Our goal is to provide advocacy sessions that will empower parents to help their children be successful throughout the school year and beyond. These sessions are also designed to support family growth and sustainability. These sessions were suggested and developed with Parents Challenge parents.
THESE SESSIONS ARE DESIGNED TO BE A RESOURCE FOR PARENTS WHETHER THEIR CHILDREN ATTEND PUBLIC, CHARTER, OR PRIVATE SCHOOLS OR CHOOSE TO HOMESCHOOL.
These sessions are not geared to tell parents what to do, they will be geared to provide parents with tools and resources to make informed decisions regarding their child’s education that can be applied at school or at home. Ideally, these sessions help parents to ask questions, seek additional support, develop goals with their children, learn to assess performance data and develop skills to monitor their students’ overall progress. These sessions also support low-income families with financial and community resources.
2023-2024 Parent Schedule
FALL AND Spring Semester
If you are not a current Parents Challenge family and would like to attend our Parent Empowerment Sessions, please click the link below and we will provide you details for attending the session(s). Sessions are virtual and in-person.
Maroon – Mandatory Empowerment Sessions
Blue – Regular Empowerment Sessions
Orange – Multi-Session Empowerment Track
ALL sessions must be attended to receive CREDIT for the MULTI-SESSION TRACK.
Purple – Events
SESSIONS WILL BE HELD VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON
Date
Topic
Time
August 14th
Monday
Session #1
(In-person)
HOME SCHOOL FAMILIES
(MANDATORY Session for Parents)
Get essential tools for a successful homeschool endeavor including state requirements, making a calendar, teaching more than 1 child, connecting with other homeschool groups, special needs guidance and more.
Southeast YMCA
2190 Jetwing Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80916
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Debra Nelson
MA, TESOL
August 16th
Tuesday
Session #2
(In-Person)
NEW FAMILIES
How to Prepare for Parent Teacher Conferences
(MANDATORY Session for Parents)
You are your child’s first teacher and studies show that children with involved parents are more likely to enjoy school, graduate, have better social skills and more opportunities in life. This session is designed to assist parents in equipping themselves with all the tools to support their child’s education – Day One & Forward.
Southeast YMCA
2190 Jetwing Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80916
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Dr. Wendy Birhanzel
Superintendent, HSD2
Thursday
Session #3
(In-Person)
GOLD FAMILIES
Become Your Child’s Superhero
(MANDATORY Session for Parents)
Do you ever feel like parenting your child became your kryptonite once they started school? Have no fear, SUPER PARENT is here! During this session, Dr. Lewis will share techniques with you to become your child’s sidekick by meeting them where they are and helping them successfully engage in school and at home.
Southeast YMCA
2190 Jetwing Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80916
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Dr. Regina Lewis
Professor Emeritus
Regina Speaking, LLC
August 21st
Monday
Session #4
(In-person)
PLATINUM FAMILIES ONLY
Reignite, Reengage, and Reunite with your Scholar!
(MANDATORY Session for Parents)
Ever wonder how you and your child became disconnected – you say “right,” they go “left?” Research at Johns Hopkins shows that 90% of kids ages 8–11 report having fun with their parents but drops to 76% by ages 12–14 and drops even lower by high school. Dr. Lewis will walk us through important steps we can take to stay close to our children as they are discovering who they are in school and where they fit in the world.
Location:
Southeast YMCA:
2190 Jet Wing Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80916
THIS SESSION IS FOR PARENTS ONLY
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Dr. Regina Lewis
Professor Emeritus
Regina Speaking, LLC
August 29th
Tuesday
Session #5SCHOLARSHIPS / GRANTS
(Session is for Parents & High School Scholars)
Want to increase your chances of receiving a scholarship or grant for your college education?
In this session learn helpful tips on researching scholarship and grant sources, the timeline for submitting all documentation and easy-to-follow guidelines/tips on how to apply.
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Peter Droege
Daniels Fund
September 7th
Thursday
Session #6
(Virtual)
TEEN PEOPLE SKILLS
(Session is for Scholars Ages 12-19)
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Eliza Love, MA
Watson Jr. High
6th Grade Teacher
September 12th
Tuesday
Session #7
(In-Person)
LET’S FIGURE IT OUT
(Session is for Scholars in High School)
There is a huge emphasis on blending algebra with geometry in math curriculum nowadays. We will continue to cover several topics that have a blend of math calculations, algebra and geometry.
