196 Thrives
A District 196 Community Education initiative that provides information and support in: technology; health; resilience; intention; values; education, and safety. Our initiative offers parents and students a variety of informational sessions and events that deal with real life issues such as mental health, digital citizenship, and health and wellness. All events are free and open to the public.
The 196 Thrives initiative is made possible through partnerships between District 196 Community Education, Dakota County and Eastview High School's Parents Are Key group. For more information, visit www.District196.org/CE.
Upcoming Events in 2019-20
Super Saturday with Nami
Saturday, Oct. 5, 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Eagan High School
4185 Braddock Trail, Eagan
Join us for a Super Saturday filled with information on topics related to children's mental health. This free vent is open to parents, families, caregivers and professionals. Local area resources will also e on site to provide information Lumch and refreshments will be provided.
Participate in breakout sessions on a variety of topics including: Managing Challenging Behaviors, Special Education, Trauma, Mindfulness for youth, Family Communication Strategies, Suicide Prevention, Cyber Addiction, Chemical Use, What Autistic People Wish You Knew, Crisis Planning, Depression and Anxiety, Wellness, Self-Care, and more!
Featuring Dr. Nancy Binford as our opening keynote speaker. Dr. Binford holds a PhD in clinical psychology with a specialty in neuropsychology. She has done extensive training on trauma and the affects on individual's ability to regulate their emotions, develop safe and secure relationships, as well as their daily living skills.
Adolescent Depression & Anxiety
Tuesday, Nov. 12, 6:30-8 p.m.
Scott Highlands Middle School
14044 Pilot Knob Road, Apple Valley
Why are so many kids dealing with anxiety and depression? How come so many more kids are dealing with mental illness than any other generation? What do mental illness and ADHD have to do with each other? How do I help my teens develop the skills necessary to deal with all the pressures they face? Learn answers to all these questions and more.
About the instructor
Judith A. Richardson-Mahre
Judy Richardson-Mahre holds a masters degree in marriage and family therapy, and is a practicing marriage and family therapist, LAMFT, parent and ADHD coach with Partners in Parenting. She co-facilitates the SE Metro ADHD Connection and is passionate about helping people with ADHD see their strengths and abilities while supporting them through their struggles.
Anxiety & Depression in Children: What's typical and when to be concerned
Thursday, Dec. 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Falcon Ridge Middle School
12900 Johnny Cake Ridge Road, Apple Valley
Anxiety and depression are two of the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorders in children. If you’ve ever wondered if your child is experiencing anxiety or depression, this session provides information and insight about the risk factors as well as the signs and symptoms to help you determine if your child would benefit from professional support. Resources and a time for questions are also included.
About the instructor
Paula Arthur
As a Parent Coach for 10 years and a school psychologist for 25 years, Paula is passionate about peaceful parenting. In addition to providing direct support to parents about effective and long-term discipline strategies, she has given presentations to parent groups and educational staff on various topics including how to manage challenging behaviors, self-regulation skills and mindfulness techniques, the effects of trauma on children, anxiety/depression/ADHD, and parenting triggers.
It's complicated: Children, social media and Mental Health
Saturday, Jan. 11, 9-10:30 a.m.
Rosemount High School
3335 142nd Street West, Rosemount
Social networking, cell phones, and video games are game changers for youth and families. As parents and caregivers, we want our children to take advantage of incredible new digital opportunities but worry about the impact of too much screen time on our kids health, social skills, and school performance.
In this interactive and energizing presentation, Erin Walsh will use brain science, stories, and humor to explain how technology impacts mental health and wellness. Understand the key ingredients for wellness in the digital age and share practical strategies for nurturing these at home. Child care is available for ages 2-12 (registration required).
About the instructor
Erin Walsh
Erin Walsh, M.A. is a dynamic, knowledgeable speaker who has addressed a wide range of audiences on topics related to brain development and raising resilient young people in the digital age. Erin was instrumental to the development of the MediaWise movement and enjoyed working with her father, Dr. David Walsh, for 10 years at the National Institute on Media and the Family before creating Mind Positive Parenting together in 2010. In addition to her work with Mind Positive Parenting, Erin is a speaker with the Bolster Collaborative and teaches undergraduate students at the Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs where she teaches a program called Making Media, Making Change.
Engaging in Family Digital Conversations
Tuesday, Feb. 4, 6:30-8 p.m.
Black Hawk Middle School
1540 Deerwood Drive, Eagan
The use of technology continues to increase in our daily lives which can bring both opportunities and challenges. How might we engage in conversations and take actions steps around balancing our technology use, make positive decisions, and recognize when it would be helpful to put it away or aside? Learn strategies to engage in these conversations, how to establish a family media plan, and discover possible tools to monitor and manage your child’s technology use.
About the instructors
Mark Aronson and Jenny Huling
Mark Aronson is a District 196 learning and technology/math coach. He has a master's degree in elementary education from Rockhurst University. Jenny Huling is a District 196 teaching and learning specialist. She has a master's degree in learning technology from the University of St. Thomas. Both have been instrumental in the implementation and training of the one-to-one technology initiative in District 196.