ParentCamp

Saturday, November 15th
 * 1) ParentCamp 2014


 * This year's #ParentCamp at Knapp Elementary was held on Saturday, November 2, 2013. A Link to all shared conference notes coming soon. **

Dr. Berman specializes in working with children, adolescents, and families. He has extensive experience in improving the relationship between parent and child through enhanced familial communication. His work involves enhancing the child's level of motivation, increasing academic achievement, increasing their level of comfort within social environments, and strengthening relationships with friends and family. He empowers children and sees children and parents as co-collaborators in treatment. Therapy offers new resources and can give children and families new skills and perspectives to improve the quality of their daily life and their relationships.
 * Featured Keynote Speaker: [|Dr. Adam Berman] **

Dr. Berman works with children, adolescents, and families in the following areas: enhance academic achievement, enhance communication, ADHD, Behavioral Issues, Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conflict Resolution, Anxiety, Depression, Stress Management, Peer Pressure, Setting Limits for Internet & Technology Use, Improving Self Esteem & Self Confidence, & Autistic Spectrum Disorders.He has experience and collegial relationships in working with school administrators, school psychologists, social workers, guidance counselors, teachers, and special education teachers throughout the Philadelphia Metropolitan area. He has consulted with administration and staff with regard to mental health and academic issues and has extensive experience with IEP's.

** Schedule: ** Check-In / Breakfast: 7:30-8:30AM, Main Lobby/Gym Keynote: Dr. Adam Berman & #ParentCamp Groundrules: 8:30-9:15, Gym Session 1: 9:20-10:00 Session 2: 10:05-10:45 Networking / Refreshments Break 10:45-11:15, Gym Session 3: 11:20-12:00 ParentCamp Smackdown: 12:05-12:30, Gym


 * SESSION ONE OFFERINGS **


 * __Wonder: Learning Everywhere (LIVE via webstream)__ **
 * Discussion Leader: Emily Kirkpatrick, Nat Center for Family Literacy **
 * Session 1: Knapp IMC **

Learning should happen everywhere. And every parent and teacher knows questions come up all the time. Wonder is a way to unify, motivate and guide learning for children of all ages. With inquiry-based practices, instructional staff, students and families make knowledge connections, learn, and grow together. Learn all about [|Wonderopolis.org]


 * __College Planning Strategies and the Financial Aid Game__ **
 * Discussion Leader: Trevin Panaia **
 * Session 1: Room 2 **

Although it may seem like a long time from now, before you know it, your child will be going off to college. It is crucial that you understand the college financial aid process now in order to put yourself in the best position possible to increase your chances of receiving aid in the future. We will cover all the hot topics and questions including:
 * How schools are calculating your out-of-pocket costs (towards tuition)
 * Different methodologies schools use to calculate aid
 * Deadlines and lookback periods
 * Various packaging of aid
 * Difference between grants, loans and scholarships

Cloud technology provides the options for staff and students to have access to their files 24/7. In addition, cloud technologies align with the district's current document management initiative. Learn how your students and their teachers are using cloud technology and a variety of mobile devices to create, share and store information **. **
 * __Google Docs 101__ **
 * DIscussion Leader: @RobinLutcher **
 * Session 1: Room 5 **

As you know, a student's Individualized Educational Program is the guideline that dictates how to appropriately support a child in need of special education. How much do you understand about what this document says and how it is implemented at school? This session will focus on tips and strategies on developing your child's Individualized Educational Program into a plan that truly meets your child's needs. What are common, but overlooked, problem areas of IEPs? What information should be included and where? What types of supports can be included in an IEP? As a parent, what is your role in developing an IEP? Find the answers to these questions and ask your own with a federally-trained educational advocate from Advocacy and Consulting for Education.
 * __IEP 101__ **
 * Discussion Leader: Angela Choi **
 * Session 1 - Room 26 **

In this session, parents will:
 * __What Your Kids Know That You Don't: Internet Safety For Parents__ **
 * Discussion Leader: Dr Nicole Yetter (@NicoleMYetter) **
 * Session 1: Gym **
 * Understand the importance of the appropriate use of social networking sites
 * Learn how to help if your child is being bullied or harassed online.
 * Safety Tips
 * Tools to aide their children in becoming responsible digital citizens.

