Upper School Parent Education Events
Dear Parents:
During the second semester, the Counseling Department, working closely with
the Dean of Students and the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, will
offer five evenings of parent education on topics important to student life. With
one exception, all talks and discussions will begin on Tuesday evenings at 6:30
p.m. Please join us for any or all of these events; each will provide time for
questions and discussions.
1. Smart Kids/Smart Phones with Devorah Heitner, Ph.D.
Tuesday, February 24, 6:30 p.m. | Cafeteria (All Upper School parents are
invited)
What are students DOING on there? How can we raise thoughtful, empathetic
kids with great judgment? How can we help them navigate friendships and
identity formation in the age of constant connectivity? Dr. Heitner offers
research-based suggestions about key media issues to discuss with your
adolescent child as well as how to find creative ways for technology to bring
your family together. She will discuss a variety of issues, including the myths
and realities about one’s digital footprint for college and career. Dr. Heitner will
work with the 9th grade Health students on the Monday prior to the parent
talk.
2. The Social/Party Scene at Parker with Upper School Counselors Binita
Donohue and Gary Childrey and Dean of Students Edward Amos
Tuesday, March 31, 6:30 p.m. | Cafeteria (for 9th and 10th grade parents)
This program is designed for 9th and 10th grade parents to hear about some of
the latest research on adolescent drug and alcohol use as well as school policies
around these issues. Most important, it will be an opportunity for parents to talk
with each other about parties and social gatherings that happen in the evenings
and on weekends.
3. FCD (Freedom from Chemical Dependency™)
Tuesday, April 21, 6:30 p.m. | Cafeteria (for 11th and 12th grade parents)
Wednesday April 22, 6:30 p.m. | Cafeteria (for 9th and 10th grade parents)
FCD is the leading international nonprofit provider of school-based substance
abuse prevention services. For decades, FCD has worked worldwide to provide
students and the adults who care for them with the knowledge, understanding
and skills they need to make intelligent, healthy choices about alcohol, tobacco
and other drug use. FCD will be working with all 9th and 10th graders for four
sessions from Monday, April 20 to Thursday, April 23.
They will also work with the Counseling Department and the Dean of Students’
office to offer two evening talks for parents.
4. Sexual Identity and Sexualization in the Media with Director of
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Dina Levi and Upper School Counselor Binita
Donohue
Tuesday, May 12, 6:30 p.m. | Harris Center
Whether we are learning of another sexual assault on a college campus, getting
details about the intimate relationships of celebrities or witnessing the coming
out process for a professional athlete, subjects that may have once felt taboo to
talk about with our kids are now front and center in the media. What is the
impact of these issues on our teenagers, who themselves are in the midst of
figuring out who they are? Please join us to discuss ways that parents can raise
awareness of these relevant and important topics in a sensitive way that
facilitates healthy identity development.
Respectfully,
Binita Donohue, Upper School Counselor
Gary Childery, Upper School Counselor
Ed Amos, Upper School Dean of Students
Dina Levi, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Joe Ruggiero, Head of Upper School
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