The St. John School Parent Association facilitates, encourages and ensures ongoing community-building by providing activities, events, and service to the parish and school community. The Parent Association is a vehicle for supporting communication between home and school, offering a mechanism for education and serving as a structure for political action when needed. All parents/guardians of students attending St. John School are members of the Parent Association and are welcome to join meetings

  • 2/27/26 PA Meeting

    PA Updates

    Engagement Reset

    We are entering the busiest part of the school year, and participation in PA activities has dipped. Many SUGs and volunteer opportunities are going unfilled. Please help spread the word—this work is part of our Fair Share commitment.

    • Bring a friend to volunteer!
    • Share ideas to reinvigorate our community.
    • Looking to fill specific gaps—your feedback is welcome.
    • Special need to focus on Coffee & Donuts. It is a great community-builder. Involve your kids to greet and help serve!

    BINGO Night – Save the Date & Auction Item

    April 24, 7pm in Egan Hall

    • Sign-up party will serve as this year’s auction item hosted by PA.
    • Karaoke, yummy snacks and drinks will be included!
    • Email the PA if you’d like to join the planning committee, which will start up in mid-March.

    Middle School Play: A Wrinkle in Time

    • Performances are this weekend!
    • A special dress rehearsal performance was held for students on Thursday.
    • Tickets will be available at the door (earlier communication stated otherwise; the online portal is now closed).
    • Gift bags available to support the Drama Department.

    Auction Updates (Ainslie, Courtney and Chris)

    • Four weeks to go!
    • Ticket sales remain strong.
    • The Camp Host table plan is popular—only three Camp Host spots left.
    • Volunteer SUG links will be promoted soon.
      • Dessert Dash returns to its classic format. Sign up here!
      • Set-up/Clean-up: Fremont Studios requires a 12‑hour volunteer window.
      • Decor donations needed: artificial Christmas trees (lights optional), old-fashioned canteens, hurricane lamps, and more.
    • Raffle tickets went home last Friday.
      • Sell/return your tickets for Free Dress on Auction Day!

    Hospitality (Aleah & Liz)

    Coffee & Donuts Check-in

    When volunteer slots are not filled, parish staff must cover—often on their days off. Please encourage families to sign up, ideally with a buddy. Sign up to support Coffee & Donuts here!

    Additional ideas raised:

    • Ask classes directly for support.
    • Possibly tie participation to luncheons (half of a class for one week, half for another).
    • Class Grade Level reps to take a more active role in recruitment when their class hosts.

    Upcoming Hosting Dates:

    • 4th Grade – March 1 – Coffee & Donuts 
    • 1st Grade – March 8 – Coffee & Donuts 
    • 3rd Grade – March 15  – Coffee & Donuts 
    • 7th Grade – March 18 – Teacher & Staff Luncheon

    Welcome Committee (Jean)

    • First meeting of the year: Thursday, March 19 (tentative)
    • Will write welcome letters to new families.
    • Planning four Saturday morning summer playdates.
    • Recruiting committee members—please share via room parent communications.
    • Buddy Family volunteer sign-ups launching soon.

    ParentMap ParentEd Talks (Stephanie, standing in for Alev & Reagan)

    • Check out the recording and key takeaways from February’s talk on the PA website:
      From Blowups to Breakthroughs: A New Way to Navigate Anger in Kids with Renee Jain.
    • Next event:
      Tuesday, March 10, 12–1pm
      The EdTech Wake Up Call: Rethinking Digital Learning for Kids with Jared Coomey Horvath.
      Highly recommended!

    Volunteer Recruitment (Lauren)

    • Seeking new ideas to encourage broader volunteer participation.
    • Tracking volunteer opportunities via a tagged spreadsheet—suggestions welcome!

    School Garden (Paul, standing in for Meggie & Kate)

    • Ongoing work continues. Meggie and Kate are doing a wonderful job increasing student involvement.

    Admin Updates (Abby and Paul)

    • Huge thanks to Stephanie, the Valleys, and the entire team supporting the MS play production, A Wrinkle in Time. The updated format—more inclusive and aligned with electives—has been a success. The play is largely student-driven and volunteer-directed.