Self-esteem in your child plays a critical role in his/her success and happiness in life. It is the foundation of a child's well-being. Parents have the greatest influence on a child's belief about himself or herself. Letting your child know that he or she belongs, is doing well, and is contributing, can help him or her develop healthy self-esteem. That foundation can do much to help a child deal with difficult life issues as they are encountered in different phases of life.
 * __Importance of Building Emotional Intelligence__ **
 * Discussion Leader: Amita Sood **
 * Session 1: Room 9 **


 * __Power & Potential of Community Conversations Around Education__ **
 * Discussion Leaders: Kristen Fisher, NP United Way **
 * Session 1: Room 3 **

Participants will engage in conversation about the strengths, needs, aspirations and challenges of community engagement and how to develop a common vision and shared goals around education and all students.

__** Meeting the Needs of Your Gifted Learner **__ Is your gifted student learning, growing, and being challenged on a consistent and meaningful basis? What are steps that you can take towards developing an appropriate educational program for your gifted child? This session will focus on what we can do to meet the needs of gifted and talented learners. Learn more about what is in a Gifted Individualized Educational Program and how to develop a GIEP that is meaningful and measurable. This session will also explore some outside resources for supporting the growth and progress of gifted learners.
 * Discussion Leader: Melissa Bilash (MomCongressPA) **
 * Session 1: Room 23 **


 * SESSION TWO OFFERINGS **

//The presentation is a follow-up, more in depth discussion following the morning keynote.//
 * __Optimizing Communication With Your Child__ **
 * Discussion Leader: Dr. Adam Berman (2013 ParentCamp Keynote) **
 * Session 2 - IMC **

Dr. Adam Berman, clinical psychologist and certified school psychologist will provide a parenting program on the most common parental perceptions related to cooperation and respect within the family unit, and how perceptions might ultimately impact a child’s behavior. He will also discuss the importance of both parents and children being able to express what is important to each of them so that familial communication can be enhanced. An additional focus will be on how parents can attend to and assess their own self-respect so that they can feel more confident as they raise their children. Dr. Berman will provide specific examples of communication techniques that are both helpful and a hindrance when speaking to children and adolescents.

This session will look at what type of digital footprint your child is leaving, some do's and dont's on the proper use of technology, and how you can help your child weed through the enourmous amounts of information available to them.
 * __Peril or Wonder: Children in the Digital Age__ **
 * Discussion Leader: Glenn Yetter (@coachyetter) **
 * Session 2 - Room 26 **

Principal Joe Mazza (Knapp Elementary) will share research-based core beliefs behind what makes the home-school partnership work. Texts such as Beyond the Bakesale (Henderson & Mapp 2008) will be used to share real examples on how educators and parents to build strong relationships that help students reach their potential.
 * __What makes a real home-school partnership?__ **
 * Discussion Leader: Dr. Joe Mazza (@joe_mazza) **
 * Session 2: Gym **

This session will provide an overview of financial aid and how to qualify for the maximum package including the following:
 * __Little Known Secrets for Paying for College__ **
 * Discussion Leader: Vincent DePietro & Brock Jolly **
 * Session 2: Room 3 **
 * Unique strategies to pay for multiple children attending college simultaneously
 * An insider’s view of the college admissions process
 * How to recapture out of pocket college costs
 * Avoid jeopardizing your retirement nest egg
 * Strategies to attend private schools for the same out of pocket cost as in-state schools

__** Substance Abuse - One Father's Story **__ After losing his son to an overdose and attending numerous meetings with addicts across PA and TX, Don will share warning signs and proactive measures geared toward today’s parents who want to be “in the know.”
 * Discussion Leader: Don Koffel, Knapp Elementary Head Custodian **
 * Session 2: Room 23 **


 * SESSION THREE OFFERINGS **


 * __Understanding the Social Emotional Needs of Your Gifted Child__ **
 * Discussion Leaders: Diane Kortz & Lauren Shive of NPAGE **
 * Session 3: Room 2 **

This discussion will give participants a chance to discuss the social and emotional needs of gifted children and provide ideas for what they can do to support their own child. Topics may include perfectionism, intensities, peer relationships, motivation and underachievement. Additional resources will be shared.


