Pressman Academy Parent Engagement 2025-2026
Dear Pressman Parents,
When you give your child a Pressman education, you also gift yourself a village in which to raise your child. This year’s Parent Engagement Calendar is designed to strengthen that village—with opportunities to learn, connect, and grow alongside your child.
When you open the calendar, you will see four categories of programs:
• Contemplation: Programs designed to support you in parenting your child at each developmental stage. Join a council with Kindergarten parents, talk about social media with third grade parents, look towards high school with eighth grade parents.
• Community – Family events for parents and children to gather with other families to celebrate, learn, and give back. Get your hands dirty in the garden, celebrate Hanukkah, learn with your middle school child on Shavuot.
• Connection – Programs designed to combat loneliness and strengthen relationships, offering meaningful ways to connect with other parents.
• Conversation – Our popular Parent Beit Midrash classes return! Dive into parenting boys, parenting girls, Jewish learning, or Hebrew—all while building relationships with parents who share your interests.
In addition, you will see that this year we are also expanding opportunities around neurodiversity through classes offered in Contemplation and The Village, a parent group dedicated to supporting families raising neurodivergent kids.
Mark your calendars now with the opportunities that feel right.
It feels like our world becomes more and more overwhelming each year. We believe the antidote is connecting with others, gathering resources of support, and feeding your own soul. We hope these programs offer that for you.
Warmly, Erica
PARENT EDUCATION / ENGAGEMENT 2025-2026
Contemplation: Building a Parenting Village
Parent conversations that offer insight, strategies, and shared wisdom for raising children grounded in values, sound practice, and community.
ECC Coffee and Convos:
Dates TBD (Check HaShavua for announcements!)
Come together with other ECC parents, along with Angie Bass and Sari Abrams, to talk about raising little ones. Topics include Training Tantrums; Morning Routines that Work; Helping Kids Transition; Building Resilience; Self Regulation Tools that work; The Power of Play; Supporting Independence. These conversations are an opportunity to learn some parenting tricks while growing your parenting village.
Kindergarten Council:
Thursday, October 30th - 7:30pm
For the last 26 years, students at Pressman Academy have learned to speak and listen from the heart through the practice of Council. We invite parents to learn about this practice and to experience a Council, during which you will get to know the other parents in the class of 2034. This is an incredibly special evening that is not to be missed.
Raising
a First Grader:
November 6, December 11th - 8:00-9:00am
Join us for a series of conversations about parenting first graders in today’s world. We’ll explore how to support your child’s emotional growth, independence, and learning journey, while also offering space to connect with fellow parents and educators. Whether it’s navigating big feelings or new routines, we’re here to think together about how to best support your child’s experience this year.
Nourishing Souls: A Second Grade Tikkun Olam Project
Date Coming Soon
Join us for a meaningful parent-child experience as we live out the values of tikkun olam (repairing the world) and middot (character traits) together. At OBKLA, you and your child will cook a meal for those in need while learning how our second grade curriculum nurtures empathy, responsibility, and compassion. This hands-on event is a chance to give back as a family and to see how we help our students grow not as learners and as mensches.
Raising Digital Humans: A Third Grade Parent Conversation
Wednesday, March 11th - 7:30PM-9:00pm)
Join us for a thoughtful conversation with fellow 3rd grade parents as we explore the Pressman community guidelines for technology use. This is an opportunity to come together, reflect on how these shared values align with your family’s approach, and collaborate on ways to adopt them as a community. By engaging in open dialogue and finding common ground, we can support one another in raising tech-healthy, welladjusted tweens and teens who are prepared to navigate the digital world with intention and balance.
Navigating Late Childhood: A Fourth Grade Parent Conversation (4th Grade)
December 3, 2025 - 7:30-9:00pm
Join us for a thoughtful evening with fellow 4th grade parents as we explore the developmental stage of late childhood — a time of steady growth and subtle but important changes for children and the families raising them. Together, we will reflect on what these shifts look like at home and at school, and work through real-life scenarios related to social dynamics, peer influence, and emerging independence. This evening is an opportunity to come together as a parent community, guided by our shared Jewish values, and to collaborate on a grade-wide agreement — a shared commitment to how we support our children and one another as they navigate this important stage.
Building Independence for Middle School Success (5th Grade)
March 19th - 7:00pm
As fifth graders prepare to enter middle school, they need more than just academic readiness—they need growing independence and executive functioning skills. In this session, we’ll explore what fifth graders should be doing on their own at home and at school, from managing materials to handling routines and responsibilities. We’ll offer strategies for all kids, with special attention to supporting those with ADHD, and share practical tools like checklists and contracts to help parents build these habits now. Join us as we think together about raising confident, capable middle schoolers.
