers manage uncomfortable emotions, adapt to new challenges, and cope with stress effectively. She also will cover when it’s time to worry about how a child or teen is doing at school and, under those circumstances, what to do. All are welcome. Recording available until December 31, 2025.
How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Impacted Everything + What We Can Do About It
Tuesday, October 28 | 6:30p.m. | Zoom
Jonathan Haidt wrote The Anxious Generation with a firm belief that the challenges confronting our children and our families are solvable. However, addressing these challenges requires understanding the traps we have fallen into, so we can see the escape routes. The main escape routes are four new norms: delay smartphones until high school, delay social media until 16, phone-free schools, and more independence and play in the real world. Haidt will share the research that underpins the book and leave parents with inspiration and concrete plans to facilitate change in
their families and communities. All are welcome. Recording available until December 31, 2025.
Elevating Discipline with the Brain in Mind
Tuesday, January 13 | 6:30p.m. | Zoom
Join Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, the New York Times best-selling author of The Whole-Brain Child and No-Drama Discipline as she shares transformative ideas that can serve as a go-to guide for parents and caregivers. With candid stories, compassion, and humor, Bryson will address the challenges we see in everyday parenting and help us approach them from a brain-based lens. She will revisit the true meaning of the word discipline—to teach so that kids learn essential skills—and show caregivers how “chasing the why” behind behaviors and combining nurture with structure can help us shift behaviors, strengthen relationships, and improve discipline. All are welcome. Recording available until June 30, 2026.
10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People
Tuesday, February 10 | 6:30p.m. | Zoom
Young people have an innate need to be respected and admired. But few parents understand how to harness it. David Yeager can help. An expert on the psychology of grit and persistence, Yeager has spent years researching how to motivate and equip young people for success. He can show us why our conventional methods of communicating with young people aged 10 to 25 tend to leave everyone frustrated, and he can teach us a better way of ensuring the younger generation feels inspired, enthusiastic, and empowered to do their best work. Learn how to adopt what he calls the “mentor mindset,” a leadership style that taps into young people’s desire for respect. He offers highly effective and surprisingly easy-to-learn practices: like being transparent about your goals rather than expecting your children to read your mind or holding them to high standards rather than coddling them. This is crucial for anyone who wants to be a more effective parent. Recording available until June 30, 2026.
Happier Parenting: Evidence-based Strategies for Improving Parent Happiness
Wednesday, April 15 | 6:30p.m. | Zoom
Feeling overwhelmed by the unique challenges of modern parenting? Join Professor Laurie Santos of Yale University host of The Happiness Lab podcast, to learn science-backed strategies for happier parenting. We will tackle topics like rethinking time management, dealing with tough feelings like guilt and frustration, navigating your child’s academic stress and screen time, and how to avoid the trap of overparenting. We also will see why parents need to prioritize their own well-being, not just to help themselves but to create a happier, healthier family life. This session is for parents of children of all a es with a special focus on middle-grade to teen years. Recording available until June 30, 2026.
Conscious Parenting: Raising Resilient, Self-aware & Connected Children
Wednesday, May 6 | 6:30p.m. | Zoom
Dr. Shefali, author of three The New York Times best-sellers, The Conscious Parent, A Radical Awakening and The Parenting Map will introduce the principles of conscious parenting— a revolutionary approach that shifts the traditional paradigm from control to connection. Participants will explore how their own conditioning and emotional patterns influence their parenting style, and how self-awareness is the key to raising emotionally healthy and resilient children. With practical tools and heartfelt wisdom, Dr. Shefali will guide parents to move beyond reactivity and into deeper, more authentic relationships with their children. Parents will leave feeling empowered to foster mindfulness, empathy, and independence in their homes. There will be a special focus for parents of children ages 5–18. Recording available until June 30, 2026.
Heading to High School Panel (Jan. 15)
Heading to High School Panel
Thursday, January 15 | 12:30 p.m. | LC181
Each year, we invite Presbyterian School alumni to share about their high school experiences with our 8th grade students. This year, we are opening up this opportunity so 5th-8th grade parents can hear from our alumni as well. 8th grade students will have a session with alumni followed by a session just for parents. A panel of alumni consisting of high school students from the following schools will be sharing:
- Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart
- Emery Weiner School
- Episcopal High School
- Houston Christian High School
- Kinkaid
- St. Agnes Academy
- St. John's School
- St. Thomas High School
- Strake Jesuit College Preparatory School
Alumni will share insights about their high school, activities they are involved in, and answer questions from the audience. This is a great opportunity to get an inside scoop on how each high school is unique. All parents are invited to join.