 * __Planning for Your Special Needs Child or Sibling__ **
 * Discussion Leader: Vincent DePietro & Bruce Sham **
 * Session 3: Room 5 **

Topics of Discussion include:
 * How to leave money to a child or adult sibling
 * How to create a Life Care Plan
 * Social Security – The basics on how to file, and what to expect
 * Special Needs Trusts – Their importance, and how to create one
 * Guardianship and estate planning question marks
 * What programs are available for a young adult with disabilities after 18 and 21?


 * __To Middle School and Beyond__ **
 * Discussion Leader: Sean Devlin, Knapp Elementary Educator (@devlinj) **
 * Session 3 - Room 23 **

What's on the pages of your child's next chapter of education? In this session you will get a preview of what life will be like in the next six levels of your child's academic career. We will look at courses of study, social life, extracurricular activities, and social media. We will help you identify what your on-going role will be, help you out with those parental "Must-Do's," and even give you some insight into college planning. This class will involve lecture as well as group discussion and anything else Mr. D can do to help parents embark on this journey!


 * __Increase your APPtitude__ **
 * Discussion Leader: Brett Baker, @NPSD iPad Coach @BakerBG) **
 * Session 3: Room 3 **

With half a billion apps in the App Store, what are some great apps for my family and where can I continue to find worthwhile apps to download. This will be a fast- paced session where iPads will be available but feel free to bring your own device.


 * __How to become the best “Connected Parent” for your child__ **
 * Discussion Leaders: Gwen Pescatore, Laurie Spencer - Knapp Home & School Association (@gpescatore25 @LSpencerSLP) **
 * Session 3: IMC **

Family engagement is key to helping children be the best they can be at school. It is more than parents serving as fundraisers; it includes supporting learning at home. In this session we will share ways you can stay connected and help support learning from home using various websites and mobile apps.


 * END OF SESSIONS **


 * Other schools are encouraged to use the information on this page in planning their own #ParentCamp experience. For more information, contact Joe Mazza or Gwen Pe ** **scatore at Knapp Elementary.**


 * This Year's #ParentCamp Schedule: **
 * Registration/Breakfast: 7:30-8:30AM, Main Lobby
 * Keynote Adam Berman & #ParentCamp Groundrules: 8:30-9:15, Gym
 * Session 1: 9:20-10:00
 * Session 2: 10:05-10:45
 * Networking Break 10:45-11:15, Gym
 * Session 3: 11:20-12:00
 * Global ParentCamp Smackdown: 12:05-12:30, Gym
 * We'll be Skyping with other ParentCamps happening around the country on the same day to share resources for parents & teachers.


 * LAST YEAR'S SESSION ONE OFFERINGS **

media type="custom" key="23097712" Please join us for an educational workshop about everything you need to know about College Planning and Financial Aid for the future! We will discuss: how expensive college is and where prices are going, how financial aid is calculated and what that means for your family’s unique situation as well as the impact each c ollege’s packaging can have on your overall out-of-pocket expense. With this information, we want to help put your family in the best position possible now so you're able to tackle the ever-increasing costs of college tuition later.
 * Financial Aid Concepts and Tuition Strategies for College **
 * Discussion Leader: Maria Mainardi **
 * Session 1 - Knapp IMC ([|SESSION NOTES]) **


 * Role of Elementary Guidance Counselors & How Parents Can Access Services **
 * Discussion Leaders: Tori Rubbo, Amanda Blocklinger & Sara Heckman (@torirubbo @ablockl inger @mrssheckman) **
 * Session 1: Room 5 ([|SESSION NOTES]) Link to [|Miss Rubbo's Website] **

