Parent University Series

In conjunction with the Parent Association Executive Committee, The Alexander Dawson School hosts and facilitates Parent University workshops to provide current research in parenting and child development.

Continuing Dawson's tradition of introducing to our community transformative and expert speakers who are leaders in their field, the 2019-20 Parent University series will deliver insight with motivational and encouraging ideas to help parents develop the will and the way to create a positive impact on your child's life. We invite you to take this journey with us as we work to create an arena of positive change, not only within the Dawson campus but throughout our community as a whole.

2019-2020 Parent University Schedule

List of 5 items.

Sanje Ratnavale: Competency Based Education

Thursday, October 10, at 8:30 a.m. in Forman Music Building MPR

Join us for this presentation about the ways that schools need to evolve to meet the rapidly changing needs of the workforce/education landscape with Sanje Ratnavale, president of Oesis.
Love and Logic Series

Tuesdays in October (1, 8, 15, 22 and 29) at 5:30-7:30 p.m.
For parents with students in preschool through second grade.

Join us for five evening Love and Logic classes with Tawanda McIntosh to learn all about raising self-confident, motivated children who are ready for the real world. These classes will provide parents with loving, yet powerful tools for parenting children of all ages.
Rosalind Wiseman: Behind the Screen

Wednesday, November 20, 2019, at 8:30 a.m.

Join us for "Behind the Screen: Understanding the Power of Social Media in Young People's Lives" with Rosalind Wiseman, founder of Cultures of Dignity.

How is social media influencing your child's self-esteem, friendships, and conflict with other people? Rosalind’s presentation will bring the newest insights and research on children and teens’ use of social media, its impact on their emotional health and wellbeing, and how it influences their interactions with parents. She will also highlight why adults’ efforts to communicate with young people about social media can be so challenging and provide participants with effective alternatives so young people don’t so easily shut down and disengage.
Creating Cultures of Dignity

Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at 6 p.m.

Based on over 20 years of teaching and constant feedback from today’s generation of young people, Rosalind Wiseman’s presentation is a call for action to transform the way we understand youth culture and create communities where children can thrive. From young people’s friendships, social media use, gossip, drama, bullying, and the constant pressure to “keep up,” she’ll share how children and teens develop their sense of self and guide their decision making in everything from their academic choices, friends, and how they manage conflict. In addition, she’ll give concrete advice to parents and educators so they, in turn, can guide their children through the normal yet challenging problems young people face–while avoiding the common communication breakdowns and power struggles between children and adults.
Raising Respectful Men

Wednesday, April 1, 2020, at 8:30 a.m.

Join us for a Parent University session with Dr. Mary Choi Kelly.
Dawson parent Dr. Mary Choi Kelly manages MCK Leadership, an organization that works with leaders in global companies and diverse industries to help people develop courage, drive change and build culture. We invite you to read Rosalind Wiseman’s Masterminds & Wingmen* and then join Dr. Kelly for a culminating book club discussion at the final Parent University session of the 2019-20 school year.

*You do not have to read the entire book to attend Parent University and participate in the conversation.

Dawson Parent University

Although families are the primary educators of their children, student achievement throughout life is increased when the School and families work together as partners.