HCPS offers series of family workshops

The winter edition of Henrico County Public Schools’ Bridge Builders Academy workshop series will debut Jan. 19.

The series is designed to help foster connections among families, the community and the school division. It kicks off this series with “Parenting with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs),” a workshop for parents who experienced trauma as children.

All eight winter “Bridge Builders Academy” workshops are virtual, and students, staff and members of the public can participate using Microsoft Teams. Details about the workshops, as well as instructions for participating, are available at https://henricoschools.us/bridgebuildersacademy. Workshops are recorded for later viewing, and you can watch past workshops by going to the Bridge Builders Academy page.

Each of the workshops in the series represent one of four “learning strands,” or categories, to make it easier to find relevant information. The learning strands are: Beyond the Classroom; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Exceptional Education; and Information, Access and Opportunities.

The sessions are moderated by the HCPS Department of Family and Community Engagement, in conjunction with the session hosts. Questions about workshops can be directed to ansimms@henrico.k12.va.us.

The full schedule includes:

Parenting with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Jan. 19 at 6 p.m. (Beyond the Classroom) – How do parents who have experienced trauma as children go on to become effective parents? Workshop participants will gain an understanding of the impacts of adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs. Attendees will learn ways to care for themselves so they begin to heal and parent effectively, and prevent similar experiences for their children. Presenter: Yolanda Hall, Henrico Area Mental Health and Developmental Services.

FAFSA and Financial Aid, Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. (Information, Access and Opportunities) – Nonprofit GRASP (Great Aspirations Scholarship Program) helps families with financial aid and scholarships so students can make their higher education goals a reality. Come get information about the financial aid process for education after high school, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. The workshop will discuss workforce credentials, technical school, community college, four-year colleges and more. Presenter: Brenda Jackson, GRASP (Great Aspirations Scholarship Program).

Building a Bridge to Better Communication, Feb. 9: Spanish at 4 p.m., Arabic at 5 p.m. (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) – This session will focus on the latest important information for HCPS families, translated for families that speak Spanish and Arabic. Details will be made available closer to the workshop date. Presenter: Sarah Modrak, HCPS Welcome Center.

The Ins and Outs of Section 504 Plans, Feb. 15 at 6 p.m. (Exceptional Education) – Section 504 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on disability and ensures that the needs of students with disabilities are met equitably. This session will provide an overview of Section 504 plans for families and students, and is designed for those who are new to the process or interested in learning more about Section 504. Presenter: Vernisha Jones, HCPS 504 coordinator.

Let’s Talk About It: Teen Dating Violence, Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. (Beyond the Classroom) – The month of February is often associated with hearts, flowers and happy relationships — but it’s also an appropriate time to talk about the reality of teen dating violence. This workshop will focus on awareness and prevention of teen dating violence, including warning signs, communication tips, and recognizing red flags in an unhealthy relationship. Presenter: Tammie Mobley, Flawless Imperfections.

Early Learning Preschool Information Session, March 9 at 6 p.m. (Information, Access and Opportunities) – Do you have a child who will be 4 years old by Sept. 30, 2021? Come learn about the wonderful preschool opportunities offered by Henrico County Public Schools. Find out about the preschool curriculum and how to enroll your child. Presenters: HCPS early learning preschool team.

New Path and Early Learning with The Arc of Virginia, March 15 at 6 p.m. (Exceptional Education) – Early learning can be tremendously helpful for families with little ones who have developmental delays. Even beyond age 3 many families require additional support and resources to help their children reach their potential. Join The Arc of Virginia, an advocacy organization for Virginians with developmental disabilities, for a discussion of available resources. Presenter: Robin Church, The Arc of Virginia.

Accessing HCPS Advanced Coursework: Fourth- and Fifth-Grade Programming Pathways, March 23 at 6 p.m. (Information, Access and Opportunities) – Families of fourth- and fifth-graders: come learn about opportunities for eligible elementary students interested in advanced specialty coursework at the middle school level. These include HCPS’ Gifted Young Scholars Academy and the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program. You’ll learn about the programs themselves, as well as requirements and processes for applying. Presenter: Jennifer Conlee, HCPS educational specialist for gifted and talented education.