Student, Family, and School Services
"Informing, Educating, and Inspiring Families"
Winter 2025 Parent Academy TO GO
Student, Family, and School Services is very excited to provide "Parent Academy TO GO," a series of virtual presentations for families to participate and view at home.
Parent Academy TO GO is designed to inform and empower families as advocates and partners in their children's education. Workshops provide families with useful information and resources to support their children's academic and emotional well-being, as well as help them to be college and career ready. Through a variety of learning opportunities hosted by MCPS staff and community partners, we hope to strengthen our engagement with families and the community. We recognize that behind every successful student are supportive families, teachers, school staff and community members who take an active role in educating our students.
PEP Family Resiliency Program
Is your child facing stress or struggling in school? Learn how to provide support! The PEP Family Resiliency Program is a free 8-week online program for MCPS parents/caregivers of children ages 5-18, in English, Spanish, or Amharic. Learn to support your child’s mental wellness and resiliency and connect with other parents. The program is offered by the Parent Encouragement Program (PEP). Sessions start the first week of February. Register online at pep-frp.org or call 301-929-8824 or email FRP@PEPparent.org for more information.
Advanced registration is required to participate in our workshops and chats.
It's easy to register for a workshop! Just click on the button below to register online:
Winter 2025 Virtual Workshop Schedule
Moving Ahead with Mindfulness
January 23, 6:00-7:00 pm
Effective focus, motivation, handling frustrations, and communication depend on the ability of students to understand and manage their emotions. These are basic competencies that are crucial to student well-being and success. This virtual workshop will focus on how to include Mindfulness practices in both the curriculum and our personal life. Presented by MCPS staff. Recommended for families of elementary, middle, and high school students.
Summer Fun: Explore the Possibilities with Recreation
January 27, 6:00-7:00 pm
Montgomery County Recreation (MCR) has something for everyone! In this presentation, you will hear about this year's summer programs and camps. There will be an outline of what is needed to apply for youth volunteer and employment opportunities and you will find out how to submit for RecAssist, MCR's scholarship program. MCR's professionals will also share how you and your family can connect to these opportunities. Join us to have fun and even win prizes. Presented by Montgomery County Recreation Department. Recommended for families of elementary, middle, and high school students.
Sharpening Phonics Skills at Home
February 13, 6:00-7:00 pm
Many students, third grade and up, still find sounding out and spelling words difficult—this makes all the reading and writing in school feel hard. Practicing with step-by-step phonics materials can improve these skills and build a student’s confidence and enjoyment of reading. We will explore our website that provides tutoring materials that are free and aligned with MCPS curriculum. Tips for making phonics fun and stress-free will also be provided. Please join us! Presented by Open Source Phonics.Recommended for families of elementary students.
Managing Morning Mayhem and Bedtime Battles
February 26, 6:00-7:00 pm
For busy families, the two most challenging times of the day are the morning and the evening. Add in school-year time pressure and these times can become a high-stakes battlefield. Learn how to motivate your child to be ready to roll in the morning with everything they need, and to wind down at night in a way that ensures readiness for the next day. Maximize success for everyone during the busy school year. Presented by the Parent Encouragement Program. Recommended for families of elementary, middle, and high school students.
Communicating with Teens
February 27, 6:00-7:00 pm
Do you feel like it’s difficult to communicate with your teen? Are you wondering how to have a real conversation? In this workshop, you will learn helpful and practical skills to encourage communication between you and your teenager and strategies that can help reduce problems. Presented by Parent Assistant Resource. Recommended for families of middle and high school students.
Positive Discipline
March 5, 6:00-7:00 pm
Do you find yourself getting frustrated with your kids or giving in to their demands? For many families, discipline is one of the toughest parts of parenting, but also one of the most important. Discover how to keep peace in your home through the power of the logical consequence approach instead of punishment. Learn strategies to discipline with love, without threats and bribes and how to establish age appropriate expectations for behavior and consequences. Presented by Parent Assistant Resource (PAR). Recommended for families of elementary, middle, and high school students.
Active Parenting of Teens (Part 1)
March 6, 6:30-8:30 pm
This is a 4-part series. Attendance at all sessions is encouraged.
For parents and caregivers of preteens and teens, this workshop series will provide the skills needed to use effective discipline, teach responsibility, and communicate better with their children. We will also address how to handle sensitive issues such as drugs, sexuality, and violence. Presented by Montgomery County Federation of Families. Recommended for families of middle and high school students.
Uncovering Your Teen’s Unique Story: Strategies to Shine on College Applications
March 12, 6:00-7:00 pm
The key to a successful application is a compelling personal narrative- one that highlights their unique strengths, experiences, and passions. This workshop shares ways to help your teen uncover their unique story and showcase it effectively in essays and interviews. We will also discuss how to highlight activities and experiences for a glowing application and avoid common pitfalls in crafting a personal narrative. Overall, you will learn how to support your teen in building a balanced, authentic application that gets noticed. Presented by Educational Connections. Recommended for families of elementary, middle, and high school students.
Active Parenting of Teens (Part 2)
March 13, 6:30-8:30 pm
This is a 4-part series. Attendance at all sessions is encouraged.
For parents and caregivers of preteens and teens, this workshop series will provide the skills needed to use effective discipline, teach responsibility, and communicate better with their children. We will also address how to handle sensitive issues such as drugs, sexuality, and violence. Presented by Montgomery County Federation of Families. Recommended for families of middle and high school students.
Active Parenting of Teens (Part 3)
March 20, 6:30-8:30 pm
This is a 4-part series. Attendance at all sessions is encouraged.
For parents and caregivers of preteens and teens, this workshop series will provide the skills needed to use effective discipline, teach responsibility, and communicate better with their children. We will also address how to handle sensitive issues such as drugs, sexuality, and violence. Presented by Montgomery County Federation of Families. Recommended for families of middle and high school students.
Parent Power Hour: Parenting in Uncertain Times
(Presented in English and Spanish)
March 24, 12:00-1:00 pm
Join us for a time dedicated to slowing down the pace of currents and to engage with others in a safe space. We will offer tips, tools, and resources for dealing with stress. Maximize success for you and your child to navigate life's challenges. Facilitated by MCPS staff.
Active Parenting of Teens (Part 4)
March 27 6:30-8:30 pm
This is a 4-part series. Attendance at all sessions is encouraged.
For parents and caregivers of preteens and teens, this workshop series will provide the skills needed to use effective discipline, teach responsibility, and communicate better with their children. We will also address how to handle sensitive issues such as drugs, sexuality, and violence. Presented by Montgomery County Federation of Families. Recommended for families of middle and high school students.
Register for Virtual Workshops
Parent Academy TO GO Feedback Form
MCPS Parent Academy TO GO Video Series
The MCPS Parent Academy TO GO series provides families with information central to their children's academic and emotional well-being. Led by community professionals and MCPS specialists, we offer a variety of workshops and chats focused on topics important to families of MCPS students. Our goal is to empower families with the skills and strategies necessary to become active participants in their children’s education.
If you were unable to join one of our Parent Academy TO GO workshops or chats, visit the MCPS YouTube channel for recorded sessions. Please note that it may take up to a week before new recordings are posted.