Sand Creek Police Station – Small Community Room
950 Academy Loop Colorado Springs, CO 80910
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Mary Ann Hubl
Owner, Math ETC LLC
Tutoring, Speaker
Track #1:
Must commit to all eight (8) sessions
4 Sessions in Fall
4 Sessions in Spring
Tuesday or Thursday Evening
(In-Person)
NURTURING FATHERS
(Session is for Fathers ONLY)
The Nurturing Fathers Program is an evidence – based, course designed to teach parenting and nurturing skills to men. Each session provides effective skills for healthy family relationships and child development. The program brings men together from all backgrounds to learn the importance of loving praise and a nurturing/secure environment. The program emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive co-parenting relationship with the child(ren)’s mother, whether together or separated.
This series will be finalized depending n the number of registrants.
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Colin Hueston
Instructor – Pikes Peak State College
Dad in Parents Challenge
September 16th
Saturday
Session #8
(In-Person)
COLLEGE & CAREER SUCCESS
(Session is for Parents, Middle & High School Scholars)
The next step, college…then what? Earning a degree or certification is a major step toward building your future. What do I do now? In this workshop you will learn how to find and land the ideal job for you in today’s market. Tour at Pikes Peak State College after session.
2 session credits for attending.
Pikes Peak State College
5675 S Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Kristi Smith, MBA
Instructor – Colorado Early Colleges, Colorado Springs
&
Keyshon Cooks
Enrollment Specialist
Pikes Peak State College Tour
September 19th
Tuesday
Session #9
(In-Person)
COOKING MATTERS: HACK YOUR SNACK
(Session is for Parents – Space is Limited)
This session will share tips for saving time when buying and preparing healthy snacks, reading food labels and identifying healthier choices when choosing pre-packaged snacks.
Location:
Care and Share Food Bank
2605 Preamble Pt. Colorado Springs, CO 80915
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Jessie Henderson
Cooking Matters Program ManagerSeptember 21st
ThursdaySession #10
ORGANIZATIONAL & TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS
(Session is for Parents & Scholars)
Developing good Organizational and Time Management Skills is an investment that will provide benefits for years. To be successful means to be organized and understand all the nuisances around “Time” Management. These skills will filter through all aspects of your life. You will encounter improved productivity, better management, and an overall sense of control in your life. We waste numerous amounts of time looking for items and trying to squeeze things into our calendars on a daily basis. So, stop looking for those important items, and start knowing where they are by getting organized.
Location:
PPUW Family Success Center
1520 Verde Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80910
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Deborah Hendrix
CD Global Training and Consulting
Executive Director – Parents Challenge
September 23rd
Saturday
Session #11
(In-person)
LEARNING THE LAW & UCCS TOUR
(Session is for Parents, Middle School & High School Scholars)
This session will take place on the UCCS campus and will be taught by one of their political science professors. This session will cover the basics of local government, voting and laws. A tour of the UCCS campus will follow the session.
2 session credits for attending.
Location:
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Hybl Center, room 225
4925 N. Nevada Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80918
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Steven Pittz, Ph. D.
UCCS Professor
Track #2:
Must commit to all four (4) sessions
2 Sessions in Fall
2 Sessions in Spring
Saturday Mornings
(In-person)
SURVIVAL SKILLS
(Session is for Parents)
Are you tired of missing the mark? Frustrated that those you thought were or should help you, have fallen short. Have you hit enough brick walls and not been able to recover? This series will take you on a journey to set and establish goals to eliminate the ups and downs of staying on track, meeting your expectations, and managing life with all parties involved.
Take this journey of self-discovery with Dr. Hardy, a former welfare mom who earned her PsyD.
This series will be finalized depending on the number of registrations.
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Dr. Tiko Hardy
Professor of Social Work and Psychology
Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Addiction Counselor
Track #3:
Must commit to all
six (6) sessions
(In-person)
Every Monday from
Oct. 2 – Nov. 6
PARENTING: PILLARS FOR SUCCESS
(Session is for Parents)
- The Pillars for Success for Parents is a program that teaches parents to understand and successfully redirect/reverse challenging behaviors by:
- Disengaging from the power struggle.
- Establishing and maintaining boundaries.
- Learning behavioral techniques to communicate effectively and avoid misperceptions.
- Empowering pro-social behavior choices by implementing the technique of “irresistible influence” to effectively replace futile power struggles.
- Building child’s self-esteem and sense of mastery by presenting the child with choices that guarantee the adult’s ultimate control while simultaneously empowering the child.