A review of an elementary guidance program will be provided. Classroom teachers will be present to share their experiences with incorporating the program into their classrooms on a daily basis. Strategies used during classroom meetings, social skills, keeping kids safe will be covered during this session.

media type="custom" key="23099280" Interactive discussion and demonstration on favorite apps to use with children (pre-K to 3rd grade of all abilities, subjects). Will include information on accessibility features of the iPad.
 * Favorite iPad Apps Pre-K to 3rd Grade **
 * Discussion Leaders: Laura Durns (@durns_laura) & Laurie Spencer (LSpencerSLP) **
 * Session 1: Room 24 ([|SESSION NOTES]) **

media type="custom" key="23099200"
 * Becoming a Connected Parent **
 * Elissa Malespina (@SOMSlibrary) **
 * Session 1 - Room 26 ([|SESSION NOTES]) **

What is a connected parent? We will discuss its many different meanings. Parents will also learn how to become a "connected" parent through the used of such tools as Twitter, Pinterest, Edmodo and more.

media type="custom" key="23099216" In this session, parents will:
 * What Your Kids Know That You Don't: Internet Safety For Parents **
 * Discussion Leader: Dr Nicole Yetter (@NicoleMYetter) **
 * Session 1: Gym ([|SESSION NOTES]) **
 * Understand the importance of the appropriate use of social networking sites
 * Learn how to help if your child is being bullied or harassed online.
 * Safety Tips
 * Tools to aide their children in becoming responsible digital citizens.

The session will consist of a brief description of what to expect at the Middle School, followed by a question and answer period. Discussion on preparing and staying involved socially, emotionally and academically in your child’s education during the middle school years will be the foc us of this session.
 * Transition to Middle School **
 * Discussion Leaders: Michael Flynn (@PenndlaeMS) & Kristin O’Shea (@MrsOshea6) **
 * Session 1: Mod 4 ([|SESSION NOTES]) [|Penndale Middle School Website] **
 * The May 28th Home & School Meeting will take place at Penndale Middle School. Join us LIVE or virtually here as a panel of former Knapp students will talk about this transition.

media type="custom" key="23097952" Perpsectives of a parent and administrator on inclusive education. Discussion will focus on aspects of a highly functional IEP team, creating collaborative partnerships between home and school, and the challenges that are faced through this process.
 * Bridging the Gap Between Home & School: Creating High Functioning IEP Teams **
 * Discussion Leaders: Dr Michele Rupp & Tiffany D’Amore **
 * Session 1 - Room 9 **

During this session, North Penn School District e-Learning Coach Brett Baker will share a variety of K-6 iPad apps for the home to support Math, Reading, Exploration, and Creativity. This will be a fast-paced session focusing on apps and app resources to enhance learning in all content areas. We will have iPads for participants to borrow during the session.
 * Satisfying your AppEtite **
 * Discussion Leader: Brett Baker (@BakerBG) **
 * Session 1: Room 4 ([|NPSD Elementary iPAD List as of April 2013]) **

// See video (below) overview for Common Core for Parents from @DCPublicSchools // media type="youtube" key="5s0rRk9sER0" width="560" height="315" In 2010, the Pennsylvania State Legislature adopted the Common Core Standards in Mathematics and English Language Arts. School districts are required to adopt these new Common Core Standards in the 2013-14 school year. Learn more about what the Common Core Standards are and how these new standards will impact our students. Also, learn how parents can support student success with the new Common Core Standards. ([|North Penn SD's Common Core Page])
 * Family Guide to Common Core Standards **
 * Discussion Leader: Dr. Toni Butz (@butzto) **
 * Session 1: Room 3 ([|Resources/notes from @NationalPTA]) **


 * LAST YEAR'S **** SESSION TWO OFFERINGS **

Twitter 101 for Parents Join this session to learn more about Twitter! Session topics will include how to create an account, making of a good tweet, twitter lingo, and who to follow. Twitter can be just the parenting tool you have been looking for. Find out why this social media can conect you to the world!
 * Twitter 101 for Parents **
 * Discussion Leader: Glenn Yetter (@coachyetter) **
 * Session 2 - Room 26 **

