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Welcome to Parent University
Parent University provides programs and resources to help parents better understand the New Trier experience and support the parenting of teens both in and out of the classroom. Programming listed here is intended for the New Trier community and is sponsored by New Trier High School and the New Trier Parents' Association.
The NTPTA has worked in collaboration with New Trier's administration throughout the years to offer a variety of programming for parents.
We have focused on college preparation, social and emotional developmental needs and reporting on our district's academic profile. This year, programs have already included and will cover resources available at New Trier, recognizing eating disorders and how to get help, special education questions and acknowledging and supporting your introverted student. We are interested in hearing from the community what other specific parenting concerns and topics you'd be interested in learning more about.
Please send your program suggestions to Robin Cook robinacook@gmail.com and Tracey Lowry tracey_lowry@hotmail.com
Upcoming Events
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Book Discussion: Growing Up in Public
Tuesday, April 8th
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Library (W250), 2nd Floor, Winnetka CampusToday’s tweens and teens are navigating a world where nearly every moment can be shared and compared on social media, stretching the boundaries of privacy and identity. How can parents support them in managing their online presence, reputation, and personal boundaries?
Join Principal/Assistant Superintendent Denise Dubravec and Associate Principal for Student Services, Chris Mitchell to explore practical ways to help young people develop healthy digital habits while fostering trust and open communication at home.
To prepare for the discussion, we encourage parents to read Growing Up in Public over spring break. To make access easier, the NTPA has partnered with The Book Stall, where you can purchase the book in-store, order by phone at 847-446-8880, or place an order online.
Past Programs
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Parent Programs 2024-25
- Building Bridges - Helping Your Student Navigate Healthy Relationships
Parents are invited to join a panel discussion providing valuable insights into adolescent development, healthy relationships, and recognizing unhealthy relationship behaviors. They will also share effective parenting strategies to support your student’s well-being. Panelists will include:
- Profile of the Class 2024
New Trier's Superintendent, Paul Sally, and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Peter Tragos, had an interactive discussion reviewing the New Trier Class of 2024 Profile.
Presentation | Video - Understanding New Trier’s Emergency Operations Plan
Superintendent Paul Sally, Principal/Assistant Superintendent of the Winnetka Campus, Denise Dubravec, Director of Safety, Rai Pavely, and Director of Technology, Angel Villaluz provided an overview of safety measures we have implemented, including building security, emergency preparedness plan and communication, and training.
Presentation | Additional School Safety Resources
- Building Bridges - Helping Your Student Navigate Healthy Relationships
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Parent Programs 2023-24
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Book Discussion: Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverted Kids
Did you know that at least one-third of all people are introverts? It's quite possible that your student is one of them. To delve into the power of introversion and foster a better understanding of the topic, Principal Denise Dubravec and Elizabeth Bennett, New Trier's Music & Theatre Department Chair, and a self-proclaimed introvert will explore the strengths of introversion, provide valuable insights to help introverted individuals build confidence, and discuss strategies for thriving in a world that often values extroversion.
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Special Education & PHSC @ New Trier
This was a presentation for parents of students with an IEP. New Trier’s Special Education and Post High School Counseling teams provided an overview of services under an IEP, defined roles and resources, and suggested some strategies to help you and your child successfully navigate your time at Winnetka Campus. They also shared how they work with students to identify post-secondary options/career paths and help with the process of applying for academic accommodations at college.
Presentation | Video - Emerging Technology: Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Preparing the Next Generation of New Trier Students
Assistant Superintendent Peter Tragos, Chief Technology Officer Michael Marassa and Instructional Technology Manager Jacqui Pritchard addressed how New Trier is utilizing emerging technology to prepare the next generation of students.