Location:
PPUW Family Success Center:
1520 Verde Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80910
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Sandra Kwesell,
MSC, MFCT
Founder, Pillars for Success Author, Instructor
October 3rd
TuesdaySession #12
(In-Person)
FINANCIAL WELLNESS: BUDGETING & SAVING
(Session is for Parents & High School Scholars)
Please join us to learn more about budgeting and creating savings plans to realize your financial goals & dreams. In this discussion we will focus on decision making while budgeting and how to create a framework to save for long-term financial success.
Location:
PPUW Family Success Center:
1520 Verde Dr. Colorado Springs, CO 80910
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Pikes Peak Chapter of Credit Unions
October 5th
Thursday
Session #13
(In-Person)
DYSLEXIA & READING STRUGGLES
(Session is for Parents)
As parents of children who are struggling with reading and writing, we can be overwhelmed with emotions. We send our kids off to school, or maybe we teach them in our homes. Our hopes and expectations are high as we begin. Soon though, the hopes, the dreams, and the expectations give way to confusion as the struggles set in. As the difficulties persist, the confusion can give way to fear and even anger. In this session, we are going to take away the confusion and replace it with clarity. We are going to take away the fear and replace it with confidence. You will leave with a smile on your face and have the confidence you need to help your child have great success.
Location:
Sand Creek Police Station – Large Community Room
950 Academy Loop Colorado Springs, CO 80910
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Rick Weaver
Certified Barton Tutor
October 7th
Saturday
(In-Person)
COS I LOVE YOU – FALL CITY SERVE
PLATINUM Families Only
Families wanting volunteer hours can participate
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Or
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
October 10th
Tuesday
Session #14
(In-Person)
YOGA
(Session is for Parents & Scholars – Space is Limited)
Learn the basics of yoga by combining breath with movement. Learn meditation and relaxation techniques that aim to reduce stress and increase physical fitness. The session will begin with a 30-minute health and wellness discussion followed by an hour of yoga. Bring a yoga mat.
Location:
In-Balance Studio
2820 E. Pikes Peak Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80909
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Leona Abdullah-Ward
Owner/Instructor
In-Balance Studio
October 17th
Tuesday
Session #15
(In-Person)
COOKING MATTERS: DRINK TO YOUR HEALTH
(Session is for Parents – Space is Limited)
This session will discuss how sugary drinks impact health and how to make a variety of healthy beverages at home.
Location:
Care and Share Food Bank
2605 Preamble Pt. Colorado Springs, CO 80915
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Jessie Henderson
Cooking Matters Program Manager
October 19th
Thursday
Session #16
(Virtual)
GREEN, BLUE, GOLD OR ORANGE: HOW DOES “WHO” YOU ARE IMPACT “HOW” YOU RELATE TO OTHERS?
(Session is for Parents)
This interactive and fun session will introduce you to the “Color Personality Tool” and help you to understand how your personality is key in the relationships you build with friends and family. By understanding the four personality types, you will be able to speak the “personality” language of others toward making long lasting connections. Learn to enhance your communication with your children.
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Dr. Bridgitt Mitchell, MBA
Administrator, Professor and Consultant
October 24th
Tuesday
Session #17
(In-Person)
SUICIDE PREVENTION
(Session is for Parents, Middle & High School Scholars)
Every responsible community member should know how to identify the signs of suicide and how to seek help. In this session you will receive a 2-year certification in suicide prevention from Question Persuade Refer (QPR). When it comes to saving the life of someone in a mental health crisis QPR is the equivalent of CPR training. This training educates participants in basic suicide prevention and how to support those who may be at risk of suicide.
Location:
Sand Creek Police Station – Large Community Room
950 Academy Loop Colorado Springs, CO 80910
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Danielle Hendrix
Community Outreach Specialist
Diversus Health
October 26th
Thursday
Session #18
(Virtual)
SIMPLE READING STRATEGIES FOR MORE AFFECTIVE LEARNING & STUDYING
(Session is for Scholars 4th Grade and Above)
Scholars will learn how to read actively and improve comprehension by: setting reading goals, using effective question posing, building meaning across paragraphs and reviewing in short intervals rather than cramming.
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Bridget Mosley
Cognitive Learning Specialist
November 2nd
Thursday
Session #19
(In-Person)
ZUMBA
(Session is for Parents & Scholars – Space is Limited)
Zumba is an aerobic, Latin-inspired dance workout and it’s all about having fun. Few exercise classes have had Zumba’s staying power. This dance workout — which looks and sounds more like a dance party — remains a popular go-to for fitness-minded folks around the world. The session will begin with a 30-minute health and wellness discussion followed by an hour of Zumba.
