What is Parent University?

Parent University was developed in response to the need for programming to address the social and emotional needs of students in District 303. We continue to strive to provide information on topics that are relevant, timely, and beneficial for all parents and guardians.

District 303 regards parent engagement as fundamental to the success of our students both inside and outside of the classroom. Parent University is designed to create partnerships between school and home and provide a place where parents and staff members can learn together.

Based on information gathered from parent surveys and the work on the Parent University Committee, the district designs and offers programming that is timely, meaningful, and easily accessible. Over the last several years, we have heard parents when they have requested programs that can be consumed on their schedule such as videos, webinars that are also available after the meeting, and voiced presentations. At the same time, we will also continue to host in-person programming.

2021-2022 Parent University Offerings

Fall 2021

October 6, 2021
• SOS for Parents in the Trenches presented by Ms. Debbie Reber

Ms. Debbie Reber shares ten practical ideas to help parents shift their thinking, responses, and actions in a way that will help them feel more confident and peaceful as they parent their unique children.

October 13, 2021
• Supporting Kids Who Learn Differently: Back-to-School Edition presented by Ms. Debbie Reber

Ms. Debbie Reber offers advice on how to support differently wired children’s cognitive, social, and emotional needs during the pandemic, while also taking care of one’s own emotional health and well-being.

October 20, 2021
• Facilitated Book Talk: Differently Wired by Debbie Reber
Click here to view presentation slides
*Contact the District's Administration office if you would like a free copy of Ms. Reber's book

Dr. Cindy Ruesch and Dr. Patti Palagi lead a discussion about Differently Wired by Debbie Reber and how it can help parents embrace and accept their children who think differently.

December 9, 2021
• Empower: An Innovative K-5 Learning Experience in D303 presented by Ms. Sarah Cann
Click here to view the recording

Ms. Sarah Cann shares information about Empower, the new K-5 special in District 303, and how parents can help their child expand their new skills at home.

Spring 2022

February 9, 2022
iGen: Understanding the Smartphone Generation presented by Dr. Jean M. Twenge
Click here to access the presentation materials

Dr. Jean M. Twenge offers insights on iGen, the Smartphone Generation, and how parents can better understand them to bridge the generational gap.

April 13, 2022
Illinois Youth Survey Data: Presented by Ecker Center for Behavioral Health
Click here to view the presentation slides
Click here to view the recorded presentation

The Ecker Center provides parents with information about trends in substance abuse in Kane County youth, and ways that you can talk to your children about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.

13 de abril de 2022
Datos de la Encuesta de Jóvenes de Illinois: presentado por El Centro Ecker para la Salud Conductual
Zoom - 7:15 p.m. (Español)
Haga clic aquí para ver la presentación
Haga clic aquí para ver la presentación grabada

El Centro Ecker para proporcionar a los padres información sobre tendencias del abuso de sustancias en los jóvenes del Condado Kane, y formas de hablar con sus hijos sobre los peligros de las drogas, el alcohol, y el tabaco.

Parent University Resources