    Parish Opportunities

    • Stations of the Cross: 12:45pm on March 13, 20, 27
    • Friday Stations & Soup Suppers: March 6 and March 13
      (Sign‑ups forthcoming)

    Morning Drop-off Reminder

    Do not drop children off before 8:05am—there is no supervision before this time. The first bell rings at 8:20am. Please remind other families.

    Hot Lunch (Paul)

    • A parent volunteer may take over lunch ordering (TBD in March).
    • Reviewing the cost structure of lunches—expect a likely price increase next year.

    Admissions Update (Jonna)

    • All grades are full except incoming 1st grade.
    • Teachers participating in training with BBHS principal on ethical use of AI in learning/instruction.
    • March 6: Staff retreat focused on bringing students closer to God.
    BINGO IS BACK!

    BINGO IS BACK!

    April 24, 2026

  • 3/10 ParentEd Talk: The EdTech Wake-up Call: Rethinking Digital Learning for Kids

    Date: 03/10/2026 noon–1 p.m. PT on Zoom

    The EdTech Wake-up Call: Rethinking Digital Learning for Kids

    Speaker: Jared Cooney Horvath, Ph.D.

    To register for this Talk: ParentMap.com/edtech (promo code: Follow NewsViews)

    Educational technology has rapidly reshaped classrooms, but is all this screen-based instruction actually helping our kids learn? In this live ParentEd Talk, neuroscientist and “The Digital Delusion” author Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath joins ParentMap and St John School  to challenge EdTech’s biggest promises and examine what the data truly shows. He will explain how excessive technology use can undermine kids’ learning and attention, and share clear, practical ways parents and educators can restore meaningful learning at school and at home. 

    You’ll leave with:

    • A simple understanding of the neuroscience behind how kids learn — and how EdTech based learning can fall short.
    • Eye-opening data on the impacts of EdTech and how parents and educators can encourage schools to strike a healthier balance with technology.
    • Practical strategies you can use at home to boost your child’s learning.

    Speaker bio

    Jared Cooney Horvath is a neuroscientist, educator, bestselling author and creator of The Learning Blueprint, an international award-winning program for educators and students on the science of learning. He has researched and lectured at Harvard University, Harvard Medical School, University of Melbourne and in more than 1,000 schools worldwide. Dr. Horvath has published six books and more than 50 research articles, with work featured in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The Economist, Harvard Business Review and “NOVA.” His newest book, “The Digital Delusion,” explores how classroom technology harms kids’ learning and how to help them thrive again. He currently serves as director of LME Global, a company dedicated to bringing the latest brain and behavioral research to educators, students and communities

    ** Sign-up HERE for the entire series – promo code: Follow NewsViews** Watch previous ParentEd talks: https://vimeo.com/showcase/parentedtalks-25-26 – access code: edTalks*2526

  • From Blowups to Breakthroughs: a New Way to Navigate Anger in Kids, with Renee Jain

    The St. John Parent Association, in partnership with ParentMap, provided an opportunity to hear Renee Jain – founder of GoZen – speak on February 10, 2026.  

    Link to previous ParentEd videos: https://vimeo.com/showcase/parentedtalks-25-26 

    Access password: edTalks*2526

    Key Takeaways:

    1. Reframe All Feelings as “Useful”

    We often try to suppress “bad” emotions like anger or anxiety. Instead, teach your children that every feeling carries a message.

    • Anxiety is a protective mechanism.
    • Anger often signals a perceived injustice.
    • The Goal: Don’t just try to “calm them down” (which can feel coercive); help them understand what the emotion is trying to tell them.

    2. The “Upstairs” vs. “Downstairs” Brain

    Using basic neuroscience helps kids understand why they lose control. When a child is in a “distressed brain” (the fight-or-flight center), they physically cannot access logic or reasoning.

    • The Tip: Save the “life lessons” and logic for later. In the heat of the moment, focus solely on safety and regulation.

