Dear Ballston Spa CSD Families,

The district is excited to announce that we have partnered with Building Better Futures, LLC. to bring our families a series of 10 virtual presentations titled "Parents as Partners". To learn more about the dates and descriptions for each session topic, please click this link: 2023-2024 Parents as Partners Webinar Series.

Please Note: We are happy to announce that all expired sessions are now available to view until June 30, 2024. For more information, please contact bscsdwebmaster@bscsd.org for specific session log-in and passwords.

MARCH 21, 2024

Tenth Session Topic:  It's an Inside Job: Knowing and Communicating Feelings and Needs

Presenter: Beth DeAngelis, Professor of Social and Emotional Intelligence, Siena College

When: The live webinar will take place March 21st at 6:30pm. The session will be recorded and available for 30 days from March 21st.  

Description: Having a good understanding of emotions and what they feel like in the body is an important part of self-regulation. Does your child (and do you) have a well-developed vocabulary of emotion words, and are they (and you) able to use “I statements” to express those emotions? During this webinar, participants will learn how to develop for themselves and teach their children these important social and emotional skills. It is this emotional granularity that increases self-awareness, improves communication and deepens social connections. 

How to Register: Please click this link to view the live session or the recording: Webinar Registration - Zoom  

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

All Session Descriptions and Registration Links: If you miss a session or want to register for a future session, you can see a full list of session descriptions and registration links here: Parents as Partners - Links and Topics 2023-2024    

For a flyer about the tenth session to share, click HERE.

What Parents Are Saying About This Series:

• What a great opportunity our school is offering! -Meghan S
• I'm so thankful to have this resource as we all transition again. -Mary L.
• Thank you for coordinating this series for Saratoga parents!  I would love to attend. -Lesley H.
• Thank you for sharing your expertise with our community!- Karen H.
• I am a mom of 3 children and your upcoming webinars look so helpful.- Alexis P.
• Thank you for your support! -Ingrid L.
• These topics look great!  Thank you so much for doing this.- Kristen M.

For more information about the founder of this program, click HERE

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February 27, 2024

Ninth Session Topic: Making Friends and Keeping Them: 10 Social Skills to Teach Your Child

Presenter: Dr. Jennifer Bashant

When: The live webinar will take place February 27th at 6:30pm. The session will be recorded and available for 30 days from February 27th.  

Description: Loneliness is an epidemic in this country, and one which puts people at risk for depression, anxiety and even a shortened lifespan. Making friends comes fairly naturally for some children, while others need more support in developing social skills. The ability to have empathy, or identify with the feelings of another, is an important skill for making and keeping friends, but it can be difficult to know exactly how to develop this trait in another person. During this webinar, participants will learn how to model and teach empathy and nine other crucial social skills that will make it easier to connect with others in a meaningful way. 

How to Register: Please click this link to view the live session or the recording: Webinar Registration - Zoom  

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

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February 8, 2024

Eighth Session Topic: Avoiding Power Struggles, Angry Outbursts, and Other Challenging Behaviors 

Presenters: Dr. Jennifer Bashant and Kristen Pidgeon 

When: The live webinar will take place February 8th at 6:30pm. The session will be recorded and available for 30 days from February 8th.  

Description: Collaboration can be a powerful tool to overcome defiance and reduce the fighting and behavioral challenges in your household. In this webinar, participants will learn how to:

● Identify and address the root cause of challenging behavior, while allowing your positive relationship with your child to serve as the foundation for change.

● Teach your child how to recognize the physical warning signs and knowing how to regulate the body and manage strong emotions such as anger, guilt, sadness and even elation.

● Use mindfulness, art, soothing music and physical activity to help your child develop a toolbox of strategies that help them feel calm 

How to Register: Please click this link to view the live session or the recording: Webinar Registration - Zoom  

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

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Seventh Session Topic: Managing Social Media in Our Lives 

When: The live webinar took place on January 23, 2024 at 6:30pm.  This session has expired.

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Sixth Session Topic: Depression and Suicide - Warning signs and what you can do to help

When: The live webinar took place on January 11th at 6:30pm. This session has expired. 

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Fifth Session Topic: Mindfulness-Informed Parenting: Learn the Basics for Introducing Mindfulness Practices to Your Child

When: The live webinar took place on December 7th at 6:30pm. This session has expired.  

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Fourth Session Topic: Navigating Difficult Conversations with Your Pre/Young Teen

When: The live webinar took place on November 28th at 6:30pm. This session has expired. 

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Third Session Topic: Avoidance, Obsessions, Perfectionism and Other Expressions of Anxiety

When: The live webinar took place on Thursday, November 9th at 6:30pm. This session has expired.

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Second Session Topic: "Special Education: The Basics".

When: The live webinar took place on Tuesday, October 24th at 6:30pm. This session has expired.

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First Session Topic: "Skills for a Successful School Year: Organize, Prioritize, and Manage Time".

When: The live webinar took place on Thursday, October 5th at 6:30pm. This session has expired.