Dr. Adam Berman, clinical psychologist and certified school psychologist will provide a parenting program on “Optimizing Communication with your Child.” The program examines some of the most common parental perceptions related to cooperation and respect within the family unit, and how perceptions might ultimately impact a child’s behavior. Dr. Berman will also discuss the importance of both parents and children being able to express what is important to each of them so that familial communication can be enhanced. An additional focus will be on how parents can attend to and assess their own self-respect so that they can feel more confident as they raise their children. Dr. Berman will provide specific examples of communication techniques that are both helpful and a hindrance when speaking to children and adolescents. The presentation will conclu de with a question and answer session for the attendees.
 * Optimizing Communication with your Child **
 * Discussion Leader: Dr. Adam Berman **
 * Session 2: Room 4 **

Learn how your local library can help your children prepare for school, support them during their years in school, and keep your family learning throughout your lives. Resources specific to Lansdale Public Library will be discussed. With an overview of other library resources available in the region.
 * Lifelong Learning at your Library **
 * Discussion Leaders: Tom Meyer (@LansdaleLibrary) **
 * Session 2: IMC ([|SESSION NOTES]) Link to [|Lansdale Library] Lansdale Library [|Facebook] **

media type="custom" key="23097670" Principals Tony Sinanis (Cantiague Elementary) & Joe Mazza (Knapp Elementary) will share the core beliefs behind what makes the home-school partnership work. Texts such as Beyond the Bakesale (Henderson & Mapp 2008) will be used to share real examples on how educators and parents to build strong relationships that help students reach their potential.
 * What makes a real home-school partnership? **
 * Discussion Leaders: Tony Sinanis (@cantiague_lead) & Joe Mazza (@joe_mazza) **
 * Session 2: Gym **

media type="custom" key="23099148" This session will discuss typical speech and language development for the elementary populatio n as well as some of the disorders of speech and language. The session will provide participants with a basic overview of the procedure when a concern is identified for a specific student. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussion regarding speech and language.
 * A Guide to Speech and Language **
 * Discussion Leader: Kelli Velazquez (@KelliVelazquez) **
 * Session 2: Room 24 ([|SESSION NOTES]) **

media type="custom" key="23098156" RtII is one of the current buzz-words flying around schools across our country. Join us as we investigate the role of Response to Instruction and Intervention in your child's school. We will also discuss, most importantly, how you can support your child on their journey to become a life-long reader.
 * Supporting to RtII (Response to Instruction and Intervention) at Home **
 * Discussion Leader: Amber Molloy (@edumolloy) **
 * Session 2: Room 9 **

media type="custom" key="23097794" media type="custom" key="23098540" Grab your passport and join us on the road to kindergarten! Marisa will share many exciting, everyday learning opportunities that are simple to do, yet effective in helping to prepare your child for kindergarten success. You will walk away with a suitcase full of fun and educational ideas focusing on kindergarten readiness!
 * On the Road to Kindergarten **
 * Discussion Leader: Marisa Neeson, NPSD Pre School Outreach Coordinator **
 * Session 2: Room 3 **

After losing my son to an overdose, and attending numerous meetings with addicts across PA and TX; I want to share with parents that drugs are a real part of our children's li ves. Warning signs, proactive measures to prevention will be discussed.
 * Substance Abuse - One Father's Story **
 * Discussion Leader: Don Koffel **
 * Session 2: Room 25 ([|SESSION NOTES]) **

media type="custom" key="23098142" I will be holding a question-and-answer session to help parents better understand their rights and the rights of their children in moving through the special education and gifted education process. While I cannot give advice on specific individual situations, I can share my experience as an advocate as well as my knowledge of Section 504, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and Pennsylvania's Chapters 14, 15, and 16 pertaining to special, regular, and gifted education. I also have extensive experience meeting with districts, reviewing IEPs, GIEPs, and progress monitoring, and helping parents work with their district to find a placement that meets their child's needs.
 * Know Your Parental Rights, Ask An Advocate **
 * Discussion Leader & #ParentCamp Keynote Melissa Bilash (MomCongressPA) **
 * Session 2: Room 23 **


