Navigating Moments that Matter: Parent Academy 2026-2027
Parent Academy is a series of special evenings designed to connect Forest Hills families with trusted experts, speakers and professionals on topics that matter to parents and students. During the 2026–2027 school year, families will have two opportunities to learn, ask questions and take away practical ideas they can use at home:
- Monday, October 26, 2026
- Tuesday, February 2, 2027
FHSD uses community feedback to create a lineup of speakers who are experts on relevant topics, providing helpful insight and strategies for moments that don’t necessarily come with a handbook. Families with students of all grade levels PreK-12 will find applicable resources at both Parent Academy evenings.
A light meal and childcare are provided as requested when you register!
We are so grateful for the generous support of the Forest Hills Foundation for Education, which has made this year’s Parent Academy series possible!
Parent Academy Night 1
Monday, October 26, 2026
6:30-8 p.m. | Nagel Middle School (1500 Nagel Road)
Explore the Featured Topics:
- Talking to your kids about… Puberty/Human Development/Sex Ed
- A session designed to help parents navigate these important topics. Learn practical tips, age-appropriate language and strategies to foster open and honest communication with your children about their changing bodies.
- Presented by Kerry Brown, Senior Parenting Specialist at Beech Acres Parenting Center
- Anxious Generation: Key Insights and Takeaways from the Viral Book
- Don’t have time to read the popular book: The Anxious Generation, by Jonathan Haidt? Let us help… We will provide facts and stats from the book as well as open facilitated, parent-only, conversations around the important topics presented within the book.
- Presented by The Digital Balance Project
- Understanding Key Factors to Measure College Affordability
- The path to college may feel overwhelming and confusing. Knowing college affordability terminology, what financial resources are available and what questions to ask can help make the college admissions process less stressful for you and your student.
- Presented by Abigail Whited from Riverbend Education Solutions, LLC
- Finding the Joy in Parenting
- Rediscover the joy in parenting with techniques to enhance your relations with your child and create memorable family moments.
- Presented by Beech Acres Parenting Center
Register for October Parent Academy
Parent Academy Night 2
Tuesday, February 2, 2027
6:30-8 p.m. | Nagel Middle School (1500 Nagel Road)
Explore the Featured Topics:
- Preparing for the College Admissions Process
- Alongside a UC college admissions counselor, Abigail Whited will be presenting five action steps families can take before senior year and discussing how colleges evaluate applications.
- Presented by Abigail Whited from Riverbend Education Solutions, LLC
- The Why Behind the Wait: Kids + Devices
- A workshop for 3rd through 8th graders and parents about helping kids understand the importance of delaying social media and balancing device use.
- Presented by The Digital Balance Project
- Change Is Hard
- Navigate everyday transitions like getting out of the house on time and significant life changes such as starting a new school with practical tips and support.
- Presented by Beech Acres Parenting Center
- Soft Skills, Strong Start Prepping for Kindergarten Life
- A parent workshop for soon-to-be kindergartners focusing on the developmental skills kids need to thrive in a school setting. Practical ideas parents can work on over the summer, fun tips, summer readiness checklist and a boost of confidence for you and your child.
- Presented by Beech Acres Parenting Center
Questions About Parent Academy?
Any questions can be directed to Bob Buck, Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning, at bobbuck@foresthills.edu or by calling 513-231-3600.