Topics covered included:- Evolution of Machine Learning & AI
- Explosion of Generative AI & The Future of Work
- AI Education for New Trier Teachers & Students, Impact on Teaching and Learning
- Harlan Cohen’s Happy, Healthy, Almost Stress-Free College Planning & Success: For Parents and Students
New York Times bestselling author of the #1 book on college life, Harlan Cohen (The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College and The Naked Roommate: For Parents Only!) helps students and parents reframe college search and selection to reduce stress and guarantee success. Harlan shares the latest facts, stats, and strategies to guide high school and college students as they navigate the changes ahead. He helps parents be the best partners and empowers students to explore what they really want.
Video - Dan Maga- College Financial Planning
This webinar educates parents on how to prepare for your child's college costs, and pay for college in the most tax efficient manner. Dan discusses how to predict the amount of grants and scholarships each college will offer your student, prior to applying, so you know exactly what to expect in terms of financing. This webinar is designed to help parents who qualify for need-based financial aid, as well as those who do not.
Video - Eating Disorders: What You Should Know and How You Can Help
Principal Denise Dubravec led an informative discussion addressing the recent increase in eating disorders among teenagers across the country. Joined by a panel of esteemed experts in the fields of medicine, mental health, and adolescent development, each specializing in eating disorders. They provided valuable insights on identifying signs of disordered thinking about eating and eating patterns, offered guidance on how to communicate health-promoting behaviors, ways to equip our young individuals with the tools they need to maintain a healthy relationship with their bodies and food, and strategies and resources for intervening. Panelists included:- Kris Hummel, New Trier’s Student Assistance Program Coordinator and Social Worker
- Kristen Anderson, Co-founder and therapist for Chicago Center for Evidenced Base Treatment
- Sara Desai, Co-founder and therapist for Chicago Center for Evidenced Base Treatment
- Dr. Sejal Danawala, Adolescent Medicine, Pediatrics and Internal Medicine at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
- Student Resources: Navigating Academic, Emotional, and Physical Supports at New Trier
Parents were invited to join New Trier’s Associate Principal of Student Services, Chris Mitchell, to learn about the numerous resources available to support the holistic development of every New Trier student. New Trier staff shared strategies for academic success, emotional well-being, and physical health.
Presentation | Video - Profile of the Class of 2023
New Trier's Superintendent, Paul Sally, and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Peter Tragos, will have an interactive discussion reviewing the New Trier Class of 2023 Profile.
Presentation | Video
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Parent Programs 2022-23
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Harlan Cohen: 17 Things You Need to Do Before Going to College https://harlancohen.com/newtrier23/
- Straight Talk - The Truth and Consequences of Teen Risk Behaviors
Parents are invited to learn the facts about teen use of marijuana, drinking, and other risky behaviors. Drawing on data from the most recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), our panel of experts will examine the following: How prevalent is alcohol and drug use among our students?
What reasons do students give for using or not?
What is the latest information about marijuana, edibles, and vaping among teens?
What do we want our kids to know about healthy relationships, consent and sexual assault?
How does New Trier support students in making good choices and what can we as parents do?