Childhood Phases - Part 2 (Jan. 21)
Phases (MS)
January 21 | 8:15 a.m. | LC181
Parents have 936 weeks between their child's birth and graduation from high school...that's 936 weeks to understand and engage in the critical spiritual and developmental "Phases" of a child's life. Join Head of School, Dr. Mark Carleton, in a two-part series as he discusses the characteristics of these Phases as well as how to be more present for our children as they navigate through them. The session on January 21 focuses on children in Middle School.
7th Grade Parent Sex Ed Meeting (Jan. 28)
7th Grade Parent Sex Ed Meeting
Wednesday, January 28 | 12:00 p.m. | Zoom
7th Grade parents are invited to join our Middle School Counselor, Cortney Kindall-Ritchey, for a Zoom meeting on Wednesday, January 28, at 12:00 p.m. for a brief overview of our 7th grade sex-ed curriculum, answer any questions you may have about the content, and help
prepare you to have the conversations with your students at home.
Dads Breakfast (Jan. 30)
Dad's Breakfast
Friday, January 30 | 7:30 a.m. | LC181
All dads are invited to join our Head of School, Dr. Mark Carleton for a Dads Breakfast and coffee featuring a panel of current PS Dads who are active entrepreneurs.
- Ryan LeVasseur (Jay '27 and Rosie '29)
- Sam Newman (Thorn '27 and Tillman '30)
- Earl Pheasey (Zoe '25 and Maeve '28)
- Brandon Simmons (Matt '27 and Bennett '33)
Our guest panel will share their experiences building businesses while navigating the challenges of family life including how they balance time, manage risk and stress, and seek to glorify God while providing for their families. Our Dads Breakfast is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other dads, deepen community, and start the morning with meaningful conversation and great company. Tickets are $10 and available for purchase using the link below. As a reminder, PK4-8th grade students may participate in Early Care from 7:15 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Birds & Bees (Feb. 6)
Birds & Bees : Oh Help Me, Please!
Friday, February 6 | 8:15 a.m. | LC181
Presbyterian School is excited to welcome back Megan Michelson with The Birds & The Bees. Megan encourages and equips parents to have age appropriate conversations with their young children about sex. Where do babies come from? How is that baby going to get out of there? The Birds & Bees wants parents to answer these questions when their kids are asking them in order to create a foundation for future conversations. In today's sex saturated culture, the idea of "the talk" at age 13 is too late. Their goal is to replace that one talk with several smaller talks so that your kids can hear your voice and values. They want parents to be prepared and have a plan for when the questions start, because it will be sooner than you think. This Parent Ed event walks you through the six-step strategy that takes you from the early preschool years to preadolescence:
- Creating your family message
- Using respectful and medical vocabulary
- The story of birth
- Reproduction: seeds & eggs
- Conception: "where do babies come from?"
- Practical ways to continue the conversation
Many parents come to the program nervous and intimidated about this topic and leave feeling encouraged and empowered. For more information, please visit the Birds & Bees website at www.birds-bees.com.
Youth Mental Health (Feb. 10)
Teen Mental Health
Tuesday, February 10 | 12:00 p.m. | Zoom
Please join us on Tuesday, February 10, for a Zoom focused on youth mental health. We are honored to host Dr. Ned Strauss, Board President and Education Chair for the SE Chapter of the American Federation for Suicide Prevention.
This session is designed to help define mental wellness, recognize early warning signs of struggle, and learn how to guide your child through mental health concerns—whether for themselves or a friend. While this presentation will be the "first look" at the content prepared for Middle School Students on February 17 during wellness time, all parents are invited to view the material and interact with our presenter.