 * LAST YEAR'S **** SESSION THREE OFFERINGS **

media type="custom" key="23098374" Self-esteem in your child plays a critical role in his/her success and happiness in life. It is the foundation of a child's well-being. Parents have the greatest influence on a child's belief about himself or herself. Letting your child know that he or she belongs, is doing well, and is contributing, can help him or her develop healthy self-esteem. That foundation can do much to help a child deal with difficult life issues as they are encountered in different phases of life.
 * Developing Your Child’s Self Esteem **
 * Discussion Leader: Amita Sood **
 * Session 3: Room 9 ([|SESSION NOTES]) **

media type="custom" key="23098552" This session will include information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of America's mission and core values. We will discuss the programs that local Clubs have throughout the year and their value with today's youth. There will be guest speakers who are current Club members and that will share their experiences at the Boys & Girls Club.
 * What Happens at the Boys & Girls Club? **
 * Discussion Leader: Chrissy Kreamer, Director of NP Valley B&G Club (@NPVBGClub) **
 * Session 3: Room 5 ([|Link to NPVBG Club]) **

Designed for parents and guardians of English language learners (ELLs) but all are welcome to attend! As parents and guardians, you are your child's first teacher. You can partner with the schools to help your child become successful in American classrooms using a few easy ideas. This session will consist of a power point presentation on organizing a space at home specifically for homework and what part parents play in getting the assigned work finished. We will also discuss ways to help pre-school students be more prepared for that very special first day in kindergarten. A question-and-answer period will follow the presentation.
 * Creating the Best Environment for Helping at Home **
 * Discussion Leader: Jean Hoerr **
 * Session 3 - Room 4 **

Whether a new parent in North Penn School District (NPSD) or you've been here for years, you have multiple ways to be involved and informed. And as we all know, the more informed you are the more successful your children will be in school. The NPSD Office of School & Community Engagement is a hub of information and opportunities for you to learn about NPSD and become more engaged. This presentation will highlight what is available to the North Penn Community through this department and its efforts.
 * Staying Engaged as Your Child Travels Pre K-12 through NPSD **
 * Discussion Leader: Christine Liberaski (@NPSD) **
 * Session 3: Room 3 **

Learn about the “real world” of Internet Safety through the lens of our local DARE officer and Lansdale Police Patrol Sergeant. Understand how you can provide your children the safest opportunities to go online and participate in social media as well as where to locate your home computer. Leave this session with ideas on how to navigate the current risks exist for today’s families.
 * Internet Safety & Potential Parental Mishaps **
 * Discussion Leader: Lansdale Police Sergeant Dean Miller **
 * Session 3: Gym **

Edmodo and Twitter are being implemented in many classrooms across the country today. This session will allow for parents to become more familiar with how these two technolgy tools are used as learning and communication tools by teachers, students, and parents.
 * Edmodo and Twitter - Student and Parent Engagement **
 * Discussion Leader: Ed Brun (@edbrun) **
 * Session 3: Room 24 **

media type="custom" key="23098068" media type="custom" key="23098730" Families are busy and at times don’t have the ability to be physically present for monthly home & school meetings – yet these meetings can be an amazing place to build and strengthen relationships. By offering a live stream option, you open the doors to a larger audience to participate each month. It also gives you the flexibility to take your meetings anywhere where there is internet access. Join members of the Knapp Home & School Association as we share our live streaming experience (from both the hosting and attending lens), ways that it has helped improve participation and how it helps to break the image of the board being “a private club or clique”.
 * Building Partnerships Through Live Streaming H&S Meetings **
 * Discussion Leaders: Gwen Pescatore, Deb Rzepela-Auch, Meredith Mostochuk and other H&S members (@gpescatore25 @DeborahRzepela @mmostochuk) **
 * Session 3: IMC ([|SESSION NOTES]) **