Connecting Families, Strengthening Community
We believe families are essential partners in every student's growth. Partners in Learning brings families together throughout the year for workshops and presentations on the topics that matter most to them: student mental health, transitions, available supports, and more. This program directly supports our district's Strategic Plan, helping us develop family educational opportunities that engage families in more meaningful ways (3.2.2) and strengthen family and community engagement through workshops, events, and collaboration with community organizations (2.3.7).
Partners in Learning is designed to equip you with practical tools, connect you with district resources, and build partnerships between home and school that help every child thrive in District 34.
RSVP for Our Next Session
Session: Details coming soon
Date: October 14, 2026
An RSVP link will become available closer to the date of this session.
Programs & Resources
2026-27
2025-26
- State Testing: When does it happen? What does it measure? Why is it important?
- Bullying Prevention and Support - 10/7/2025
- Comprehensive Toileting Solutions - 2/18/2026
- Student Services Supports - December 2025
- Parenting Through Puberty - 2/24/2026
- Family Support in the Age of Technology - 4/8/2026
- Tools for Your Child's Independence
State Testing: When does it happen? What does it measure? Why is it important?
Check out this Screencastify video for information about D34 assessments in grades 3-8.
Bullying Prevention and Support - 10/7/2025
October is Bullying Prevention Month. As part of our ongoing initiative to ensure all students feel a sense of belonging in our schools, District 34 offered a Partners in Learning (formerly Mental Health Matters) session all about bullying prevention.
On October 7, the presentation was hosted in person and online for families to learn ways to prevent bullying. In this session, families learn how to identify bullying, the impact it has on students, and what parents can do to support their child. The presenters also review District 34’s response to bullying.
Presenters:
- Casey Coker, Assistant Principal for Student Life at Springman Middle School,
- Sarah Gebhardt, Ph.D., NCSP, District Instructional Coach for Student Services, and
- Diana O’Donnell, Principal at Attea Middle School.
Links to Presentations:
Watch the Recording
Comprehensive Toileting Solutions - 2/18/2026
Student Services Supports - December 2025
Parenting Through Puberty - 2/24/2026
Event Details: February 24th at 7:00 PM at District 34 Administration Office (1401 Greenwood Road)
Format: In-Person/Hybrid Presentation
One of the most popular family/caregiver programs is back! Mark your calendar and invite a friend to join you on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 7:00 pm 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.
Watch or listen to a recording of the presentation here.
Links to Presentations:
Family Support in the Age of Technology - 4/8/2026
Event Details: April 8 from 7:00-8:30 pm
Format: Virtual Zoom Webinar
Dr. Frampton’s presentation explores how technology affects children in four important areas: social connection, sleep, attention, and everyday habits around device use. He also shares practical parenting strategies to help children build a healthy, balanced relationship with technology. The focus of the session is on healthy technology use in the home.
Tools for Your Child's Independence
2024-25
- Keeping Kids Safe Online with Our SROs
- Deep Dive Into Emotional Regulation with Doug Bolton
- Emotions Matter: Applying Principles of Restorative Practices in Parenting
- Parenting Through Puberty
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?
2023-24
- Emotions Matter
- Passion Protocol
- Parenting Through Puberty
- Restorative Parenting
- Pathways to Success
- Unraveling Parenting Myths with Doug Bolton
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:
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
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 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:
Pathways to Success
March Event
Pathways to Success: A Connected Approach to Mental Health
D34 social workers and psychologists, along with Family Service Center counseling staff, will help you in supporting your child’s – and your own – mental health. Gain insight into how D34 schools support students, and hear how you can use those strategies at home.
Unraveling Parenting Myths with Doug Bolton
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.
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.