Location:
In-Balance Studio
2820 E. Pikes Peak Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80909
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Leona Abdullah-Ward
Owner/Instructor
In-Balance Studio
November 7th
Tuesday
Session #20
(Virtual)
TRAUMA & MENTAL HEALTH IN OUR YOUTH
(Session is for Parents)
What is trauma and how does it impact our youth? This session will cover how trauma affects our youth, the median age of diagnosis and statistics, risk and protective factors, resilience in ourselves and our children.
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Joi Miller,
LLPC, MSP, TRS’s
November 9th
Thursday
Session #21
(Virtual)
THE MALE BRAIN AND HOW BOYS LEARN
(Session is for Parents)
This workshop addresses how the male brain develops and processes information. It also speaks to the power and influence of the hormone testosterone on the male brain.
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Dedrick Sims, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
Sims-Fayola Foundation
November 15th
Wednesday
Session #22
(In-Person)
ALL ABOUT PERCENT
(Session is for Scholars in Middle School)
We will learn “Percent” topics and use games and activities to practice, practice, practice to build brain power.
Location:
Sand Creek Police Station – Large Community Room
950 Academy Loop Colorado Springs, CO 80910
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Mary Ann Hubl
Owner, Math ETC LLC
Tutoring, Speaker
November 16th
Thursday
Session #23
(In-Person)
SELF DEFENSE & EMPOWERMENT
(Session is for Kindergarten through Middle School)
Ages will be separated: 3-6, 7-10 and 11 and older
Learn essential self-defense techniques, boost confidence and personal empowerment, discover the inner strength and resilience within you. No experience necessary. Wear comfortable clothing.
Self Defense Academy is a SUGAR FREE ZONE – dinner and snacks will adhere to their policy.
Location:
Self Defense Academy
525 N. Cascade Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80907
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Instructors
Self Defense Academy
January 16th
Session #24
Tuesday
(In-Person)
MANDATORY SPRING SESSION
Session is for ALL Families
What is your Vision? Where do you see yourself short-term, mid-term and long-term? How do you establish goals and objectives for your family and your scholars?
This session will be an exploration of art and logic to help create a succinct direction. Come prepared to step out of your comfort zone.
Location TBD
Check in begins at 5:30pm
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Instructor: TBA
January 27th
NSCW Fair
Saturday
(In-Person)
Great Wolf Lodge
9494 Federal Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80921
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Over 80 Vendors in Attendance. Representing private, traditional public, charter public and homeschool. Organizations providing resources for parents/scholars.
Tons of Fun, Prizes and Activities at Great Wolf Lodge.
Track #4:
(Must commit to all 8 sessions)
Mondays
January 29 – March 18
(In-Person)
CorePurpose 2.0
(Must have taken CorePurpose 1.0)
(Session is for Parents)
Purpose is the game-changer! When people have a purpose in life, this transforms them. Neuroscience shows us that Purpose in life physically changes our brain! Studies report an improvement between a sense of purpose, physical and mental health, happiness and overall quality of life. These sessions will give people a chance to find healing/meaning in their experiences.
Location: TBD
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Victoria Jeffs
Executive Director
Day 2/Day 2 International
February 6th
Tuesday
Session #25
(Virtual)
AUTISM AWARENESS
(Session is for Parents)
This session will discuss autism spectrum disorder (ASD) along with understanding how to deal with tantrums and emotional outbursts in an effective and caring way. You will also learn about educational programs that can help an autistic child learn how to function at their highest level in society.
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Instructor: TBA
February 13th
Tuesday
Session #26
(Virtual)
MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSINGS
(Session is for Scholars Ages 11-15)
Middle school gets a bad rap as being some of the worst times of your life. This DOESN’T have to be true! Find out what other middle school/former middle school students think about how to succeed and get a FREE action plan to turn middle school into some of the BEST years of your life!
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Eliza Love, MA
Watson Jr. High
6th Grade Teacher
February 15th
Thursday
Session #27
(In-Person)
DRUG & ALCOHOL PREVENTION
(Session is for Parents)
This session will focus on preventative measures to support teens so they don’t begin using substances and will help those that have already started along that path. Information will be provided regarding support groups, treatment plans, assessments and counseling.
