Parent University

Parent U is a series of workshops and events designed to support parents, guardians and caregivers in order to support their student's academic success and social-emotional well being. These workshops and events provide a unique opportunity for parents, schools and communities to become jointly involved in education, increasing the likelihood of academic and personal success of our students and their families.

Our goals of Parent U are to:

  • Increase parental involvement and participation in schools;

  • Empower parents to become effective advocates for their student(s);

  • Strengthen home-school-community partnerships;

  • Allow parents an opportunity to network with professionals and other parents; and

  • Equip parents with the knowledge and awareness of resources available to them.

Community Resources:

Aunt Bertha

If you are in need of support in anything ranging from housing, food, work, health care, legal assistance, etc., then try auntbertha.com. Simply enter your zip code, find the category of need and be connected with those resources in your area.

Linden Oaks - Behavioral Health

Linden Oaks has created 'Healthy Driven,' a series of mental health education for parents of teens. These FREE webinars occur the 3rd Wednesday of every month from 6:30 - 7:30 pm. More information can be found via this link: Health Driven Parent Webinar Series along with a QR code to register. You can also register via this link:

Linden Oaks Webinar Parent Registration

Upcoming Topic on April 17, 2024: Navigating Your Emerging Older Teen/Young Adult Towards Independence

GPS - Navigating Healthy Families

Join other parents, students and professionals to learn about issues facing today's youth. The Glenbard Parent Series engages top experts, parents and school staff to become proactive and informed. These workshops are free and open to all communities. You can view upcoming events by clicking on the link below:

GPS Parent Series - Upcoming Events

Quick Guides for Technology Questions - click on any of the hyperlinks to view a short video

Paper.Co - click on any of the links below to learn more about this free, 24/7 tutoring support for students

  • Paper.Co - link to service webpage

  • Over view of the tutoring service - quick guide

  • Paper for HS parents and guardians - video

  • Parent/guardian guide to implementing Paper at home - website

  • How to see comments from Paper.Co tutors - video

Parent Workshops

Workshop/Event

Registration Required?

Date/Time/Location

Description

Practical Strategies to Help Your Child Manage Anxiety

Presentation - English

Presentation - Spanish

No

February 22, 2024 in-person at Tinley Park HS in the Main Gym

Time: 6:30 - 7:30 pm

Join us for this information-packed presentation and Q&A session and discover:

  • Strategies to help your child manage overwhelming emotions in a healthy way

  • The biggest mistake parents make in reacting to strong emotions in their children and the risks associated with over-accommodation in response to anxiety and stress

  • Surprisingly simple ideas to promote resilience and self-soothing

  • What to do in response to school anxiety, school avoidance, and school refusal behaviors

  • How to decrease anxiety and increase rationale thinking using Distress Tolerance Survival Strategies

  • Ways to identify and manage risk when anxiety and overwhelming emotions are out of control

  • Ideas to create a 'tool box' stocked with concrete items to facilitate coping

  • Practical tips to empower children to improve overall functioning in response to anxiety, stress and other emotions

Hidden in Plain Sight: Your Essential Guide to Understanding Teen Drug Trends

No

March 6, 2024 at Oak Forest HS Main Gym

Open House: 6:45 pm - 9:00 pm

Presentation: 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

In an ever-evolving world where information and trends change rapidly, staying informed about the signs of drug use among teenagers has never been more critical. Our interactive exhibit, "Hidden In Plain Sight," is designed to bridge this gap for parents and guardians.

Walk through our carefully curated scenarios that replicate real-life settings to uncover hidden warning signs, familiarize yourself with drug paraphernalia, and understand the latest trends in teen drug use. Crafted with expert insights, this exhibit is not just a showcase, but an educational experience that empowers parents with the knowledge they need to identify and address potential issues before they escalate.

By bringing "Hidden In Plain Sight" to your school or community organization, you're taking a proactive step towards creating a safer, informed community that's equipped to protect our youth from the dangers of drug misuse. Step in, and learn how to see the unseen.