What are the legal, academic, and extracurricular consequences that occur when teens make poor choices? Video - NTPA Parent University Roundtable Discussion: Profile of the New Trier Class of 2022. Join New Trier's Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Peter Tragos, and Superintendent, Paul Sally, for an interactive discussion reviewing the New Trier Class of 2022 Profile. Recorded February 7, 2023 at the Northfield Campus. Class of 2022 Profile | Presentation | Video
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Movie Screening and Panel Discussion: The Disruptors
The Disruptors documentary follows five families as they navigate the challenges and surprising triumphs of living with ADHD. Following the screening, Nancy Burgoyne Ph.D., Chief Clinical Officer at The Family Institute at Northwestern led a panel discussion featuring, Megan Zajac, Director of Special Education at New Trier, Hannah Kreps and Nikki Slade, Psychologists at New Trier, and Dawn Livorsi D.S.W., LCSW, Staff Therapist at The Family Institute. Video -
College Financial Planning with Dan Maga
This webinar will educate you on how to prepare for your child's college costs, and pay for college in the most tax efficient manner. I'll also discuss how I can help you predict which each college will offer your student, prior to applying, so you know exactly what to expect in terms of financing. Dan Maga has been helping parents on the North Shore of Chicago pay for their children’s college educations in the most tax-efficient manner since the spring of 2004. He believes that every parent, if guided properly, can save some money on their kids’ college educations. Video -
Dr. Lisa Damour: Raising Teens Today
Dr. Lisa Damour spoke to New Trier parents/guardians about the normal and expectable challenges that arise during adolescence, challenges that have been introduced or exacerbated by the pandemic, and how adults can best support teenagers now. The link to this presentation will be available until November 18th. - Supporting Youth Mental Health During Uncertainty: What Parents and Educators Should Know & How They Can Help with Nancy Burgoyne, Ph.D. and Smita Gautam, M.D. -9/12/22
New Trier High School and the New Trier Parents’ Association present Supporting Youth Mental Health During Uncertainty: What Parents and Educators Should Know & How They Can Help. It is no longer news that there is a youth mental health crisis. According to the American Psychological Association (2022), mental health problems are pervasive and profoundly affect children’s education, safety, and futures. Dr. Nancy Burgoyne, Chief Clinical Officer, and Dr. Smita Gautam, board certified child and adolescent psychiatrist at The Family Institute at Northwestern University shared what parents and educators should know and how they can help current research and discussed the factors that impact mental health, strategies parents can employ to support their child when they are struggling, and how to access and amplify adolescents’ capacity for resilience
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Parent Programs 2021-22
- Harlan Cohen: 17 Things You Need to Do Before Going to College - 4/27/22
- NT 101 - Introduction for Incoming Parents- 4/26/22
- New Trier: Straight Talk - The Truth and Consequences of Teen Risk Behaviors - 4/25/22
- NTPA presents: The College Student's Guide to the Law. Recorded - 4/20/22
- NTPA Parent University Roundtable Discussion: Profile of the New Trier Class of 2021 - 1/25/22
- College Financial Planning - 12/6/21
- Harlan Cohen: Happy, Healthy, Almost Stress-Free College Planning - 11/9/21
- Belonging Through a Culture of DigNiTy: Windows and Mirrors - 10/19/21
- NTPA Parent University Roundtable Discussion: An Overview of Mental Health Programming at New Trier - 9/22/21
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Parent Programs 2020-21
- CL Lindsay - 5/4/2021
- NT 101: Introduction for Incoming Freshman Parents - 4/28/2021
- Rising 10th Grade Families : Welcome to the Winnetka Campus - 4/26/2021
- Harlan Cohen Presents: 17 Things You Need To Do Before Going to College - 4/21/2021
- Next Steps for Junior Year (Preview of 11th grade Timeline for Current 10th grade Families webinar) - 4/5/2021
- Parents as Allies: Talking with Your Teen About LGBTQ+ Identities - 2/10/2021
- College Financial Planning webinar - 12/2/2020
- Class of 2021 NTPA Virtual Coffee: PHSC Canvas Page Tutorial for the Class of 2021 - 10/7/2020
- Harlan Cohen: College During COVID - 10/7/2020
- Post-High School Counseling College Admissions 101 Panel Discussion - 6/22/2020
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Parent Programs 2019-20
- Managing Stress, Anxiety, and Parenting Under Covid-19 with Dr. Lisa Damour - webinar, Tuesday, May 5
- Comprehensive Mental Health Approach at New Trier - January 16, 2020 PDF | Video
- Straight Talk The Truth and Consequences of Teen Risk Behaviors - November 12, 2019
- Happy, Healthy, Almost Stress-Free College Planning and Success for Parents and Students - October 29, 2019
- Healthy Teens: Promoting Mental Wellness - October 16, 2019
- Class of 2021 - Parent Coffee - October 8, 2019
- Junior Year Timeline September - 24, 2019 (video to come)
- Our Strategic Plan for the Next Decade and Beyond - September 10, 2019
Parent University Contact Information
