Mark your calendar for 2017-2018 MI Parent Edge events

September 11, 2017 | by Erin Sirianni

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Mercer Island Parent Edge has announced its line-up of speakers and presentations for 2017-2018.  Mark your calendars and join your PTA for free or discounted admittance to events.  Learn more about Parent Edge at www.miparentedge.org.

Ivory Tower Film Screening & Panel Discussion
Wednesday, September 27, 6:30 pm
Mercer Island Public Library, 4400 88th Ave SE

The Mercer Island Public Library KCLS Presents the “Life After High School Series.” View portions of Ivory Tower, a documentary that looks at the cost and value of a college education. After the film, a panel including college counselors, parents, and a student activist will answer questions about choosing a college and financing a college education. Sponsored by Friends of the Mercer Island Library.

For parents with students in grades 9-12


“Tweens, Teens and Tech” Presentation by Jo Langford
Wednesday, October 25, 7 pm
Mercer Island High School Performing Arts Center, 9100 SE 42nd St

Do you know what your teen is doing on their phone? Jo Langford is a Master’s-level therapist, and sex educator for tweens, teens, and parents in Seattle. He will address the most popular apps teens are using; The Good, the Bad and the Ugly – The Three Big Bads; Sexting, Cyberbullying and Porn, and what parents can do about them. He is the author of Spare Me ‘The Talk’! (for boys & for girls) and is featured in Parent Map.  Learn more at www.beheroes.net.

For parents with students in Middle & High School. No children.


“Kids and Race” Presentation by Jasen Frelot
Thursday, January 18, 7 pm
Mercer Island High School Library, 9100 SE 42nd St

How can parents and educators empower their children to be successful participants in an increasingly racialized world? Learn from Jasen how the stories we unintentionally tell our children have the greatest impact on their racial identity development and steps for empowering families to address racial injustice in a loving, sustainable, humble way. Jasen Frelot is a father, early childhood educator, social justice advocate, and co-founder of Kids and Race Seattle, which has been featured in Parent Map Magazine and on NPR.

For parents with students in elementary and middle school


Angst Film Screening & “Anxiety and Kids” Presentation and Discussion
Tuesday, February 6, 7pm
Mercer Island High School Performing Arts Center, 9100 SE 42nd St

Parent Edge in partnership with Mercer Island Library and Youth and Family Services presents Angst – Breaking the Sigma Around Anxiety. Children and young adults offer intimate, honest and accessible perspectives on suffering from and managing anxiety. Experts highlight research and offer tools and resources that provide hope. There will be a panel discussion post screening. Learn more at www.angstmovie.com.

For parents with students of all ages & students in grades 7-12 


“The Gift of Failure” Presentation by Jessica Lahey
Tuesday, March 20, 7 pm
Mercer Island High School Performing Arts Center, 9100 SE 42nd St

Research has shown that the key to motivating students to own their education and develop resilience is intrinsic motivation. Jessica offers practical advice for fostering intrinsic motivation and weaning kids off of extrinsic motivators such as short-term rewards, bribes, honors, coercion, and yes, even grades, while giving kids the support and encouragement they need in order to succeed. Jessica Lahey is the author of the New York Times Best Seller, “The Gift of Failure.” Learn more at www.jessicalahey.com.

For parents with kids of all ages


FOREFRONT (Suicide Prevention)
Dates TBA – Fall and Spring Events