Speaker Series Community Events
The MPCSD Speaker Series is presented by the District Council, The Parent Teacher Organizations from Encinal, Laurel, Oak Knoll, and Hillview, and the Menlo Park-Atherton Education Foundation, and supported by the One Community Campaign. Events are free and open to the public (unless otherwise noted). Events at Hillview offer free childcare for potty-trained children, and live Spanish language translation.
2024-25 Speaker Series
![The book covers of Little Seeds, Free the Curls, and Lily Xiao Speaks Out]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1732041231/districtmpcsdorg/t7uy1q4vucqkqa0gjrpz/DrCamiloOrtizheadshot.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1732041231/districtmpcsdorg/t7uy1q4vucqkqa0gjrpz/DrCamiloOrtizheadshot.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1732041231/districtmpcsdorg/t7uy1q4vucqkqa0gjrpz/DrCamiloOrtizheadshot.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1732041231/districtmpcsdorg/t7uy1q4vucqkqa0gjrpz/DrCamiloOrtizheadshot.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1732041231/districtmpcsdorg/t7uy1q4vucqkqa0gjrpz/DrCamiloOrtizheadshot.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1732041231/districtmpcsdorg/t7uy1q4vucqkqa0gjrpz/DrCamiloOrtizheadshot.jpg","width":2200}])
Dr. Camilo Ortiz, associate professor in the clinical psychology doctoral program at Long Island University-Post and fellow with the Flourishing in Action project at the Archbridge Institute’s Human Flourishing Lab, will share insights on how giving kids age-appropriate responsibilities and freedoms can help them overcome anxiety. He will discuss the evolution of this idea from classic exposure therapy to empowering kids with independence. How does this therapy work, and what age group is it suitable for? Dr. Ortiz reveals the surprising results and the potential impact on children's anxiety levels.
We will explore the importance of allowing kids to experience discomfort, danger, distress, and disappointment to build resilience. Dr. Ortiz will share real-life examples of how parents can support their children in developing independence, highlighting the risks of overprotective parenting. What are the risks of inaction, and how can parents strike a balance between safety and independence? We will also touch on the role of parents in fostering self-reliance.
Join us as we uncover the hidden benefits of independence therapy and discuss practical strategies for parents to empower their children. Discover how small changes in parenting approaches can have a significant impact on children's confidence and self-reliance.
Dr. Ortiz's scholarship focuses on child anxiety and disruptive behavior, parenting, and cognitive behavior therapy. He is the developer of Independence Therapy, a revolutionary new approach to treating child anxiety through “mega-doses” of child independence.
January 23, 2025 • 7:00 p.m. • This event will be over Zoom: register here.
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![Four men from the SafeSpace movie Be A Man]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1698175606/districtmpcsdorg/rz2pl89vxi7vg1gsn0a2/HealthConnectedlogo.png","width":211}])
Are you ready to be your young person's primary sexual health resource? Vanessa Kellam will present the Health Connected curriculum that aims to inspire and help equip parents and guardians to engage their young people in open and honest conversations about sexual health. Join us as we build skills and develop language to be "Askable Adults." This event is especially useful for parents/guardians of 4th-8th grade students, and is meant to complement MPCSD's in-class sexual health curriculum. This event is for currently enrolled MPCSD parents/guardians only.
February 11, 2025 • 7:00 p.m. • Zoom (Registration will be added as the date gets closer)
![Four men from the SafeSpace movie Be A Man]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1706555101/districtmpcsdorg/lgwthwjgdszffj0gzucr/TIP2024FlyerImage.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1706555101/districtmpcsdorg/lgwthwjgdszffj0gzucr/TIP2024FlyerImage.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1706555101/districtmpcsdorg/lgwthwjgdszffj0gzucr/TIP2024FlyerImage.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1706555101/districtmpcsdorg/lgwthwjgdszffj0gzucr/TIP2024FlyerImage.png","width":1014}])
MPCSD is pleased to host this six-week series that offers tools for strengthening our relationships with our own kids and those in our community. With other MPCSD parents/caregivers in a supportive, welcoming, and safe environment, you will share, discuss, and practice ways to show caring, give support, set boundaries, and build strong relationships that help the youth in your life succeed. This series is for currently enrolled MPCSD parents/guardians only.
The six sessions are in person at the TERC, 181 Encinal Avenue, Atherton, from 9-10:30 a.m.: March 26, April 2, April 16, April 23, April 30, May 7 2025 (no class April 9 because of Spring Break)
Registration for this workshop will open in early 2025.
![The book covers of Little Seeds, Free the Curls, and Lily Xiao Speaks Out]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1729282199/districtmpcsdorg/ztf4g1lge1gjxxv97ybb/DiverseLiteventbookcoverimage.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1729282199/districtmpcsdorg/ztf4g1lge1gjxxv97ybb/DiverseLiteventbookcoverimage.png","width":475}])
Is there a child in your life you enjoy reading with? MPCSD kicks off this year's speaker events with a home-grown evening of tips on making reading at home fun while encouraging kids to expand perspective, improve literacy, and increase their own sense of belonging. Please join MPCSD's Coordinator of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (and author) Marissa McGee and MPCSD Reading Specialist Jacqui Cebrian, plus authors Nicole Chen and Sana Rafi, to explore the wide world of children's literature and how reading at home can be a fun and effective part of your child's academic and independence journey. Tips and inspiration can enhance this beloved family experience. Examples of the authors' books pictured here. This event is free and open to the public and will be October 30 at 7:00 p.m. in the Oak Knoll Library. Free childcare for potty-trained children available. Books may be preordered here until October 25. Event reading list and resource links (PDF flyer).
October 30, 2024 • 7:00 p.m. • Oak Knoll School Library, 1985 Oak Knoll Lane, Menlo Park