Entering Middle School: Parent/Tween Relationships (6th Grade)
February 11th - 8:00-9:00pm
As sixth graders settle into middle school, family life can feel different—the push for independence, shifting friendships, and growing responsibilities bring both excitement and challenge. In this session, we’ll look at how the dynamics of parenting change in middle school, and what it means to stay connected while giving your child room to grow. We’ll share insight into common developmental shifts, offer practical strategies for maintaining open communication, and explore tools for setting clear expectations that align with your family’s values. Join us as we think together about raising resilient, grounded adolescents within a supportive, values-based community.
Seventh Grade: Navigating Healthy Sexuality
February 18th - 8:00-9:00pm
As sixth graders settle into middle school, family life can feel different—the push for independence, shifting friendships, and growing responsibilities bring both excitement and challenge. In this session, we’ll look at how the dynamics of parenting change in middle school, and what it means to stay connected while giving your child room to grow. We’ll share insight into common developmental shifts, offer practical strategies for maintaining open communication, and explore tools for setting clear expectations that align with your family’s values. Join us as we think together about raising resilient, grounded adolescents within a supportive, values-based community.
Eighth Grade: Eye on High School
February 4th - 7:30pm
As eighth graders prepare to step into high school, they face new pressures and choices that can feel overwhelming—for them and for their parents. In this session, we’ll take a close look at the realities of high school party culture, drug use, and addiction prevention. We’ll share practical tools and strategies to help you set clear, values-based boundaries, while also keeping communication open and supportive. Join us as we think together about guiding teens through this pivotal transition with clarity, confidence, and care.
Supporting Our Kids Part I (Open to All JPA Parents)
November 6th - 7:00pm
When your child needs extra support, it can be hard to know where to start. There are a wide range of professionals that can offer support—speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, educational therapists, psychologists, and more. But what exactly does each professional do, and how do their roles overlap and complement one another in helping your children learn and grow? In this panel discussion, you’ll meet a team of student support providers who will explain their roles in assessing and supporting students with a range of needs. Parents and caregivers will come away with a clearer understanding of who does what, how these experts work together, and how to best partner with them and with school to support your child’s success.
Supporting Our Kids Part II (Open to All JPA Parents)
February 26th - 7:00pm
Students with challenges in executive functioning, attention/focus, impulse control, and self-regulation might qualify for a diagnosis of ADHD. In this panel conversation, you’ll meet a team of specialists with diverse perspectives on supporting children and families navigating ADHD and ADHD-like tendencies. They’ll share how they approach support, introduce helpful strategies for students and their caregivers, and describe how they collaborate with families and school-based teams to improve overall outcomes . Participants will leave with a clear sense of how to build the right team around their child and how to partner with outside support to help their child thrive.
Community: Family Engagement Opportunities
These are family events - come with everyone to learn, sing and play together.
• Elementary School Havdalah/Family Learning (3-5th grade) - November 8th
• YLE Family Chanukah Party (K-5th grade) - December 14th, 10am-12pm
• Ginat Pressman Experiences - Sunday October 26th, Sunday March 22nd
• Middle School Shavuot Parent/Child Learning - Thursday, May 21st
Connection: The Practice That Makes Us Who We Are
Connect with other parents to build community, to learn practices around connection, and to strengthen your village of parenting.
The Village: Parents Supporting Neurodivergent Kids
Tuesday, September 30; Tuesday, November 18; Thursday, December 11; Tuesday, January 13; Thursday, February 26 (following Supporting Our Children Part II); Tuesday, March 24; Thursday, May 14 - 7:00-8:30pm
Parenting a neurodivergent child can be both rewarding and challenging—and no one should have to navigate it alone. The Village is a welcoming space for Pressman parents and caregivers to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. Together, we’ll build a supportive community where families feel seen, understood, and empowered as we celebrate our kids’ unique strengths and navigate the journey of raising them.
Middle School Parent/Teen Workshops
Sixth Grade
November 12 & May 6th, 8:00-9:30am
Attend a morning of connection and collaboration, where 6th graders and their parents work side-by-side to create the foundation for a family brit — a shared set of agreements that reflects the values and ways of being you want to guide your relationship with your pre-teen.
Seventh Grade
November 5th & April 29th, 8:00-9:30am
Raising a Teen reframes the “Bnei Mitzvah Year” as the beginning of adolescence for both teen and parent. Together, we’ll surface hopes and worries for the year ahead, identify shared family and community values to guide the many celebrations we will have together, and explore everyday dilemmas through the lens of those values. We’ll also connect ancient Jewish wisdom to modern decision-making, recognizing that not every challenge has one “right” choice.
