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[events] [web]  • physical
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Parent Education -- Online Resources

Last updated May 14, 2012

 
WELCOME TO THE PARENT ED PAGES,
PTA Council's index to parent education opportunities (talks, meetings, & TV shows) and online resources. Please explore! If you know of interesting events we've missed, please let us know -- write to us at eNews@paloaltopta.org.
 

WHAT'S HAPPENING?
(Your CALENDAR)
 
WHAT'S AVAILABLE?
(Your CATALOGUE)
Upcoming talks, events, & broadcasts, organized by date and by topic. In the index on the right, click "[events]" for the topic you want.   Archived talks and other Web-based info, organized by topic, available 24/7. In the index on the right, click "[web]" for the topic you want.

To submit information, please click here. Items that are partisan, sectarian, discriminatory, commercial, or otherwise inappropriate will not be accepted. PTA Council retains sole editorial discretion. PTA strives for accuracy, but cannot be responsible for errors.

PTA Council thanks the Midpeninsula Media Center and the Palo Alto Medical Foundation for working with us to create the library of online parent education talks.


VIDEOS by SPEAKER & TITLE

Click title to read description and to watch video.

 
 
 
  PTA Units  
 
  PTA -- Council,  
 
  PAUSD & City  
 
 
 
 
    
 
  District, & State  
 
   
 
         
 
INDEX BY SPEAKER
 
  Susan Stone Belton Communicating with Your Teen: Keeping the Door Open  
  Dr. Jed Black Sleepless in Palo Alto  
  Dr. William Damon Path to Purpose: Helping Children Find their Calling  
  Sheila Dubin The Romance of Risk  
  Dr. Ken Ginsburg Building Resilience: Preparing Our Children for Life  
  Dr. Ken Ginsburg Real Success  
  Clay Roberts It Takes a Family AND a Village to Raise a Child  
  Dr. Tina Seelig InGenius -- Unlocking Levers for Creativity  
  Senator Joe Simitian Education Update Meeti\ng (28 Jan 2012)  
       
       
 
PANEL DISCUSSIONS
 
  panel discussion Connecting with Your Teen  
  panel discussion Developmental Assets  
  panel discussion Nurturing Emotional Intelligence  
  panel discussion Connecting Family & Culture to Our Children's Voices  
       
     


 

ADVOCACY

 
P-5
6-8
9-14
   EDSOURCE.
EdSource logo   EdSource has a wealth of clear, accurate information and resources that you can trust & share. On our [website] you'll find briefs to help you understand & explain the situation, news about the impact on K-12 schools, districts, & community colleges, and regular updates on policy actions and debates.
EdSource is an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit whose mission is to clarify complex education issues and to promote thoughtful policy decisions about public school improvement. It was established in 1977 by the California State PTA, the League of Women Voters of California, and the American Association of University Women—California chapter.
 
     
     
 
P-5
6-8
9-14
   EDSOURCE FORUM, MARCH 2011:
WHAT'S AT STAKE FOR EDUCATION
IN THE CURRENT BUDGET CRISIS?
If the state can't increase projected revenues, K-12 public schools will likely suffer cuts that could cripple some districts' ability to function and almost certainly curtail many current efforts at educational improvement.
Local school officials throughout the state are asking, "What happens now?" EdSource can help explain what's at stake:
•
 5-minute YouTube video excerpt from the 2011 EdSource Forum helps draw the connection between what's going on at the state level & its impact on schools.
•
 Current Budget Discussions web page tells you what's happening now, & answers some frequently-asked questions about California school funding.
 
     
     
 
P-5
6-8
9-14
   EDSOURCE FORUM, MARCH 2010:
CALIFORNIA AT A CROSSROADS:
CRISIS AND OPPORTUNITY.
The 2010 EdSource Forum included
•
 a state K-14 budget update & projection
•
 a groundbreaking study of middle grades in California
•
 two candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction
•
 and two high-level community college leaders in their first joint moderated discussion.
[Click here] to watch all the presentations! 		 
     