    3. Move Teaching “Outside the Moment”

    Most parenting techniques (like deep breathing) fail because we only suggest them when the child is already exploding.

    • The Strategy: Use “Reset Reboots” or family meetings during calm times to plan what to do when things get heated.
    • For Teens: Discuss how they want to “show up in the world” when they aren’t currently slamming doors.

    4. Respond, Don’t Just “Stay Calm”

    Surprisingly, a parent being perfectly “robotic” and calm can sometimes escalate a child’s anger because they feel unheard.

    • The Adjustment: Aim to be responsive, not reactive. Validate the magnitude of their feelings (e.g., “I can see how much this hurts right now”) so they feel seen, while still maintaining your boundary.

    5. Prioritize Skills Over Consequences

    When a child hits or screams, they are struggling with a lack of regulation skills.

    • The Filter: Ask yourself: “Does this consequence build a long-term skill, or does it just teach my child to fear my reaction?”
    • The Focus: Focus on teaching the skill of self-control rather than just quashing the behavior.

    6. The Power of “Parental Self-Compassion”

    Your children will eventually adopt the “inner voice” they hear from you. If you shame yourself for losing your cool, they will learn to shame themselves too.

    • The Practice: When you mess up, model self-forgiveness. Say, “Mom isn’t perfect, and I’m working on my patience too.” Witnessing your self-compassion is the best way for them to learn to regulate their own shame.

    Additional Resources from ParentMap:

    Resources from speaker Renee Jain:

  • 1/30/26 PA Meeting

    PA Updates

    General Updates

    • Happy Purple and Gold Day! Check out our photo gallery from Spirit Lunch. A special thanks to all those who volunteered to help with this fun event. 
    • Middle School Play: shifting from a musical to a play this year. “A Wrinkle in Time” will be on stage Feb 26–Mar 1 (shows Friday and Saturday evening and Sunday matinee). Tickets on sale now! Also, back by popular demand – purchase your gift bag to support the St. John Drama program. 
    • Hospitality: Coffee & Donuts on Feb 2 and Feb 23; Luncheon on Feb 12.

    Auction Updates

    • The dinner will not be plated—hybrid buffet with seating.
    • Tickets go on sale: Feb 10. Think about your “Campsite” reservations (reserved table). Nominate one camp host in your group of 10 to purchase the table reservation ($40 fee). Others should include the host’s name when buying regular tickets. If you don’t have a “Campsite” reservation, the remaining tables will be open seating. 
    • Final procurement deadline: Feb 12. 
    • Look for opportunities to volunteer: Dessert signup via Signup Genius; decor requests for borrowing.

    Welcome Committee

    • Recruiting new members—especially preschool/prek/kinder families.
    • As part of the Welcome Committee, you will attend/support Happy Hour, Summer Playdates, help with Buddy Families.

    ParentMap ParentEd Talks

    • January’s ParentEd session: “Inside the ADHD Mind” with guest speaker Dr. Sasha Hamdani, ADHD specialist. See PA website for key takeaways and recordin.
    • Upcoming ParentEd session: “From Blowups to Breakthroughs: A New Way to Navigate Anger in Kids” with guest speaker Renee Jain. February 10, 12-1pm on Zoom. Register here. See NewsViews for promotional code. 

    Volunteering

    • Working to make volunteering more accessible; site update in progress.
    • Di Tran sending online entry form to Lauren; feedback welcome.

    Garden

    • Garden Cleanup will be on Feb 21.
    • Find all information about the garden and opportunities to volunteer at our private Facebook page.

    Admin Updates

    • It’s Admissions season! Spread the word – preschool/1st grade openings.
    • Re-enrollment: register older kids first, then younger. Deadline: Wed Feb 4. Make sure you have viewed the State of the School. 
    • Interested in St. John’s impact? See Annual Report available through NewsViews. 
    • Seahawks Blue Day – Thursday, Feb 5. Wear Seahawks tops, uniform bottoms.
    • No school or XDC: Fri Feb 6.
    • February Mid-Winter Break coming soon.