Eighth Grade
November 3rd & May 27th, 8:00-9:30am
From Teen to 18 invites families to envision the next stage of the Jewish journey toward adulthood. Together, we will study texts on “earning a good name” and character development, sparking conversations about the qualities and values that will serve as a foundation for life beyond middle school. And we will close the year by sitting in council to close our time at Pressman, together. In circle, we will share stories of resilience, honor one another, and set intentions for the future.
Conversation: Parent Beit Midrash
The following are Parent Classes on different topics. As a parent, you are encouraged to sign up for one (or more!) that interests you. Please sign up for classes to which you can commit to the full schedule. Once you sign up you will receive more information from the class leader.
Raising Boys in These Times: A Book, Podcast, and Article Club
Shira Landau
Raising boys today comes with a unique set of joys and challenges. We will come together in a supportive space to explore what it sounds, looks, and feels like to be raising boys in today’s world. We’ll begin our journey with Rosalind Wiseman’s foundational text, Masterminds and Wingmen, which offers an unfiltered guide into boys’ emotional lives and peer dynamics. From there, we’ll branch out to listen to recent podcasts and read contemporary articles that bring fresh perspectives for parenting boys right now so parents can walk away with a deeper understanding of how we can show up for our boys and each other.
Dates/Times: Thursday October 30, Monday December 1, February 9, March 2 (8:00-9:00am)
Min/Max: 8 participants minimum
Good for: Any JPA parents, ECC through 8th grade
Queen Bees and Wannabes
Katya Mazar and Maddy Kostman
It’s a jungle out there. Help yourself help your tweenage/teenage daughter navigate friendships, conflict, cliques, and power plays by reading Queen Bees and Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman, and joining our book club discussion. You’ll understand how boys fit into the equation of girl conflicts and be better prepared to help her navigate the ever-changing social landscape, as well as identifying how to check your own baggage at the door in the process. The intended audience for this group is parents of girls (though anyone is welcome!) and we encourage both moms and dads to participate.
Dates/Times: November 13, January 21, March 18 (8:00-9:00am)
Min/Max: 4 participants minimum
Good for: Parents of girls in grades 4-8
(Re)-Introduction to Judaism 2.0
Rabbi Kligfeld
We will begin by doing a deep-ish dive into the full array of holidays and special gatherings on the Jewish calendar, looking at some familiar observances from less familiar angles. And filling out the calendar such that you have at least some knowledge of every meaningful Jewish date. This continues the study we began last year, in the fall of 2025, which we were not able to complete. Of course you can/should join this class even if you were not part of it last year. And then we will pivot to an important and yet challenging topic, one to which we will all have an intimate relationship at some point in our lives: the Jewish approach to end-of-life issues, death and mourning. This class is open to all, of all backgrounds and educations.
Dates/Times: October 21, November 18, December 2 and February 10 (8:30-9:45am)
Min/Max: 8 participants minimum
Good for: Any JPA parents, ECC through 8th grade
Conversational Hebrew for Beginners
Morah Gila Azad and Moreh Ilan Yona
Join our dynamic Hebrew speaking class! Meeting twice weekly, this class focuses on modern Hebrew conversation skills. Whether you’re planning a family trip to Israel, want to understand Hebrew prayers and songs, or simply desire to expand your linguistic horizons, our supportive environment makes learning enjoyable and practical. You’ll build confidence in everyday Hebrew conversations while connecting with other parents who share your enthusiasm for this beautiful language. You’ll be amazed how quickly you progress when focusing on real-world speaking skills rather than just grammar and reading.
Dates/Times: October 20, 22, 27, 29; November 3, 5, 10, 12, 17 and 19th (8:00-9:00am)
Min/Max: 6 participants minimum
Good for: Any JPA parents, ECC through 8th grade
Stepping Stones
Sari Abrams
Stepping Stones is a parenting education series that is designed to allow parents to reflect on the joys and challenges of raising children. This year, we will explore how to manage our emotions and parent our children without threats or punishments. Jon Fogel’s book Punishment-Free Parenting will be our springboard for interactive conversations about how to move away from punishment, instead teaching self-regulation and responsibility to our children.
Dates/Times: October 21, 28; November 4, 18; December 2, 9 The meetings will be Tuesday evenings at 8:00pm on Zoom
Min/Max: 6 participants minimum
Good for: Any JPA parents, ECC through 8th grade