     


ARTS

 
K-5
6-8
9-12
ARTSPIRATION.
brochure   Artspiration is a countywide initiative to provide arts education for all public school students -- a team of administrators, teachers, parents, students, community leaders, & artists working to bring more arts into all classrooms -- a community-backed movement to bring back creativity & innovation!
Artspiration supports professional development, advocacy, & student engagement. It offers
•
 workshops for parents;
•
 links to programs for students;
•
 info about [grants] to support the arts;
•
 ways YOU can [get involved];
•
 and much more!
Info: [brochure]; http://artspiration.sccoe.org.
Artspiration is based at the Santa Clara County Office of Education, and supported by a generous grant from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
 
     
     
 
K-5
6-8
9-12
SMARTS -- BRING BACK THE ARTS.
SMARTS logo   California State PTA believes the arts are essential for a creative, engaged, work-prepared and civic-minded student population.
The arts are a critical link to learning success. That's why PTA is leading an effort to create a sustainable and ever-growing network of parents, family members, & caring adults who will act at the local & state levels to promote & support access for all students to a complete education -- one that includes the arts.
[Click here] to learn what PTA is doing ... and what YOU can do!
SMARTS Newsletter: [subscribe] [back issues]
 
     
     


COLLEGE & CAREER

 
10-12
   COLLEGE FAIRS.
Is it time to decide which postsecondary option is right for you? Plan to attend a College Fair for info on:
•
 Admission requirements
•
 Testing
•
 Financial aid
•
 College Majors
Before you go -- some brief & useful web pages:
•
 College & Career Center web sites: [Gunn] [Paly]
•
 "Making the Most of a College Fair"
•
 "Faring Well at College Fairs"
•
 "Prep for the Fair"
•
 "Tips for Visual & Performing Arts Students"
Upcoming College Fairs: [click here]
 
     
   
 
10-12
   LEARNING EXPRESS.
This service from your Palo Alto City Library (PACL) gives you online skills improvement, test prep, and practice tests for PSAT, SAT, ACT, & more. It's all FREE, but you must have a City of Palo Alto Library Card (also FREE). [Click here], then scroll down to "Practice Tests" (right-hand column).
 
     
     


COMMUNITY

 
K-5
6-8
9-12
   THE STATE BUDGET and OUR SCHOOLS.
Online: [click here]
Running time 2:09.
Cablecast/Webcast: [schedule]
On Sat Jan 28, State Senator Joe Simitian held an “Education Update Meeting" here at 25 Churchill, to explain the budget issues in Sacramento and how they affect our schools. For the first time ever, his audience overflowed the Board Room -- they had to pipe the talk into two overflow rooms. Missed it? Watch it online or on cable TV!
 
     
     
 
K-5
6-8
9-12
   PALO ALTO PTA COUNCIL 2011
HONORARY SERVICE AWARDS LUNCHEON.
Online: [click here]
Running time 1:07.
Cablecast/Webcast: [schedule]
Each Spring, PTA Council celebrates the individuals and organizations that do wonderful things for children and youth, and make our community such a great place to live and to raise our families. Come meet this year's honorees!
 
     
     


24/7 CRISIS PHONE NUMBERS

 
K-5
6-8
9-12
   24/7 CRISIS PHONE NUMBERS.
650-424-0852 Adolescent Counseling Services
650-321-5272 Kara Grief Support & Education
650-326-6576 Family & Children's Services
408-980-9801 Centre for Living with Dying
855-278-4204 Santa Clara County Suicide & Crisis Hotline
408-279-8288 Teenline / Crisis Intervention
650-573-3950 Youth & Family Enrichment Services Alcohol & Drug Hotline
408-279-8228 County Psychological Assn. Parental Stress Hotline
415-865-5555 LGBTQ Youth Support Hotline
408-270-8182 PFLAG (Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays)
 
     
     


GATE (GIFTED & TALENTED EDUCATION)

     
     


HEALTH (PHYSICAL)

 
6-8
9-12
DVD
   SLEEPLESS IN PALO ALTO
On Oct 28, 2010, Dr. Jed Black, sleep expert from Stanford, led a terrific Paly parent ed program on sleep & adolescence. We had a very good turnout despite the World Series. If you missed it, DVDs are now available! Learn what you can do as a parent to help your kid. Understand  the strong correlations among sleep, academic performance, and physical & psychological health. For a copy of the $2 DVD please contact parent ed co-chair Mary Louise Ebinger, theebingers@comcast.net. Questions? Contact Mary Louise, or Maureen Simons, mtsimons@sbcglobal.net.
 
     
     
 
K-5
6-8
9-12
   CALIFORNIA STATE PTA.
•
 Health Resources Page: Resources for parents and families.
•
 Health Commission Home Page: Learn what State PTA is working on!
•
 Health Tidbits newsletter, April 2012.
 
