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Originally delivered on 9/11/2023 8:24 pm

SUBJECT: Parent Edge 2023-24 Overview

Equipping families with ideas, insight, and community to help them thrive.

2023-24 Program Themes


Technology and Digital Lives

Achievement Pressure

Social and Emotional Skill Building

Thank you to those who completed the Parent Edge survey last spring. This year we are working to curate a line-up of well-known authors, speakers and parenting experts focusing on topics of highest interest to MI families.

What does that mean for you? These events will be accessible in a few ways:

  1. Live webinar
  2. Recorded programs (over 25 programs this year) and a large library of past programs
  3. Spotlighted Parent Edge programming
  4. In-Person, follow up group conversations


New to the district? Wondering what Parent Edge is all about? Check out more info here.

September Programs
Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World with Dr. Devorah Heitner

Addressing "Technology and Digital Lives" is a priority theme for our community this year. Join us for this important webinar with Dr. Devorah Heitner.

How can we help kids navigate today's very public digital world? Devorah Heitner, PhD, author and digital media expert, highlights her upcoming book, Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World (Thurs, Sept 21, 5:30 - 6:30pm PT). 

* To access events, sign-up and register by clicking the event links in blue!

Managing Digital Lives

Three (free!) events in September to help parents gain insight and skills on this important topic:

Setting Up For Success

Check out these two events in September exploring what really defines success:


* Unable to attend the live webinar? Most events will provide a recording afterwards. Check the event page again to access the recording when it is made available.

Sneak Peak - Fall Spotlight
*Save the Date* Oct 18 - Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic -- And What We Can Do About It

In her brand new book, award-winning reporter Jennifer Wallace investigates the deep roots of toxic achievement culture, and finds out what we must do to fight back. 

Achievement Pressure is a real thing in our community and we want to make a safe space to process it.

Parent Circles: Connection, Community and Support

*Save the Date* for the first Parent Circle discussion groups on Achievement Pressure following the "Never Enough" book webinar.

Early November 2023 
(Time and Location: TBA)

In addition to offering great webinars on a variety of topics, we believe in providing opportunities to connect and grow by continuing the conversation with others after the webinar.  Parent Edge will host Parent Circle discussion groups a few weeks after featured programs. This is a time for you to meet other parents, discuss insights from the presentation, and share ideas on how to implement the learning in your everyday parenting.  


We invite you to watch the featured webinar/recording and then join us at a Parent Circle meeting - everyone is welcome so remember to bring a friend!


Upcoming Events
Tuesday, September 12
4:00p Beginnings and Beyond: Helping Kids Thrive in School and Sports
Thursday, September 14
5:30p 8 Setbacks That Can Make a Child a Success: What to Do and What to Say
Friday, September 15
12:00p Parent Forum (Online) - How to Support Your Upset Child or Teen
Wednesday, September 20
5:30p Erasing the Finish Line: The New Blueprint for Success Beyond Grades and College Admission
Thursday, September 21
5:30p Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World
Wednesday, October 18
*Spotlight* Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—And What We Can Do About It

Mercer Island Parent Edge is a program within the Mercer Island PTA Council. 
We coordinate events and programs for parents, students and educators. 
Our goal is to encourage dialogue and share best practices.

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