Mental Health Matters

As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of students and families, we are transforming our caring-adult education program from D34 ParentConnect to Mental Health Matters. We have heard from you that this is the most important topic to our families! Look for a variety of topics, presenters and formats.

2024-25 Programs

Keeping Kids Safe Online with Our SROs

This Mental Health Matters presentation provided valuable insights and practical advice on how to keep our kids safe online, empowering parents and guardians with the knowledge they need to navigate the challenges of the digital age. Families had the opportunity to learn from Officer Dave Maize, Glenview Police Department School Resource Officer (SRO), about strategies for protecting children online. Handouts and resources from the presentation are now available to ensure parents and guardians can continue to apply these important safety practices at home.

Presentation Slides:
English Spanish Mongolian Korean

Handouts:

Deep Dive Into Emotional Regulation with Doug Bolton

Made possible by The Debra Gelfand Children's Foundation

Our children are facing emotional struggles like never before, and as parents/guardians, we often don’t know how to respond effectively. Recent brain science offers new insights into emotional regulation and provides tools to support our children in their toughest times. This workshop will equip parents with strategies to better understand and help their children during challenging moments.

Doug Bolton is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Director of School Consultation for Formative Psychological Services. He spent over 20 years as a psychologist and principal at North Shore Academy, a K-12 therapeutic school in Highland Park. Dr. Bolton provides consultation, supervision and professional development to caregivers, educators, and clinicians throughout northern Illinois to create communities that help foster child and adult resilience.

Missed the Presentation?

Click below to watch a recording of the event!

Emotions Matter: Applying Principles of Restorative Practices in Parenting

Presented by Sarah Gebhardt, PhD, NCSP, District 34 Instructional Coach for Student Services

A dynamic virtual event where we revisit and further explore the crucial topic of why emotions matter in the lives of children—at home, in school, and beyond. In this interactive session, Dr. Gebhardt shared practical strategies and insights on how understanding and managing emotions can positively influence your child’s engagement, academic performance, and overall well-being.

What You'll Learn

The Impact of Emotions: Understanding and managing emotions can boost a child's success, both academically and socially.
District Support: A clearer picture of how D34 actively supports emotional learning and regulation in our classrooms.
Empowerment: Learn how to apply restorative practices at home to nurture a child's emotional growth, foster connection, and build resiliency.

Missed the Presentation?

Click below to watch a recording of the event!

Parenting Through Puberty

One of the most popular family/caregiver programs is back! Mark your calendar and invite a friend to join you on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 7:00pm at the D34 Administration Building (1401 Greenwood Rd).

Do you wonder how to open the door for conversation with your child, who seems to be changing rapidly -- and responding with BIG emotions even more rapidly -- who communicates primarily through social media, and who seems to be evolving into someone you aren't sure you really know?

Do you need help finding ways to approach them so they actually listen?

You are not alone.

This presentation, by Dr. Renee Dominguez, co-executive director of Family Service Center, and Lizzy Appleby, LCSW, of Youth Services, is designed to support parents in navigating some of the difficult topics of adolescence, including body changes, emerging sexuality, and increasing peer relationships. Parents will learn concrete strategies to support their child and practice skills to keep communication open.

Missed the Presentation?

Presentation Slides:
English. Spanish. Mongolian . Korean

2023-24 Programs

Emotions Matter

September Event

Led by District 34 Instructional Coach for Student Services Dr. Sarah Gebhardt.

Parents, guardians, and caregivers got to learn how understanding emotions strengthens students' engagement and academic performance, how we support emotional learning and regulation in classrooms, and how you can help your children become effective "emotions scientists."

Presentation Slides:

English Spanish Korean Mongolian

Handouts:

English Spanish Korean Mongolian

Passion Protocol

October Event

The Passion Protocol: How to Rebound from Both Sides of Bullying & Bad Behavior, Chris Falcon

Artist and motivational speaker Chris Falcon shares his personal story of resilience as he brings The Passion Protocol to District 34. The Passion Protocol is a teachable system of beliefs and practices that can help you discover your true passions, through harnessing the power of your fear and insecurities.

When: Wednesday, October 25

Time: 7-8:30pm

Where: Hoffman School (2000 Harrison St.)

Middle school student programs will take place during the school day on October 3 (Attea) and October 19 (Springman).

Sponsored by the Debra Gelfand Children's Foundation

Parenting Through Puberty

January Event

You are not alone.

This presentation is designed to support parents in navigating some of the difficult topics of adolescence, including body changes, emerging sexuality, and increasing peer relationships. Parents will learn concrete strategies to support their child and practice skills to keep communication open.

Presentation Slides:

English Spanish Mongolian Korean

Handout:

English Spanish Mongolian Korean

Book Recommendations:

Siegel, D. J., & Bryson, T.P. (2012). The whole-brain child. Random House.
Stixrud, W & Johnson, N (2021). What do you say: How to talk to kids to build motivation, stress tolerance, and a happy home. Penguin Life.
Kennedy, B. (2022). Good Inside: A guide to becoming the parent you want to be. Harper.
Lebowitz, Eli. (2021). Breaking free from childhood anxiety and ocd: A scientifically proven program for parents. Oxford University Press.

Restorative Parenting

February Event

Restorative Parenting: Restoring Calm & Resolving Conflict at Home With Meagan Novara

Restorative practices are methods that address conflicts and mend relationships by encouraging open communication, mutual understanding and collaborative problem-solving.

The February Mental Health Matters event brings restorative practices to parenting, helping families explore proactive approaches and strategies for nurturing a positive family atmosphere. This session provides a supportive space for families and caregivers to share perspectives and to gain effective tools and insights for enhancing family dynamics.

Presentation Slides:

English Spanish Mongolian Korean

Pathways to Success

Unraveling Parenting Myths with Doug Bolton

Made possible by The Debra Gelfand Children's Foundation

Children are struggling emotionally in unprecedented ways, and often, families struggle to know how to best support them. Unfortunately, many modern parenting practices and beliefs interfere with children's emotional development.

In Celebration of Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, the Debra Gelfand Children’s Foundation invited Psychologist Doug Bolton to speak to D34 families on Monday, May 6, at 7pm at Attea Middle School (2500 Chestnut Ave). Dr. Bolton identifed the myths that create unnecessary pressure on families and shared strategies to help refocus your caregiving energy on the things that support wellness in your children and yourself.

Presentation Slides:

English Spanish Mongolian Korean

Watch Unraveling Parenting Myths with Doug Bolton

Part 1

Part 2

To view past presentations and resources, visit

D34 ParentConnect