    Important Dates

    • Re-enrollment deadline: Feb 4.
    • No school/XDC: Fri Feb 6.
    • Auction tickets on sale: Feb 10.
    • Final Auction procurement date: Feb 12.
    • Mid-Winter Break: half day Feb 13; no school/XDC Feb 16; XDC open Feb 17.

    Questions?

    • Reach out to Parent_Association@st-johnschool.org.

  • Spirit Lunch Photos – 2026

  • Inside ADHD Mind: Tools to Help Your Child Thrive, with Dr. Sasha Hamdani

    Dr. Sasha Hamdani

    The St. John Parent Association, in partnership with ParentMap, provided an opportunity to hear Sasha Hamdami speak on January 21, 2026.  

    Link to previous ParentEd videos: https://vimeo.com/showcase/parentedtalks-25-26 

    Access password: edTalks*2526

    Key Takeaways:

    1. The Reality of the ADHD Brain
    • Prevalence vs. Perception: ADHD rates in the general population are stable, but diagnosis rates are rising. This is due to a better understanding of “masked” symptoms, particularly in girls and women who often present with internal restlessness rather than external disruption.
    • Neurobiological Roots: ADHD is an inheritable, neurological difference in how the brain is wired. It isn’t “developed” through bad habits; it manifests as the brain’s executive centers mature at a different rate than neurotypical peers.
    • A “Regulation” Disorder: The name “Attention Deficit” is a misnomer. It is actually a dysregulation of executive function. This impacts:
      • Attention: Either too little or “hyperfocus.”
      • Emotional Control: Frequent “flooding” or rejection sensitivity.
      • Biological Rhythms: Difficulty with sleep onset and hunger cues (interoception).
    1. The Management Framework

    It can be treated with medication or behavioral, and behavioral can be both internal and external facing. While medication is a powerful tool (focused on dopamine levels), Dr. Hamdani notes that medication is very individual and need to be done in consultation with a medical provider. For behavioral treatment, Dr. Hamdani emphasizes a Biopsychosocial Approach—specifically the interplay between the child and their surroundings.

    Internal Strategies (The Child’s Mindset)

    • Lead with Curiosity: Start with a curious and non-judgmental approach. Move away from “Why won’t you do this?” to “What is making this hard right now?”
    • Collaborative Problem Solving: Instead of imposing a system, ask the child for input. Once you understand the problem, you can work on a solution. They are more likely to follow a plan they helped build.
    • Process over Product: Shift the “reward center” of the brain by praising the effort and strategy used rather than the final grade or result.
    • Removing Toxic Shame: Focus on the effort your child is doing and the resilience. Do not focus on comparisons to neurotypical siblings or peers. Shame is “dopamine-depleting,” which makes ADHD symptoms worse.

    External Strategies (The Environment)

    • Consider both school environment and home environment; set them up to be designed for success
    • Proactive School Planning: Don’t wait for a crisis. Optimize the classroom environment (seating, distraction triggers, set breaks) before the term begins by collaborating with teachers.
    • The Power of Boredom: Unstructured downtime is vital. While “task-directed” activity is draining, boredom allows the ADHD brain to wander and develop internal motivation.
    1. Screen Time Management.

    Dr. Hamdani is firm on Screen Time Management for two specific reasons:

    • The Stimulation Gap: Modern fast-paced media (like TikTok or high-octane gaming) provides a “dopamine flood” that makes real-life tasks (like homework) feel physically painful by comparison.
    • Constant Availability: Because these stimuli are available 24/7, the ADHD brain—which already struggles with “off-switches”—never gets the chance to reset its baseline.
    1. Emotional Dysregulation.
    • Provide a safe place for your children to experience periods of emotional dysregulation so that they can understand what triggers it and how to manage it when they are young.
    • Do not try to shut down the emotional dysregulation right away; instead allow them to understand that their feelings are okay and helping them to learn to manage their feelings

    Additional Resources from ParentMap:

    ParentMap
    Join the ParentMap community for expert parenting tips and tools to support your journey.

