Williamsburg Christian Academy introduces Parent University, known as Parent U.  This program is designed to offer parents of WCA students and members of the Williamsburg community a forum to hear from experts in fields of child development.  The goal is to empower parents with resources, tips, and a support network as they raise their children during these challenging times.  Each session will include a fact-filled information session as well as an open forum time, where parents will be able to ask questions and share past experiences and stories with one another.  All Parent U seminars take place on the WCA campus, run from 7:00-8:30 p.m., and are free and open to the public.

For more information about the seminars or the program in general, please refer to the school’s website (www.williamsburgchristian.org) or call the school’s central office (757-220-1978).

2016-2017 Parent U Seminar Schedule

The Middle School Years:  September 8^th

Our first seminar of the year will be geared towards middle school parents.  Having a middle school child is very challenging, especially in a day and age when our kids are being pressured to grow up faster than ever before.  This fact filled, resource-rich seminar will be led by WCA’s new Head of School, Dr. Dave Breslin.  Dr. Breslin has 23 years of middle school experience as a principal, teacher, coach, and mentor.  During the seminar, Dave will share his research and experiences as a way to open up conversation about the unique challenges this age group, and their parents, face in the 21^st century.

A Parent’s Guide to Curriculum for Deep and Impactful Learning:  November 3^rd

Curriculum is an often misunderstood element of any school program.  WCA administration and teachers will guide attendees through the myths of curriculum and will present an easy to understand, in-depth explanation of the purpose and goals of impactful curriculum.  In addition, attendees will be introduced to cutting edge research on curriculum and learning, and how curriculum can be used to improve teaching and increase student learning.  Attendees will learn in detail about the current Curriculum Engineering project that WCA is embarking upon, and what the school’s vision is for creating dynamic classroom experiences for all students in grades K3-12.

Understanding and Supporting Gifted and Advanced Learners:  February 9^th

Parents of gifted and advanced learners face many unique, yet exciting challenges.  This seminar is designed to help parents better understand the science behind gifted and advanced learners, and attendees will go home with practical and useful tips and resources to help gifted kids develop and appreciate their unique talents.  In addition, attendees will learn not only how to support the academic aspect of gifted and advanced learners, but also how to better understand and support the social and emotional needs of these kids.  This seminar is open to parents of kids of all ages and promises to be an encouraging, and eye opening, evening for all involved.

Technology Safety for the Entire Family: April 20th

Technology is here to stay, and in our society, the kids are the digital natives. It’s time for parents to get caught up to their kids!  As the power of technology grows, so do the challenges of keeping your family safe.  From apps to social media to the internet, technology in this day and age is filled with wonderful things that enhance learning as well as enhance our lives.  At the same time, technology presents some danger to our society and to our families.  This informative seminar is designed to equip parents with information about the latest technology challenges that our families face.  It will also provide useful tips on how to keep your family safe, thus allowing technology to be a true learning and life-enriching tool.  There will also be a roundtable discussion where parents can ask questions of other parents and share experiences that may aid others against the negative aspects of technology.  Parents of kids of all ages are encouraged to join us for this incredibly important, and timely, Parent U seminar.