Fall 2025 Parent Ed Events
- Learn More About Odyssey of the Mind (Sept. 3)
- High School Workshop (Sept. 6)
- The Disengaged Teen (Oct. 2)
- ISAS Parent Webinar Series (Sept. - May)
- Dad's Breakfast (Oct. 10)
- Middle School Town Halls (Oct. 28, 29, 30)
- Childhood Phases - Part 1 (Oct. 31)
- Managing Big Emotions (Nov. 14)
- BFF's, Frenemies, and More (Nov. 17)
Learn More About Odyssey of the Mind (Sept. 3)
Learn More About Odyssey of the Mind
Wednesday, September 3 | 8:15 a.m. | FPC Solarium
Presbyterian School invites all 2nd-8th grade students to participate in Odyssey of the
Children form teams of 5-7 students to solve problems and bring those solutions to an Odyssey of the Mind
Odyssey of the Mind (OM) is an educational program designed to encourage children to think creatively and solve problems on their own without any outside assistance from adults. OM's creative problem-solving process rewards thinking "outside of the box." Children learn how to brainstorm, organize, be creative with materials, and work as a team. By tapping into creativity, and through encouraging imaginative paths to problem-solving, students learn skills that will provide them with the ability to solve problems — great and small — for a lifetime.
To learn more about Odyssey of the Mind at Presbyterian School, and how to join a team, please join Gail Kirkconnell, Lower School Think.Make.Talk Teacher on September 6 for a parent meeting.
High School Workshop (Sept. 6)
High School Workshop
Saturday, September 6 | Fellowship Hall
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM for last names A-H
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM for last names J-Y
This workshop will equip 8th grade students and parents with the tools to navigate the high school admissions process. Attendees will rotate through a series of informative workshops that cover essential topics such as:
- Preparing for the ISEE
- Interview Preparation
- Writing Effective Essays
- Organizing your Applicant File
This workshop is required for all 8th grade students to attend with at least one parent.
The Disengaged Teen (Oct. 2)
The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better
Thursday, October 2 | 8:15 a.m. | LC181
Pick up a copy of The Disengaged Teen by Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop and join Head of School, Dr. Mark Carleton, as he explores the book's topics in depth.
The Disengaged Teen offers parents practical, evidence-backed strategies to help teens who are checked-out or overwhelmed find their spark and thrive academically and emotionally. Authors Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop draw on extensive research and real-life stories to explain why many teens lose their love of learning and how parents can help rekindle it.
They outline four key learning modes: Resister, Passenger, Achiever, and Explorer and show parents how to recognize and support their child's unique learning style. By connecting school to real interests, building self-awareness, and fostering curiosity, parents can guide their teens from disengagement to purpose and fulfillment.
ISAS Parent Webinar Series (Sept. - May)
Helpful Parenting Webinar Series
September - May | Zoom
Join us for a Parent Ed Webinar Series hosted by ISACS (The Independent Schools Association of the Central States). The six one-hour webinars are for parents in all stages of their children’s growth and will give you an opportunity to from leading experts in the fields of education, parenting, and child development.
Every parent must pre-register one time in order to have access to the webinars and recordings. The one time pre-registration will allow you to register for all of the webinars at once. Webinars recorded in 2025 will be available until December 31, 2025 and webinars recorded in 2025 will be available until June 30, 2026. See below for the descriptions of the webinars. Registration information coming soon.
School Skills: Setting Kids Up for Success
Thursday, September 25 | 6:30p.m. | Zoom
Dr. Lisa Damour, author of three The New York Times bestsellers: Untangled, Under Pressure, and The Emotional Lives of Teenagers, will address how to help children and teenagers manage uncomfortable emotions, adapt to new challenges, and cope with stress effectively. She also will cover when it’s time to worry about how a child or teen is doing at school and, under those circumstances, what to do. All are welcome. Recording available until December 31, 2025.
How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Impacted Everything + What We Can Do About It
Tuesday, October 28 | 6:30p.m. | Zoom
Jonathan Haidt wrote The Anxious Generation with a firm belief that the challenges confronting our children and our families are solvable. However, addressing these challenges requires understanding the traps we have fallen into, so we can see the escape routes. The main escape routes are four new norms: delay smartphones until high school, delay social media until 16, phone-free schools, and more independence and play in the real world. Haidt will share the research that underpins the book and leave parents with inspiration and concrete plans to facilitate change in
their families and communities. All are welcome. Recording available until December 31, 2025.
Elevating Discipline with the Brain in Mind
Tuesday, January 13 | 6:30p.m. | Zoom
Join Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, the New York Times best-selling author of The Whole-Brain Child and No-Drama Discipline as she shares transformative ideas that can serve as a go-to guide for parents and caregivers. With candid stories, compassion, and humor, Bryson will address the challenges we see in everyday parenting and help us approach them from a brain-based lens. She will revisit the true meaning of the word discipline—to teach so that kids learn essential skills—and show caregivers how “chasing the why” behind behaviors and combining nurture with structure can help us shift behaviors, strengthen relationships, and improve discipline. All are welcome. Recording available until June 30, 2026.