    Check out these ParentMap articles:

    Resources from Dr. Sasha Hamdani:

     

  • 12/12/25 PA Meeting

    PA Updates

    • CSW and Spirit Lunch committee work underway. Spirit Lunch on Jan 30; we are using a space theme this year to tie in with “A Wrinkle in Time” play. Grab n’ go decoration kits available to take home on Tuesday, Dec 16 in Parish Hall before pickup (see SUG). If you have star projectors and space-themed decorations we can borrow, email us. Interested in joining the committee? Reach out to Parent_Association@st-johnschool.org. 
    • Feedback on Intermediate Grand Day: Event went well overall, but some parents were disappointed they couldn’t attend due to timing. Next year, more advance notice will be given to plan ahead.
    • Opportunity to sing at Mass: 4th and 5th graders invited to sing at Christmas Eve mass at 4 pm (info in Newsview).
    • Thank you! Big thank you to everyone supporting our community—volunteering from classroom, Grand Day, and Back-to-School BBQ is appreciated.

    Volunteer Recruitment

    • New volunteer page in the works—Lauren would like to share for feedback before publishing.
    • More info to come in January.

    Hospitality

    • Cards and baked cookies are great options for staff gifts.
    • Check staff list before gifting—some teachers may not drink wine/alcohol.

    Auction Updates

    • No personal wine or liquor donations unless directly from manufacturer.Liquor Control Board: newly enforced rule—wine must be donated by manufacturer or purchased by school. If you want to donate wine, please donate money so school can purchase it.
    • Cash donations: not reallocated to class package, but donated to overall fund.
    • Company matches: check if your company matches donations.
    • Class Packages: deadline is today; lots of great ideas already. If your class is struggling, reach out to Ainslie and Courtney.
    • Sponsorships: thanks to all who have sponsored! Still accepting traditional and in-kind sponsorships (liquor, wine are great examples).

    CLOW (Jean)

    • Need volunteers for Sunday masses at 10:30.
    • Ratio needs to be upheld; more assistance needed.
    • Help with set-up, reading, spreading the word.
    • Reach out to terrenceandjean@gmail.com. 

    ParentMap

    • Previous ParentEd session: “Raising Future-Ready Kids: What Every Parent Should Know About AI” with Sal Kahn. Key takeaways and recording available on the PA website.
    • No session for December; talks will resume in January. 

    Admin Updates

    • Holiday mass schedule: 4 pm Christmas Eve (older students invited to participate with Mrs. Villanueva). Doors open at 3 pm.
    • St. Ben/St. Al also have Christmas Eve mass at 4 pm.
    • Christmas Day: 9 am Mass with Brass ensemble.
    • January calendar update: State of the School, target tuition for 2026–2027. Dates scheduled for Tuesday, Jan 20 and Thursday, Jan 22.
    • Projected first day of school for 2026–2027: Wednesday, Sept 2. Supplies drop-off and open house that Monday/Tuesday.

    Questions?

  • Raising Future-Ready Kids: What Every Parent Should Know About AI with Sal Khan

    The St. John Parent Association, in partnership with ParentMap, provided an opportunity to hear Sal Khan speak on November 18, 2025.  Sal Khan is the founder of Khan Academy and provided information on how to introduce kids to AI and use it for learning.  

    Link to video: https://vimeo.com/showcase/parentedtalks-25-26 

    Access password: edTalks*2526

    Key Takeaways:

