Parent University
Fremont School District 79 is excited to continue Parent University for a second year in 2024-2025. Parent U. is an opportunity to further connect our Fremont families to their students' educational experience. In partnership with the PTO, the District is offering programming on a variety of topics related to the District's goals that might interest our parent community.
This year's focus will be on social-emotional health and wellness, safe *& connected culture, literacy, technology use, and more. It is not required to RSVP for in-person events, however, we ask that you please do so if you plan to take advantage of childcare, which will be provided by Fremont Middle School students for individuals ages 3+.
We sincerely hope that you will take advantage of these engagements to strengthen our partnership.
Upcoming 2024-2025 Events
Stop the Guilt: A Guide for Parents to Lead with Love & Boundaries
January 21, 2025 • 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Fremont Middle School (Event flyer)
In this presentation, Jennifer McAdams, LCPC, CEDS-S joins Fremont parents to discuss how to support kids through emotional validation, compassion and positive boundaries. Borrowing from Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), this presentation will empower parents to lean on proven strategies in order to let go of guilt and foster a caring environment where their child feels emotionally safe and supported.
Parent Book Club: "The Anxious Generation"
February 11, 2025
More information coming soon!
As part of our Parent University programming, FSD79 and the Fremont PTO will be co-sponsoring a Parent Book Club event on New York Times #1 Bestseller, “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt. We will be hosting a one-night discussion on the book on February 11, 2025. Additional information will be shared with families in the near future. Secure your physical or audio copy of the book now to prepare for the discussion.
Previous 2024-2025 Events
Evidence-Based Literacy Practices (Nov. 12, 2024)
Join us to learn more about the evidence-based literacy practices that define the Science of Reading and how we are working to implement these practices in FSD79. We will be joined by Ryan Buggy from our professional learning partner, The Reading League. Attendees will learn about the professional learning taking place in the District and how we are applying that learning in the classrooms to further enhance our instructional impact.
Presentation Slidedeck • The Reading League Families and Caregivers webpage • ReadingRockets.org • Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan • The Reading League Science of Reading: Defining Guide
Teen Technology Use and Misuse (Oct. 24, 2024)
Led by Dr. Justin Patchin, co-founder of the Cyberbullying Research Center, this presentation will cover an overview of cyberbullying, including issues parents need to know about how youth use and misuse technology to cause harm to their peers. The presentation will define and provide examples of cyberbullying and discuss the role of parents in preventing and responding to inappropriate online behaviors. It will also describe many of the online environments popular among adolescents today and strategies to use to make sure they are used safely and responsibly.
Growing a Resilient Mind: The Parent Edition (Sept. 24, 2024)
This presentation, led by Audrey Grunst, LCSW of Simply Bee Counseling, focuses on teaching five foundational tools for building emotional wellness through the Growth & Resiliency Model. The mission of this presentation is to provide parents the necessary skills that support mental & emotional growth during challenging times.
2023-2024 Events & Resources
Parents' Guide to School Safety ALICE Drills (Sept. 26, 2023)
In order to be properly prepared in the event of human-caused emergencies such as crimes of violence, Fremont School District 79 students and staff participate in ongoing ALICE training. District administrators, along with representatives from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, will outline what students and staff are taught to do, while providing tips to parents on how to discuss these serious topics in an age-appropriate manner with their children.
Presentation Slidedeck • ALICE Drills Parent FAQs • "I'm Not Scared...I'm Prepared!"
Supporting our Children in their Hardest Moments (Oct. 16, 2023)
Our children are struggling emotionally in unprecedented ways and often, as parents, we struggle to know how to respond to their most challenging moments. Over the past several years, research has helped us understand these challenging moments better and have given us new tools to help our children when they are struggling. Psychologist and educator, Dr. Doug Bolton, will provide us with new ways to understand children's meltdowns and provide us with strategies for supporting them in their hardest moments.
School Bus Safety (National School Bus Safety Week, Oct. 16-20, 2023)
Internet Safety and Cyber Security (Nov. 14, 2023)
Now more than ever, individuals are susceptible to a variety of potential dangers and threats when it comes to the internet and cyber security. Lt. Sara Balmes of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office will lead a presentation with information about a variety of apps, in addition to providing parents tips as their students navigate social media.
Fremont Parent Book Club (10/13, 10/27, 11/10, 12/1, 12/15, 1/12, 1/26)
Join Liz Weldon (Social Worker), Amanda Foster (School Psychologist) and Amy Calkins (Social Worker) as they discuss "Parenting Outside the Lines" by Meghan Leahy.
FSD79 Math Night (Jan. 19, 2024)
Come and learn more about our new K-5 math resource, Imagine Learning Illustrative Mathematics. Participants will receive an overview of why the District chose this resource and how it supports children’s learning. There also will be the chance to engage in some hands-on activities that replicate the experiences of our students. Time will also be spent on how families can help their math learners at home.
Presentation Slidedeck
Families Feeling Equipped to Support Their Children’s Mental Health (March 6, 2024)
Jacqueline Rhew will lead a presentation for families to feel equipped to support their children’s mental health. There will be a focus on providing critical social and emotional support for children and teens, including building their self-confidence and empathy for others. Parents will learn how to help their child(ren) manage their feelings, problem solve, and engage in their education. Key strategies for parents to help foster engagement, model healthy coping skills, and develop a deeper connection with their child will also be shared. Jacqueline will also share tips to enhance the mindset of performers, athletes, and high achievers, increasing mental performance.
Standards-Based Grading (April 15, 2024)
District administrators shared key components related to standards-based grading implementation and what it means for our students, including insights related to determining grades, gradebook (TeacherEase) navigation, and a host of additional resources.
Presentation Slidedeck