     
     
 
K-5
6-8
9-12
   LUCILE PACKARD CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
HEALTH LIBRARY.
Health University logo   Lucile Packard Children's Hospital offers health info online:
•
 Health Conditions: Children's health conditions, diseases, & safety.
•
 Is Your Child Ill or Injured? Your most common questions & concerns about your child's health.
•
 Research and Clinical Trials: discover clinical trials open at Stanford University Medical Center.
•
 Family Resource Center: for hospital patients, families, & staff: access to a wide variety of info about child & maternal health & well-being.
•
 Stanford Health Library: online info service, with links to in-depth resources such as full text books, streamed videos, and a health web directory. You may call or e-mail for personalized service.
 
     
     


HEALTH (SOCIAL / EMOTIONAL)

 
K-5
6-8
  RAISING WELL-BALANCED CHILDREN
IN A FAST-PACED WORLD.
Challenge Success
   How much homework help is too much? How do I decide which activities are best for my kid? Is it OK for my 13-year-old to be on Facebook every day?
If you’re not sure, you’re not alone. If you are wondering how to raise healthier, happier kids and help your family feel more connected, then these classes are for you. Join us in using the best available research to explore ways to bring balance to our kids, our families, and our everyday lives. Our interactive online course lets you work at your own pace, on your own schedule.
Cost: 7-session course, $179 (introductory price); individual sessions, $50.
Info & registration:  [online courses]  [in-person workshops]
 
     
     
 
K-5
6-8
9-12
CLAY ROBERTS: IT TAKES A FAMILY
AND A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD.   [flyer]
Online: [click here]
Running time 1:58.
Cablecast/Webcast: [schedule]
Nationally recognized speaker Clay Roberts talks about the importance of the 41 Developmental Assets in our children’s lives. He is a dynamic and engaging speaker who gives us concrete examples of how to be an asset builder. You’ve heard the phrase “It Takes a Village.” Now find out what that village looks like!
 
     
     
 
6-8
9-12
FROM CRISIS TO LONG-TERM STRATEGY: DEVELOPMENTAL ASSETS -- A COMMUNITY FRAMEWORK FOR HELPING YOUTH THRIVE.
Online: [click here]
Running time 1:50.
Cablecast/Webcast: [schedule]
Panel presentations to introduce the Developmental Assets framework that has been adopted by the school district, the City, & community agencies to support the health, resiliency, & overall well-being of our youth. Learn about the upcoming school survey which will measure student attitudes, behaviors & assets. Become an asset builder for your child! [flyer] [story in Palo Alto Online]
 
     
     
 
K-5
6-8
9-12
  RESILIENCY EXPERT DR. KEN GINSBURG
DVD: only $2. [details & order form]
This PTA Council DVD features two presentations by Dr. Ken Ginsburg:
•
 25 Mar 2010, to parents & educators, "Building Resilience in Children & Teens: Preparing Our Children for Life."
•
 26 Mar 2010, to Gunn students: "Real Success."
A great way to learn & to share, with parents, teachers, & students, info on resiliency from one of our nation's leading health experts.
 
     
     
 
K-5
6-8
9-12
  DR. KEN GINSBURG: "BUILDING RESILIENCE".
ONLINE: [click here]. Running time 1:53.
On Thu Mar 25, 2010, at Gunn, Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg spoke to a capacity crowd about "Building Resilience in Children & Teens: Preparing Our Children for Life."
[story (Palo Alto Online)]
 
     
     


LEARNING

 
K-5
6-8
9-12
"InGenius":  Levers for Unlocking Creativity.
Online: [click here]
Running time 1:34.
Cablecast/Webcast: [schedule]
Author & Stanford Professor Tina Seelig highlights ways to stretch our imaginations & enhance creativity & innovation, not only in successful business ventures, but in all aspects of our lives. From how we frame questions to the assumptions we bring to solving problems, she shows that when looked at with fresh eyes, most challenges are opportunities for creative solutions. She is joined by Matthew Severson (Paly 2007, Brown 2011), founder of The School Fund, which helps students in Tanzania. He offers a real life example of this creative approach to identifying & solving compelling social problems.  [SJ Merc article] [flyer]
 
     
     
 
K-5
6-8
9-12
   BOOKLETTERS, FOR ALL BOOK LOVERS!
This service from your Palo Alto City Library (PACL) makes it easy to sign up for enewsletters, browse awards lists, & much more, including --
bookletters
•
 genre- & age-related newsletters & awards lists;
•
 PACL's own enewsletters such as PACL Kids & Teen Zone;
•
 What's Going On @ the Library?;
•
 Fiction and non-fiction bestsellers lists from the NY Times;
•
 Kids' picture books and chapter books;
•
 Audio list of new books on CD;
Plus -- heard about an interesting book on the radio or TV, but didn't write it down? At the end of each week, Books on the Air comes out with a list of what was on!
So [take a look] and browse the lists. Sign up for as many as you want; choose email or RSS feed. it's easy to cancel a list at any time.
 
