Billerica Public Schools

Family Workshop / Presentation Series We are pleased to offer a variety of workshops and presentations to families of the Billerica Public Schools. These workshops / presentations are free and open to any parent/guardian of child(ren) in the Billerica Public Schools. This catalogue lists each workshop / presentation, including dates, times, and location. Please note that childcare is not offered. To register for a workshop, please fill out the form below. On-site registration is possible, provided that there is space available in the workshop. Unless otherwise noted, there is an enrollment limit of 20-25 for each workshop. For the Presentations, this limit does not apply. https://goo.gl/forms/gAUsb3u9AZNhx12h2

Workshops (Please register for these workshops https://goo.gl/forms/gAUsb3u9AZNhx12h2) Introduction to Google App's Date(s): March 8, 2018 Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Location: Marshall S2 Computer Lab Instructor: Carla Fitzgerald (Billerica Public Schools) Workshop Description: This workshop is an introduction to Google Apps such as Google Docs, Slides, Calendar, and Gmail

Music Improvisation Date(s): March 8, 2018 March 15, 2018 Time: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Location: Marshall Music Room Instructor: Dario Fiorentini (Billerica Public Schools) Workshop Description: This workshop is designed to greatly benefit your own understanding of music. We will discuss how improvisation is a fundamental part of learning music and how audiation is the driving force that propels someone’s musicality. If you play an easy-to-transport instrument, please bring it along!

Learning How to Use Aspen Date(s): March 15, 2018 Time:

6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Location: Marshall S2 Computer Lab Instructor: Carla Fitzgerald (Billerica Public Schools) Workshop Description: Parents will learn about how to use Aspen to it's greatest potential by reviewing settings, setting up notifications, and learn how to navigate individual teacher's pages. This workshop is appropriate for middle school parents/guardians.

Learning How to Use Gmail Date(s): March 22, 2018 Time: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Location: Marshall S2 Computer Lab Instructor: Carla Fitzgerald (Billerica Public Schools) with 6th Grader, Brooke Marr Workshop Description: How to use Gmail - This workshop will introduce parents to the many features of Gmail. The workshop will be co-taught with 6th grader Brooke Marr.

ESL (English as a Second Language) Date(s): March 13, 2018 March 20, 2018 March 27, 2018 Time: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Location: Marshall Library Instructor: Noreen O'Brien (Billerica Public Schools) Workshop Description: This workshop is designed for parents of English Language Learners. The workshop will help parents understand the public education system in the USA, the procedures used to identify and place ELL students, and the services available in Billerica Public Schools for students whose first language is not English. In addition, the workshop will explain

to parents how to interpret ACCESS scores. Lastly, the workshop will provide resources to help both parents and children learn English and fully benefit from available programs in Billerica and surrounding towns.

Supporting your High School Student by Getting Information from Aspen Date(s): March 13, 2018 March 27, 2018 Time: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Location: Marshall S2 Computer Lab Instructor: Gayle Barooshian (Billerica Public Schools) Workshop Description: One great way to support your high school student is to help them manage their assignments and grades. Aspen, the student information application that Billerica Public Schools uses, gives you the ability to see upcoming assignments, assignment grades, class averages, as well as attendance records for your student. Plus, you can set up Aspen to alert you when your child is counted absent from school or earns a grade below a certain threshold (such as a C). Come to this workshop to learn about all the great information you can get from Aspen.

Basic Woodworking Projects Date(s): March 6, 2018 March 8, 2016 Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Location: Marshall Shop Room Instructor: Teresa Rogers (Billerica Public Schools) Workshop Description: Limit: 17 Participants

Yoga Date(s): March 13, 2018 March 20, 2018 Time: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Location: Marshall MS Yoga Room Instructor: Jennifer Stimpson (Billerica Public Schools) Workshop Description: Feeling anxious? Feeling stressed? Feeling tired? Having joint pain? Practicing yoga can help these symptoms! Yoga will explore Pranayma (breathing) techniques and asanas (postures) of both Yin and Yang yoga practices, which will help relieve stress, anxiety, joint pain and will give you an overall feeling of renewed energy.

Mindfulness Date(s): February 27, 2018 March 6, 2018 March 27, 2018 Time: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Location: Marshall MS Yoga Room Instructor: Brian Daniels (Billerica Public Schools) and Stacy Bender (UMASS Boston) Workshop Description: Mindfulness is all the buzz, but what is it? During this three-session workshop, you will 1) learn about mindfulness and its potential benefits for adults and children; 2) understand how mindfulness can be used to enhance relationships; 3) learn how to use mindfulness techniques with your children so they can experience potentially positive benefits; and 4) learn ways you can use mindfulness. During our time together, we will demonstrate quick and easy mindfulness activities, which you will learn how to incorporate into your everyday life. Come join us to learn about (or enhance your understanding of) being a more mindful you!

Presentations

(No Need to Register. These presentations are open to families of Billerica Public Schools.) Navigating the Cyber World Date(s): March 20, 2018 Time: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Location: Marshall Auditorium Instructor: Camila Barrera (Middlesex Partnership for Youth) Workshop Description: Geared for staff and parents, this workshop reviews the challenges and dangerous situations that may arise through use of the Internet, social media and smart phones. It is important for parents to be aware of the popular apps, social media sites and programs used by youth online. This workshop explains the issues and possible consequences from cyber bullying, sexting and revealing identifying information to strangers.

Social-Emotional Learning in the Home Date(s): March 22, 2018 Time: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Location: Marshall Auditorium Instructor: William Ribas (Ribas Associates) Workshop Description: This workshop for parents/guardians focused on the following areas: 1. an understanding of the five categories of SEL and the specific intrapersonal and interpersonal skills related to each 2. the motivation to work on skill development at home by explaining the positive school and life impacts for students who develop these skills 3. concrete examples of how parents/guardians can interact with their children in ways that develop these skills.