    • AI as a Personalized Tutor: Khan advocates for AI’s potential to provide every student with a world-class, one-on-one education by setting it up as a personalized tutor. AI can provide another layer of personalized experience meeting students where they are in their learning and adapt to students who may not be at the same level of peers or who may have learning differences.  Khan discusses the Khan Academy AI tool, Khanmigo as an example of the use of AI as a personal tutor. 
    • Active vs. Passive Screen Time: Khan addresses parental concerns about screen time by distinguishing between “passive” consumption (like watching videos) and “active” engagement. He argues that some active usage can be okay, such as using learning tools, practicing coding, or interacting with an AI tutor is a productive, active form of learning that fosters critical thinking.  He also recommends looking at screen time in the context of what is needed for an overall good child experience.
    • Preparing for the Future Workforce: Khan encourages students to have a strong traditional skills and content knowledge in math, reading, science, and history. These skills can help students to use AI more effectively. Leadership and other non-AI related skills are be beneficial; not everyone needs to know how to code.  Proficiency with AI is presented as a non-negotiable skill for the next generation. Khan suggests that students who learn to “co-pilot” with AI tools effectively will have a significant advantage in the future job market and creative endeavors.
    • Using AI: Khan recommends having a mix of assignments that use AI and ones that don’t.  He is not supportive of policy that prohibit all use of AI.  Parents can also look for ways to use AI with their kids, including using AI to write songs, working on drafts of letters, or making videos.
    • Supporting, Not Replacing, Teachers: The talk emphasizes that AI is designed to augment human educators, not replace them. By acting as a teaching assistant—handling lesson planning, grading, and administrative work—AI frees up teachers to spend more quality time connecting with students.

    Additional Resources from ParentMap:

    Khan Academy resources

    • Khan Academy: Website | Instagram  | Facebook
    • A free Khan Academy course just for families: Khan Academy has created something new just for families! Khan for Families is a free, friendly course to help you support your child’s learning. No teaching or tech skills required!
    • Free Parent Dashboard from Khan Academy: See your child’s learning at a glance — minutes, skills and lessons completed. The new Parent Dashboard gives you one clear view of their growth. Just sign in and switch to the parent role to explore it for yourself.
    • Khanmigo for parents: Need a tutor, coach and study buddy in one? Meet Khanmigo — with 20+ parent tools to create quizzes, plan assignments and support your child’s learning.
    • Khan Academy’s free app for little learners: Khan Academy Kids is a free app for ages 2–8, packed with fun games that build early literacy, writing, language and math skills.

  • 11/14/25 PA Meeting

    PA Updates

    Hospitality

    • It’s almost holiday gifting time! No Scrip cards this year. Consider giving cash or gift cards depending on teacher preference.
    • Gifts can be distributed via staff boxes or dropped off at the front desk.
    • Thanksgiving: gifts are optional—baking, cards, or class art projects are great ways to show appreciation on a tighter budget. 

    Hygiene Kits (6th Grade Drive)

    • November 10–19.
    • Details available here.
    • Currently looking to expand this program with other grades. 

    Oktoberfest Recap

    • Overall, it was a fun event!
    • Lower middle school attendance impacted by high school event conflicts—consider scheduling adjustments next year.
    • Funds raised for tile replacement project (tiles to be replaced with concrete; current names will be honored).
    • Donations still welcome: Give to St. John.
      • $500+ donors will be recognized on a plaque.
    • Have feedback about the event? Email Parent_Association@st-johnschool.org.

    Snapdoodle Fundraiser

    • Holiday Shopping Week: November 23–30.
    • Shop in-store at any Snapdoodle Toys location.
    • Mention St. John at checkout; 20% of purchase donated to school.

    Upcoming Events & Committees

    • Catholic Schools Week/Spirit Lunch – January 30, 2026.
    • Bingo Night – April 24, 2026 (adults only; tickets will be sold as part of the auction).
    • Parent Ed Wine Down – April 30, 2026 (tentative).
    • Interested in joining a planning committee for one of these events? Please email us and let us know!  PA Reps for each class are asked to join at least one committee over the course of the year, however anyone is welcome!

    ParentEd Talk Series

    • October: Cracking the Teen Code with Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart. Summary and resources available on PA website.
    • November 18: Raising Future Ready Kids: What Every Parent Should Know About AI with Sal Khan.
    • For upcoming event information and registration, go to  ParentMap Talks. Use promo code: STJCATHSCH.

    PA Meeting Notetakers

    • Each grade’s PA Reps are responsible for taking notes at one meeting during the 2025–26 school year.
    • Please sign up here.