Presented by Andy Duran, CEO of LEAD

Understanding the Ins & Outs of Driver Education

No

September 19, 2023 from 6:00 - 7:00 pm at Oak Forest HS

September 27, 2023 from 6:00 - 7:00 pm at Tinley Park HS

October 5, 2023 (in conjunction with P/T Conferences) 3:00 - 4:00 pm and 5:00 - 6:00 pm at Bremen HS

October 11, 2023 from 6:00 - 7:00 pm at Hillcrest HS

Do you have a teenager who is ready to begin driver education?  Come and hear valuable information to help you navigate the process of getting your teen ready to drive.   Topics include: 

  • Sec. of State and School Code

  • The D228 Program

  • D228 BTW registration  and policies

  • Utilizing a private driving school

There are four (4) presentation dates to choose from, choose the one that works best for you and your family.

If you are unable to make one of the nights, you can view the entire presentation by clicking on one of the links below:

Driver Education Presentation- English version

Driver Education Presentation - Spanish version

Driver Education Website

Allied Health Care Pathway Endorsement

No

October 19, 2023

Oak Forest College Center (SSC)

16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, IL 60452

Explore new, in demand, Health Care Career Pathways offered in partnership with South Suburban College. Junior and senior students and parents should attend.

The pathways are:

  • Community Healthcare Worker

  • Pharmacy Technician

  • Occupational Therapy Assistant

  • Medical Assistant

  • EMT

Come to an open house, ask questions, discover new careers and hear about these exciting programs.

Learn how to use your FREE class waiver, and about a grant-funded program through the Cook County Department of Public Health that will cover your costs.

What's Next for You?

Yes - click the link below for your home school

Oak Forest registration

Hillcrest registration

Tinley Park registration

Bremen registration

November 8, 2023 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm at Oak Forest HS in the Main Gym

November 15, 2023 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm at Hillcrest HS in the Main Gym

November 29, 2023 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm at Tinley Park HS in the Main Gym

December 6, 2023 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm at Bremen HS in the Main Gym

This interactive parent and student workshop will focus on exploring what D228 can offer to students as you plan for your future. You will learn about: 

  • How to navigate the D228 Career Guide

  • Being on track for college & career readiness

  • The requirements of the challenge curriculum

  • Career opportunities 

  • The pathway endorsements

  • Dual credit

If you came last year, this is the same workshop (FYI). You are more than welcome to come again and obtain your student's current College & Career Ready status and continue your learning.

Ending the Silence for Families

No

December 12, 2023 from 6:00 - 7:00 pm Bremen HS in the IMC

Marianne Bithos, president of NAMI South Suburbs Chicago (National Alliance on Mental Illness) will present a mental health workshop to parents/guardians and students that includes the warning signs, facts and statistics, how to talk to your child and how to work with school staff. Participants will also get an opportunity to hear from a young adult with a mental health condition who will share their journey of recovery.

How to Improve Executive Skills without Frustration

Yes

Registration Link

Both workshops below are virtual

January 9, 2024 from 6:00 - 7:00 pm

January 18, 2024 from 6:00 - 7:00 pm

Executive skills are critical to the acquisition of academic skills, but, more importantly, they are the skills students need to get things done. They are brain-based skills such as task initiation, sustained attention, working memory, planning, organization, and goal-directed persistence that are absolutely critical to school success. Some students seem to acquire them naturally, but many students struggle with them.

Dr. Peg Dawson, co-author of the books Smart but Scattered and Smart but Scattered Teens, will describe how these skills develop throughout childhood and suggest strategies parents can use to help children acquire the critical skills they need to be successful students.

In over 40 years of clinical practice, Dr. Peg Dawson has worked with thousands of children and teens who struggle at home and in school. At the center of their struggles are often weak executive skills. Along with her colleague, Dr. Richard Guare, she has written numerous books on this topic for educators, mental health professionals, and parents, among them Smart but Scattered, Smart but Scattered Teens, Executive Skills in Children and Adolescents, and Coaching Students with Executive Skills Challenges. Peg is also a past president of the National Association of School Psychologists, and the International School Psychology Association, and is a recipient of NASP’s Lifetime Achievement Award.