Study Strategies And Homework Helpers: Strategies For Minimizing Stress And Gaining Success

Joan Finger, educational consultant and tutor, will demonstrate examples of hands-on strategies for elementary, middle, and high school students. Topics include organizational skills, time management, motivations, and successful, easy-to-use homework and study tips. Ms. Finger's presentation will be held at the Crisafulli Elementary School Wednesday, September 26, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. This event is free and is a joint venture with the Westford SPED PAC.

Playing By Heart: The Principles Of Playful Parenting

Lawrence J. Cohen, Ph.D. , is a psychologist and consultant and the author of the award-winning book, Playful Parenting . His presentation will teach parents how to nurture close connections, solve behavior problems, and encourage children's confidence through play. Dr. Cohen's presentation will be held at the Stony Brook Middle School Tuesday, October 2, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 at the door.

Generation Rx: Dangers In The Medicine Cabinet

Marilyn Belmonte returns to Westford to educate parents about the latest trend in youth drug abuse: prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications. She will teach parents how to recognize physical symptoms and behavioral signs of drug abuse, and how to talk with their kids. Ms. Belmonte's presentation will be held at the Blanchard Middle School Wednesday, October 17, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 at the door. This is a joint venture with Westford Against Substance Abuse (WASA).

Helping Kids Thrive: Bullying Prevention

Often presented as hip or funny in popular culture, meanness has no place in our schools and homes. Lisa Sjostrom has two decades of experience helping parents and teachers positively impact children's social and emotional development to overcome bullying. This presentation takes place Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at Stony Brook Middle School . Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 at the door. The deadline to purchase season tickets is tonight.

I Never Would Have Talked To My Parents That Way

Psychologist, author, and speaker Anthony Wolf, Ph.D. steps into the new world of parenting in which kids today no longer fear their parents. He shows parents how to relate to and deal with kids and be in charge – and have fun! – all without threats and punishment. Dr. Wolf is a very knowledgeable, compassionate, and entertaining speaker. His presentation will be held Tuesday, November 6, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at Blanchard Middle School . Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 at the door.

Health Curriculum Overview

Ever wonder what your children are learning in health class, but were afraid to ask? This overview with John Lyons , WPS K-12 health/wellness curriculum coordinator, gives parents an opportunity to hear exactly what is covered in class. Parents will also learn ways to keep the lines of communication open. Concurrent discussions will take place for parents of students in grades K-4, in grade 5, in grades 6-8, and in high school Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at Stony Brook Middle School . The event is free.

Anger Management

Donna Shea , director of The Peter Pan Center in Harvard , MA , handles a tough topic with great skill and compassion. Ms. Shea shows parents how to teach their children that while it's OK to be angry, that anger needs to be handled appropriately. That goes for parents, too. Her presentation will be held Wednesday, February 13, 2008 , at 7:00 p.m. at Blanchard Middle School . (The snow date is Wednesday, February 27.) Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 at the door.

Raising Resilient, Self-Reliant Kids

Sara Lane , a parenting educator and founder of Parents Prepare, will explore ways parents can teach their children to be responsible and reliable while imparting family values. She will discuss how parents can better communicate with their children and give them the tools they need to be resilient and self-reliant. Ms. Lane 's presentation will be held Thursday, March 27, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at Stony Brook Middle School . Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 at the door.

Social Smart Kids

Does your child have trouble making and keeping friends? Does your child have difficulty socializing with peers due to a disability or special needs? Nadine Briggs , founder of Social Smart Kids and co-chair of the Westford Special Education Parent Advisory Council, will teach parents how to help their children overcome social challenges. Ms. Briggs' presentation – geared toward parents of children of all abilities – will be held Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at Blanchard Middle School . Tickets are $5 in advance and $8 at the door.

Problem Solving And Executive Function Therapy

Executive function skills is a term used to describe difficulties associated with goal setting, carrying out organized steps, and modifying plans to complete a task successfully. Issues with attention, memory, impulse control, organization, planning, and hierarchical thinking fall under this umbrella. Sarah Ward, a speech and language pathologist, will speak to parents Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at Stony Brook Middle School . Tickets $5 in advance, $8 at the door.

The Pressured Child: Helping Your Child Find Success In School And In Life

Dr. Michael Thompson, a popular author, speaker, and psychologist, describes the psychological journey children experience during their 13 years in school. Each journey has its own pressures, and every child constantly develops strategies to cope with those pressures. He teaches parents how to support their children along the way. Dr. Thompson's presentation will be held Thursday, May 8, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at Stony Brook Middle School . Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

The Westford Parent Connection is grateful for the support of the Westford Public School system, the Westford Board of Health, the Roudenbush Community Center, the Westford Elementary PTO, and the Westford Middle School PTO. Tickets are available in advance at the Roudenbush Community Center , 65 Main Street , until noon the day of each event. After 12:00 p.m. , tickets must be purchased at the door. For more information about the organization, contact Mary Anne Seraphin at mseraphin@comcast.net or check out the group's website at www.westford.com/wpc/