AI at Home: Supporting Learning Without Doing the Work for Them -Aaron Baughman, Michigan Virtual - Grades K -12
Description: This breakout session is designed to help parents navigate how artificial intelligence can support learning at home without crossing the line into doing the work for students. Using real-world examples from classrooms and family life, parents will explore how AI can assist with organization, studying, brainstorming, and feedback, and where clear expectations and boundaries matter most. Parents will leave with simple, age-appropriate strategies, conversation starters to use with their children, and greater confidence in knowing when AI use is helping learning and when it may be getting in the way. The goal is not perfection, but thoughtful use rooted in trust, communication, and shared expectations.

Anxiety Made Simple - Matthew Swartz, Evolving Lives, Inc. - Grades K-12
Description: Anxiety and stress create significant challenges for students and parents at school and home. In some cases, anxiety can create downward spiral of pain and emotional distress that prevent joy, learning, and meaningful connection. In our fast-paced modern world, how can we be successful and happy without creating tension, stress, burnout, panic, or depression? In this talk, Matt Swartz, LMSW will explain what anxiety and stress are, how they work in our brains and bodies, and how we can free ourselves or those we love from the downward spiral. Everyone will leave with simple, practical tools for decreasing anxiety and stress in this moment and in the future, leading to a happier, more peaceful life.

Beyond Screen Time: Understanding the Needs That Drive Your Child’s Tech Use - Alexander Borello, Evolving Lives, Inc.- Grades K-12
Description: Kids turn to tech for reasons that make perfect sense once you know what to look for. This session helps parents understand what’s really happening beneath the scrolling, gaming, and constant “just one more minute,” and why different ages get hooked for different reasons. You’ll gain a clearer sense of what your child is seeking when they reach for a screen and how to set priorities, routines, and conversations that actually stick. Expect practical, real‑world strategies that ease the daily battles, strengthen connection, and make tech use feel less like a tug‑of‑war and more like a manageable part of family life.

The Transition to High School - Grace DeVore, Northville Public Schools - Grades 6-8 (Session 1 Only)
Description: Help prepare your student for a smooth transition to high school. This presentation covers the ins and outs and what to expect as your student transitions from middle to high school.

College 101 - Emily Manoogian, Northville Public Schools - Grades 9-12 (Session 2 Only)
Description: Get a glimpse at the college exploration, planning, and application process. Whether your student is getting ready to apply in the fall or you simply want to know what to expect in the years ahead, this is for you!

More Than Performance: Student Voices on Pressure and Anxiety - Abi Suthan - Galvin Growth Group | Reema Beri - Flourish Psychology & Wellness | Northville High School Students - Grades 6-12
Description: Students in high-achieving environments face real academic and athletic pressure that can impact their mental health and overall well-being. This session brings together students and therapists for an honest conversation about anxiety, expectations, goal-setting, and balance—offering parents insight into what students are experiencing and how to support them in healthy, meaningful ways.

Building Reading Comprehension: Read aloud strategies for parents of young children - Sarah Hanes, Northville Public Schools - Grades K-5
Description: In this session, we will explore the powerful impact of read-aloud strategies on your child's cognitive development. Discover effective techniques to enhance comprehension skills, foster a love for reading, and create meaningful bonding moments through shared stories. Let's embark on a journey to empower both you and your child with the joys and benefits of reading together. Your child's literacy adventure starts with you – be a part of their story!

Screen Free Starts: Mindful Family Solutions for a Device Driven World - Devin Meyrer, LMSW, Reset Brain and Body - Grades K-12
Description: Join us to learn about the impact of devices and screen time on family well-being. Discover practical, therapist-backed strategies for managing the psychological effects of screen time, protecting your family from online dangers, and fostering healthy online habits among kids of all ages.

Northville Public Schools Multilingual Learner (ML) Program -Nurit Foster | Megan Ewers | Sharon Hall | Sara Minhinnick | Maura Ehrlich, Northville Public Schools
Description: This informational session will outline the services and supports for our Multilingual Learners. It will also provide insight into WIDA testing, SIOP, and technology tools for MLS.

Unlocking Potential: Personalized Learning Through Essential Elements & TeachTown - Kate Pearson, Ed.S. - Wayne RESA
Description: This presentation introduces parents to Essential Elements and the TeachTown curriculum. It explains how these tools support individualized learning, connect to state standards, and help students with more significant special needs build academic and functional skills. Parents will gain a clearer understanding of what their child is learning and how progress is supported at school.

Skills for Effective Parent Advocacy - Kara Clarke, Parent Mentor, Michigan Alliance for Families
Description: This workshop explores skills parents can use to become more effective advocates for their child with a disability.  
Understand your child's disability.
Know the key players.
Know your rights and responsibilities.
Be organized.
Use clear and effective communication.
Know how to resolve disagreements.

Who should attend? Families with a child with disabilities or learning challenges, school staff, other community members.

Instruction That Fits: How Your Child’s Learning Is Personalized - Celeste Johnson, Special Education Consultant - Wayne RESA
Description: This training is designed to help families understand how schools personalize instruction to meet the unique learning needs of their child. Parents will learn what Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) really means beyond the terminology and how it shows up in everyday classroom learning.