10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People
Tuesday, February 10 | 6:30p.m. | Zoom
Young people have an innate need to be respected and admired. But few parents understand how to harness it. David Yeager can help. An expert on the psychology of grit and persistence, Yeager has spent years researching how to motivate and equip young people for success. He can show us why our conventional methods of communicating with young people aged 10 to 25 tend to leave everyone frustrated, and he can teach us a better way of ensuring the younger generation feels inspired, enthusiastic, and empowered to do their best work. Learn how to adopt what he calls the “mentor mindset,” a leadership style that taps into young people’s desire for respect. He offers highly effective and surprisingly easy-to-learn practices: like being transparent about your goals rather than expecting your children to read your mind or holding them to high standards rather than coddling them. This is crucial for anyone who wants to be a more effective parent. Recording available until June 30, 2026.
Happier Parenting: Evidence-based Strategies for Improving Parent Happiness
Wednesday, April 15 | 6:30p.m. | Zoom
Feeling overwhelmed by the unique challenges of modern parenting? Join Professor Laurie Santos of Yale University host of The Happiness Lab podcast, to learn science-backed strategies for happier parenting. We will tackle topics like rethinking time management, dealing with tough feelings like guilt and frustration, navigating your child’s academic stress and screen time, and how to avoid the trap of overparenting. We also will see why parents need to prioritize their own well-being, not just to help themselves but to create a happier, healthier family life. This session is for parents of children of all a es with a special focus on middle-grade to teen years. Recording available until June 30, 2026.
Conscious Parenting: Raising Resilient, Self-aware & Connected Children
Wednesday, May 6 | 6:30p.m. | Zoom
Dr. Shefali, author of three The New York Times best-sellers, The Conscious Parent, A Radical Awakening and The Parenting Map will introduce the principles of conscious parenting— a revolutionary approach that shifts the traditional paradigm from control to connection. Participants will explore how their own conditioning and emotional patterns influence their parenting style, and how self-awareness is the key to raising emotionally healthy and resilient children. With practical tools and heartfelt wisdom, Dr. Shefali will guide parents to move beyond reactivity and into deeper, more authentic relationships with their children. Parents will leave feeling empowered to foster mindfulness, empathy, and independence in their homes. There will be a special focus for parents of children ages 5–18. Recording available until June 30, 2026.
Dad's Breakfast (Oct. 10)
Dad's Breakfast
Friday, October 10 | 7:30 a.m. | LC181
All dads are invited to join Head of School, Dr. Mark Carleton, for breakfast, coffee, and conversation. This is a great chance to meet other dads, reconnect with familiar faces, and start the day with great company. Tickets are $10 and available for purchase using the link below. As a reminder, PK4-8th grade students may participate in Early Care from 7:15 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Middle School Town Halls (Oct. 28, 29, 30)
Childhood Phases - Part 1 (Oct. 31)
Phases (EC and LS)
October 31 | 8:15 a.m. | LC181
Parents have 936 weeks between their child's birth and graduation from high school...that's 936 weeks to understand and engage in the critical spiritual and developmental "Phases" of a child's life. Join Head of School, Dr. Mark Carleton, in a two-part series as he discusses the characteristics of these Phases as well as how to be more present for our children as they navigate through them. The session on October 31 focuses on children in Early Childhood and Lower School. The Middle School session will be held in January.
Managing Big Emotions (Nov. 14)
Managing Big Emotions
Friday, November 14 | 8:15 a.m. | LC181
Parenting comes with many challenges, but one thing that makes the journey a little easier is understanding your child’s emotions — and even more, helping them understand those emotions, too! Sometimes, feelings can feel bigger when your smaller. What may seem unimportant to an adult can feel monumental to a child.
Join Kallie Allen, LPC-S from the Nick Finnegan Counseling Center as she talks through practical ways to help kids navigate their big emotions while keeping your cool and maintaining a consistent, supportive discipline structure.
BFF's, Frenemies, and More (Nov. 17)
BFF's, Frenemies, and More
Monday, November 17 | 8:15 a.m. | LC181
Friendships can be one of the greatest joys of middle school — but they can also be one of its biggest challenges. Join us for BFF's, Frenemies, and More, an engaging session with Kallie Allen, LPC-S from the Nick Finnegan Counseling Center designed to help parents better understand the ups and downs of adolescent friendships.