D124 Offers Presentation on Raising Screenwise Kids in Digital Age

EVERGREEN PARK, IL -- If you’re a parent or grandparent and concerned about the amount of time your elementary school-aged child spends on her digital devices, then come hear some dynamic speakers address this very topic at a free informational session hosted by Dist. 124.

EPSD 124 Parent University is open to all parents of children attending Dist. 124 and community members from 6 to 8:30 p.m., March 13. Parents of children attending Evergreen Park parochial schools are also welcome. The free informational session features dinner, a keynote speaker and breakout sessions at Central Middle School, 9400 Sawyer Ave., Evergreen Park.

The session features keynote speaker Devorah Heitner, Ph.D., a social media and technology expert who 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 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.

Following the presentation, three breakout sessions will be offered, including:

• “Homework without Tears, Arguments or Headaches” -- Liz Van Dorn, BCBA with Footsteps of Change, delivers strategies for improving homework completion;
• “Passing the Torch through Storytelling” -- Mama Edie Armstrong, bilingual (Spanish/English) storyteller, shows parents and grandparents how to use storytelling to meaningfully connect with one’s culture, values.
• “Proactive Parenting” -- Kathy Muroz, LMSW, for Youth Services Bureau, assists parents assist parents in discovering their child’s primary love language.

Register online for EPSD 124 Parent University at Eventbrite.

To register for FREE CHILDCARE email Jan Stanton @ jwittleder@d124.org

Photo: Devorah Heitner , PhD