     
     
 
K-5
6-8
9-12
   EDUCATION INFO ONLINE.
SCHOOLS, TEACHING, & LEARNING
•
 CDE -- California Dept of Education
•
 CFTL - Center for the Future of Teaching and Learning
•
 Ed-Data
•
 EdSource
•
 PTA -- California State PTA
•
 PTA -- National PTA
SCHOOL FUNDING (OR THE LACK OF IT)
•
 CBP -- California Budget Project
•
 LAO -- Legislative Analyst's Office
•
 PPIC -- Public Policy Institute of California
 
     
     


PARENTING

 
K-5
6-8
9-12
CLAY ROBERTS: IT TAKES A FAMILY
AND A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD.   [flyer]
Online: [click here]
Running time 1:58.
Cablecast/Webcast: [schedule]
Nationally recognized speaker Clay Roberts talks about the importance of the 41 Developmental Assets in our children’s lives. He is a dynamic and engaging speaker who gives us concrete examples of how to be an asset builder. You’ve heard the phrase “It Takes a Village.” Now find out what that village looks like!
 
     
     
 
6-8
9-12
COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR TEEN:
KEEPING THE DOOR OPEN.
Online: [click here]
Running time 1:12.
Cablecast/Webcast: [schedule]
It’s not uncommon for the doors to communication to literally feel shut during the teen age years, yet it is one of the most important times to communicate with your son or daughter. What worked during the elementary school years may no longer work during adolescence. This workshop will give parents strategies for keeping the doors to communication open, strong and healthy.
Speaker: Susan Stone Belton, BSE, from Parents Place.
 
     
     
 
6-8
9-12
CONNECTING WITH YOUR TEEN:
A COMMUNITY CONVERSATION.
ONLINE: [click here]. Running time 1:18.
An engaging, interactive session, hosted by local parenting experts focused on one goal—to help parents consider, gather and share the very best strategies for enhancing their relationship with their teens. [flyer]
 
   
     
 
6-8
9-12
THE PATH TO PURPOSE: HELPING CHILDREN FIND THEIR CALLING.
ONLINE: [click here]. Running time 1:17.
Stanford Professor William Damon offers a blueprint for helping children from K-12 unlock their own potential. [flyer]
More info & suggested readings: http://paloaltopta.org/wp_ptac/?p=789
 
   
     
 
6-8
9-12
THE ROMANCE OF RISK: TALKING WITH YOUR TEEN ABOUT RISK BEHAVIORS.
ONLINE: [click here]. Running time 1:30.
Teens need risk in order to grow. They also need parental support in order to take those risks. In this workshop we will discuss what is “healthy” risk-taking and when a parent needs to be concerned and intervene. We will also address how parents can talk with their teens to help them develop in healthy ways.
Speaker: Sheila Dubin, MS, Parents Place.
 
   
     
 
K-5
6-8
9-12
THE CHALLENGE OF NURTURING (EMOTIONAL) INTELLIGENCE IN PALO ALTO.
ONLINE: [click here]. Running time 2:02.
This event is a follow-up to “Growing Up Asian in Palo Alto”, March 2010. [flyer]
Does your child feel overscheduled? Do you protect your child from making mistakes by making decisions for him/her? When you plan for your child’s future, is anything more important to you than academic achievement?
Panelists: Stephen Murphy Shigematsu, Bhavna Narula, and Helen Sung.
These experts have decades of experience counseling PA/Silicon Valley parents & their children within the K-16 context. They also teach university courses on student mental health, emotional intelligence, & cross-cultural issues in education, and training for counselors. Flyers: [English] [Mandarin] 
 
   
     
 
K-5
6-8
9-12
CONNECTING FAMILY & CULTURE
TO OUR CHILDREN'S VOICES.
Online: [click here]
Running time 2:08.
Cablecast/Webcast: [schedule]
The final part of our 3-part community conversation, "Growing Up Asian in Palo Alto."
•
 Our children have spoken. Is anyone listening?
•
 What does the student survey reveal about growing up in Palo Alto?
•
 How does culture influence and shape our children’s values?
•
 What can we learn from our children?
Our panel of Palo Alto parents highlighted results from the Developmental Assets student survey, & led a lively discussion of how culture & community influence our children’s development & shape an environment that helps our youth thrive.
 