Location: TBD
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Instructor: TBA
February 20th
Tuesday
Session #28
(In-Person)
COOKING MATTERS: THE FAMILY KITCHEN
(Session is for Parents – Space is Limited)
This session will prepare parents to work together with their children to discuss safe, age-appropriate tasks in the kitchen, practicing child-friendly steps and making healthy meals and snacks everyone will enjoy.
Location:
Care and Share Food Bank
2605 Preamble Pt. Colorado Springs, CO 80915
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Jessie Henderson
Cooking Matters Program Manager
February 27th
Tuesday
Session #29
(In-Person)
HOW TO MAKE TEAMS WORK
(Session is for Parents & Scholars)
Team Building helps us all learn how to lead and cooperate with others while fostering critical thinking, decision making and listening skills. This session will help us understand how teams are formed and the strategies for working together. Come and have fun learning how to work with others to complete several team activities.
Location: TBD
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Deborah Hendrix
CD Global Training and Consulting
Executive Director – Parents Challenge
February 29th
Thursday
Session #30
(Virtual)
HELPING THE YOUNG READER
(Session is for Scholars 5th Grade and Younger)
Holly discusses ten research-supported, practical ways to support your children in reading. In addition, she will suggest to the parents’ ways to discern if a student is behind in reading and needs extra support.
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Holly Van Wieren
MACI, CALT
March 5th
Tuesday
Session #31
(Virtual)
FINANCIAL WELLNESS: BUILDING CREDIT, LOANS & HOW INTEREST WORKS
(Session is for Parents)
Please join us to learn more about how your credit score is calculated. We will focus on the aspects that make up your credit score, as well as how that score affects the interest rates on loans. We will also discuss how those interest rates affect both your payments and purchasing power.
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Pikes Peak Chapter of Credit Unions
March 12th
Tuesday
Session #32
(Virtual)
THE REAL CAUSES OF MALE VIOLENCE
(Session is for Parents)
This workshop highlights how cultural views of masculinity, as well as popular views of masculinity, contributes to male violence. This workshop pulls from the work of Michael Gurian and the tenants of Social Emotional Learning.
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Dedrick Sims, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
Sims-Fayola Foundation
March 14th
Thursday
Session #33
(In-person)
MATH AT HOME
(Session is for Elementary Scholars)
Scholars and parents will learn several ways to practice math topics at home by using a deck of cards, dice and more. Learn games and activities to practice, practice, practice and build brain power. Every family will receive a deck of cards and dice to continue at home.
Location: TBD
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Mary Ann Hubl
Owner, Math ETC LLC
Tutoring, Speaker
March 19th
Tuesday
Session #34
(In-Person)
COOKING MATTERS: MONEY SAVER ALERT
(Session is for Parents – Space is Limited)
This session will discuss how to use everything that you have/have access to in your pantry. You will practice using “hard to utilize” ingredients” in a variety of recipes and discuss how to save food that you can’t use right away. You will also learn how to limit food waste with children while still introducing new foods.
Location:
Care and Share Food Bank
2605 Preamble Pt. Colorado Springs, CO 80915
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Jessie Henderson
Cooking Matters Program Manager
April 2nd
Tuesday
Session #35
(In-Person)
EDUCATIONAL CHALLENGES & LEARNING DISABILITIES
(Session is for Parents)
Learn about resources and programs geared toward those with special needs. Learn directly from the Skills Academy, an organization that offers programs and vocational opportunities for students with learning disabilities and educational challenges.
Location:
Skills Academy
1575 Garden of the Gods Rd.
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Skills Academy
April 4th
Thursday
Session #36
(In-Person)
YOU ARE YOUR CHILD’S FIRST TEACHER
(Session is for Parents)
Are you thinking about whether your child is ready to start school? Did you know that you are already preparing your child for school success? Join this session to learn how you are supporting your child across the developmental continuum: physical, cognitive, social, and emotional. Obtain an overview of developmental theories and become fluent in how children grow and learn. Make the connection between activities and experiences that happen at home with core skills necessary for positive developmental growth and learning. Practice and take away ideas and strategies that promote positive outcomes for your children.
Location: TBD
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Dr. Bridgitt Mitchell, MBA
Administrator, Professor and Consultant
April 20th
Saturday
Senior Day
(In-Person)
SENIOR DAY
Special day planned for our Senior Scholars
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Please be advised. These sessions could be changed or postponed due to instructor cancellations, school dynamics or limited enrollment.
