Author, Social Media Guru Presents to Parents This Month

Parents of fourth through eighth grade students in the Lyons Township area are invited to a special presentation by Devorah Heitner, Ph.D., technology and social media expert, on Sept. 22 at 7pm at Park Junior High School, located at 333 N. Park Rd. in La Grange Park. This free event, titled Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World, is open to all parents whose children attend Districts 101, 102, 105, 106 and 107. At this event, Heitner will help parents better understand how to raise digital natives. Her presentation focuses on setting limits, understanding the importance of technology and the applications children use and how it impacts their digital footprint.

Heitner founded Raising Digital Natives (www.raisingdigitalnatives.com) to help schools and organizations cultivate a culture of responsible digital citizenship. Her book, Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in the Digital Age is a guide for parents. She enjoys working with excellent public and independent schools across the United States and beyond. Heitner holds a Ph.D. in Media/ Technology and Society from Northwestern University, and has been published in Edutopia, Good Digital Parenting, and PBS Kids.

Signed copies of her book will be available for purchase. Space for the event is limited and parents are asked to register through Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/screenwise-helping-kids-thrive-and-survive-in-their-digital-world-tickets-26541802245

Prior to the parent event, Heitner will address township staff on Sept. 22 at 4 pm at Park Junior High School. Her presentation will be approximately an hour long and will focus on Positive Approaches to Digital Citizenship. All attendees will receive CPDU’s for their participation.

This presentation is hosted by the Parent Community Network and Pleasantdale School District 107, La Grange School District 102, Western Springs School District 101, LaGrange-Highlands School District 106, La Grange School District 105 and the La Grange Area Department of Special Education.

For additional information, please contact Kim Gilman at Kim.a.Gilman@gmail.com or 630-272-9315. Staff questions may be directed to Dave Palzet at dpalzet@d107.org.