5th Annual Middle School Parenting Conference

Registration is open for the 5th Annual High Rock-Pollard Middle School Parenting Conference at Pollard Middle School on Saturday, November 22 from 7:30am to 12:00pm. Through November 14, click here to reserve your place at The Glass IS Half Full: Positive Approaches to Your Middle School Parenting Challenges, where Needham Public School educators, health and wellness professionals and child development experts share practical tips and insight on:

✓ Drawing on strengths to encourage good decisions

✓ Promoting “positive risk” behaviors

✓ Protecting your connected kid

✓ Digital citizenship

✓ Understanding teen stress and anxiety

✓ Balancing academics, activities, friendships and family life

✓ Talking about sex and sexuality

✓ Helping students of color build and sustain a sense of cultural pride

✓ What really is on your teenager’s mind

Following check in and a 30-minute breakfast, the formal program kicks off with a keynote from Charlie Appelstein, M.S.W., a youth care trainer, critically acclaimed author and inspiring speaker who is known widely for his sense of humor and energy. Described as “the best youth care trainer in America,” he’ll talk about parenting with a positive approach that emphasizes strength building over flaw fixing.

The conference also offers two workshops from Jon Mattleman, Director of Needham Youth Services, who will provide parents with tips for helping kids avoid the real and hidden dangers of being plugged-in 24/7. At his compelling “The Secret Life of a Teen” presentation, Mattleman will give a revealing look at what kids really think and do, and how parents can understand and support them.

New to the conference this year is a workshop highlighting the unique challenges faced by students of color, simultaneously navigating the uncertainties of adolescence with the development of their racial identities. Led by Wellesley METCO alumnus and Wellesley Middle School Guidance Counselor, Bill Craft, the workshop gives parents tips to help adolescents of color build and sustain a sense of cultural pride as they integrate into the Needham school environment.

Of special relevance as iPads are integrated into the 6th grade curriculum, is a workshop led by middle school principals Tamatha Bibbo of Pollard and Jessica Downey of High Rock on digital citizenship and the value of technology to kids’ organizational skills.

The Glass IS Half Full: Positive Approaches to Your Middle School Parenting Challenges is sponsored by the High Rock-Pollard PTC and free to the public.