   
     
 
P-5
6-8
9-12
   BRIEF VIDEOS & SLIDE PRESENTATIONS
ONLINE at CHILDREN'S HEALTH COUNCIL.
CHC logo   A wide variety of videos and slide presentations about children & parenting, birth thru adolescence.
(For Parent Ed classes, [click here ].)
Videos in 5 categories: [index to all videos]
•
 Choosing the Right Preschool
•
 Distracted & Disorganized: Helping Kids with ADHD Symptoms
•
 Moodiness & Stress in Teens
•
 Internet & Teens
•
 Depression & Teens
Slide presentations:
•
 [Positive Discipline]
•
 [Homework! How Parents Can Help Their Struggling Child]
•
 [Understanding Your Child's Temperament]
 
     
     


PTA TRAINING

 
K-5
6-8
9-12
   PTA LEADERSHIP TRAINING.
A big "Thank you!" to all who have volunteered to serve on PTA boards, at your child's school or on PTA Council! To help you hit the ground running, PTA provides many opportunities for new officers & chairs to learn about their positions, and for experienced folks to strengthen & deepen their knowledge and skills. Learn more, & network with your colleagues!
 
     
     
 
K-5
6-8
9-12
   NATIONAL PTA E-LEARNING COURSES.
Learn at home, at your own pace and on your own schedule! National PTA offers FREE leadership training courses online:
•
 PTA Basics  
•
 Effective Advocacy for Your Child
•
 Planning Your PTA Year  
•
 Conflict Management
•
 Planning and Goal Setting  
•
 Reflections 101
•
 Preventing Theft in Your PTA  
•
 Cultural Competency
 
•
 Creating Successful Family-School Partnerships  
... and more. Go to http://www.pta.org/e_learning.asp today! (To log in, you will need your PTA membership card.)
 
     
     


SAFETY

 
K-5
6-8
9-12
   COMMON SENSE MEDIA.
Common Sense Media logo   Everything from reviews & ratings of movies & video games to info about videos, music, social networking, & much, much more.
Common Sense Media is an Allied Agency of the California State PTA.
 
     
     


SPECIAL EDUCATION

 
K-5
6-8
9-12
   PTA RESOURCES FOR YOU.
PTA logo  
(1) Do you have a child with special needs (an IEP or 504)?
[Click here] to join the Palo Alto Special Ed parent e-mail list, to receive announcements & ask questions of other parents;
(2) the PTA Council special ed representative has appointed a special ed rep at each school. To contact the rep at your school, contact Barbara Shufro;
(3) check announcements on this web page and on the [events] page;
(4) and of course, check your own school's PTA eNews bulletin.
 
     
     
 
K-5
6-8
9-12
   CAC:  COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION.
CAC logo   CAC, a volunteer group of parents, provides advice to PAUSD's special education administrators and the board of education on matters pertaining to special education.  It offers parent education through monthly [programs], handbooks, and a newsletter, Special EDition.  It also provides parent support through a hotline and sponsored events. Learn more at http://www.cac-paloalto.org/.
 
     
     
 
K-5
6-8
9-12
   SELPA 1 CAC
(COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE).
SELPA 1 CAC is a volunteer organization that works on Special Education issues in PAUSD, Los Altos, and Mountain View. It offers monthly parent education programs, a catalogue of resources, and an excellent handbook, What Every Parent Should Know about Special Education. Learn more at http://www.selpa1cac.org.
 
     
     
 
K-5
6-8
9-12
DVD
 SELPA 1 CAC
(COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE).
DVDs of recent SELPA 1 CAC Parent Education talks are available in the Library at Covington School in Los Altos. Learn more at http://www.selpa1cac.org.
 
     
     
 
K-5
6-8
9-12
   PARENTS HELPING PARENTS.
PHP logo   PHP's family resource & service staff helps families who have children of any age (infancy thru adulthood) with special needs. It's never too late to call PHP! Adult siblings with responsibility for the care of their sibling with a disability can call PHP too. Learn more at http://www.php.com.
 
     
     
 
K-5
6-8
9-12
   AUTISM RESOURCES at STANFORD.
Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford offers a variety of resources,
including web sites, e-mails, classes, and support groups.
Learn more at http://childpsychiatry.stanford.edu/autism.html.
 
     
     


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