    Auction Updates (Ainslie + Courtney)

    • Theme: Camp Soaring Eagle.
    • Date: Friday, March 27, 2026.
    • Location: Fremont Studios.
    • Format: Hybrid buffet + table seating. Games and raffles before live auction. After Party follows.
    • Fair Share Commitment: Procure donations of $250/family (cash, gift cards, or items of equal value).
    • Classroom Auction Coordinators are responsible for the class art project (PK-5) and the class package (all grades). For more details on the role, check out the Classroom Auction Coordinator resources page. Still need coordinator for 8th grade.
    • Other Volunteer Lead Roles: Dessert Dash, Volunteer Coordinators, Procurement, and Activities & Decorations. Contact Auction@st-johnschool.org if interested. 
    • Deadlines:
      • Procurement begins December 5.
      • Class art project and package ideas due December 12.
      • Sponsor sign-up deadline December 12 (10% early bird discount).

    Admin Updates

    General Updates (Abby/Paul)

    • Grand Day: 3rd–5th grades. Parents, grandparents, and special friends invited in lieu of a holiday program.
      • Volunteer to support this event here. RSVP to attend here. 
    • Teacher Professional Development: Blanchet Principal Sam Procoppio to lead 3-hour AI training in February for faculty/staff.
    • Reminder of School Start Time: 8:20 AM. Don’t send your kids too early when the building is not yet open. Reminder to send jackets—recess is outdoors rain or shine.
    • Hot Lunch: December portal open. New system planned for Fall 2026.

    Parent Action Items

    • Volunteer as 8th grade auction coordinator.
    • Support Hygiene Kits drive.
    • Participate in Snapdoodle Fundraiser.
    • Donate to tile replacement project.
    • Sign up for event committees.
    • Volunteer for auction roles.
    • Begin auction procurement.
    • Register for ParentEd Talks.

    PA Feedback!

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  • Cracking the Teen Code: Spot Trouble, Build Trust and Stay Connected with Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart

    The St. John Parent Association, in partnership with ParentMap, provided an opportunity to hear Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart speak to our community on October 23, 2025. Dr. Lockhart a pediatric psychologist and parent coach, and upcoming author of the book “Love the Tean You Have,” provided valuable information on how to engage with teenagers by meeting them where they are at and being curious about their experiences.  

    Link to video: https://vimeo.com/showcase/parentedtalks-25-26

    Access password: edTalks*2526

    Key Takeaways

    Communication Strategies

    Dr. Lockhart advocated for “joining the resistance” by embracing teens’ preferred communication methods like texting. She emphasized building connection with teens being present through shared activities while respecting privacy needs and avoiding excessive lecturing.

    Managing Homework

    She recommended practical approaches, including time tracking, to help teens manage their workload and combat “time blindness.”  Two methods she recommended are the Pomodoro method (e.g., 15-20 minute periods of focused work followed by a break) and motivational apps like “Focus Keeper” 

    Emotional Regulation

    Parents were advised to respond rather than react, suggesting techniques like taking “rage walks” and using code words with coparents to signal high emotions. She emphasized modeling humility and admitting mistakes while maintaining boundaries.

    Friendships and Social Connection

    Dr. Lockhart recommended encouraging teens to be proactive in making their own plans, suggesting meeting at central locations or before events for those living far from friends.

    Mental Health Awareness

    She identified certain criteria parents can use to help distinguish between normal and clinical levels of anxiety and depression, emphasizing the importance of understanding situational versus chronic symptoms.

    Supporting Neurodivergent Teens

    Dr. Lockhart stressed the importance of teens to be able to identify their diagnosis, understand what it means, and understand how it shows up for the teen.  She recommended focusing first on strengths before addressing challenges.

    Technology and AI

    Parents were advised to understand and monitor their teens’ AI usage, staying curious about significant changes in usage patterns and what tools the are using.  Not all AI is the same.

    Motivation and Chores

    She suggested making chores reasonable and pairing them with enjoyable activities, like music, to increase motivation.

    Closing Message

    Dr. Lockhart emphasized that it’s never too late to repair relationships with teens, offering hope for parent-teen relationship improvement.

    Additional Resources from ParentMap:

    Speaker Links:

    Recommended apps: Pomodoro Focus Timer | Focus Friend