Archive for the ‘Community’ Category
Parenting with Courage and Connection
April 30 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Parlor
Jody McVittie, MD, a parent trainer, coach and parent educator will focus on how parents can connect with kids and see behavior that makes everyone happier. Using what she has learned from studying leading childhood behaviorist, working with families and educators as well as her experience with her own children, Jody will guide us through new ways of thinking about balancing firmness and kindness to create better relationships. She will provide insight into why we all do the crazy things that they do when trying to get along in families.
This event is free, open to the public and for parents with children of all ages.
Childcare will not be provided.
Your Tween’s Safety
March 21 from 7:00 to 9:00 in the Parlor
Kim Estes of Savvy Parents, Safe Kids will be here for an empowering and non-fear based workshop full of practical safety tips and tools to become helpful and resourceful parents. You’ll learn how to confidently talk to kids about being more independent and keeping themselves safe without scaring them (or you!). We will cover readiness for staying home alone, cell phones, babysitting, going to mall/movies without you, body and personal safety, school and neighborhood safety, sleepovers and new friends. Solid safety steps during this exciting chapter of their lives will help reduce their risk of sexual abuse, bullying and abduction. No graphic conversations. No scare tactics.
This event is free, open to the public and for parents with children in 2nd through 8th Grades.
Childcare will not be provided.
2012 Heart of Villa Award(s)
Villa Academy is blessed to have such an active and supportive culture of volunteerism. Your generous gifts of time and talent help enrich our academic program and carry on the Cabrinian tradition of compassion and service.
The Heart of Villa Award is our opportunity to properly recognize the volunteer all-stars who shine among the many others. This year we are pleased to present the 2012 Heart of Villa Award to two outstanding women:
Villa teachers describe our first recipient, Georgine Looney, as “one of the most kind and engaging” parent volunteers. Whether she is presenting a science lesson, assisting with a Green Team building project, or serving on a VPA committee, Georgine’s positive spirit and sincerity make her a pleasure to work with.
As a new Villa parent in 2006, Georgine was always in the classroom. Her willingness to help, coupled with an unobtrusive approach, made her a genuine asset. She has chaperoned endless field trips and middle school dances, and has helped with Health Screening every year since 2008. Georgine, and the entire Looney family, embodies the Villa mission, vision, and core values.
Our second Heart of Villa recipient, Gina Hampson, is a consistent source of support for the faculty. She has been a leader in many volunteer projects, including holding the position of School Photo Chair for three years, Co-Chairing the Faculty and Staff Appreciation Committee for two years, and helping with Health Screening every year since 2005.
Gina’s eagerness to help whenever needed and her open and positive relationship with teachers has made her an incredible volunteer!
One of Gina’s final parent volunteer efforts is her work on this year’s eighth-grade scrapbook, a commemoration of her daughter’s time here at Villa, but also a reminder of how the humble efforts of amazing volunteers, like both Gina and Georgine, have enhanced the overall experience of the 2012 graduating class.
The annual Heart of Villa Award acknowledges the outstanding volunteerism of the parent or parents of an outgoing eighth grade student who represents the family’s last or only child. The award was created to demonstrate our appreciation for those who have been extremely generous in giving time, energy, and talents to our students, our community, and our school. The recipients of this award are selected by the school administration and honored at the annual gala auction.
A Safe Environment for Kids
May 2 from 8:30- 10:00 a.m. in the Parlor (New Day and Time)
Jody Elsner, Director of the Lower School, will inform parents about the programs and policies of Villa Academy’s Safe Environment Program. Parents will learn about the personal safety training that employees, volunteers, parents and children of the school receive. As part of this evening, parents will have an opportunity to view “Called to Protect for Parents and Families”, highlighting personal safety issues and child abuse. There will be a presentation followed by discussion and Q&A.
This event is for Villa parents.
Childcare will not be provided.
The Young and the Restless: The Social Lives of our Children
February 2 from 7:00 to 9:00 in the Parlor
Julie Metzger, famous for her Children’s Hospital classes, will review the latest research on social dynamics to help kids communicate effectively and build healthy relationships to navigate such things as not getting invited to a birthday party or being teased at recess. It can be challenging in the moment to know how to help our children communicate effectively and build healthy relationships. Come hear a review of latest research on social dynamics of children and strategies for kids and parents.
This event is free, open to the public and for parents of children in 2nd through 8th grade.
Childcare will not be provided.
Caitlin’s Act of Kindness
One of Villa Academy’s own 6th graders, Caitlin Hendricks, was recognized by Seattle United, a new youth soccer club, for her top raffle ticket sales during a recent scholarship fundraiser. Perhaps more impressive was what Caitlin did with the $250 dollar prize money. Read more
We are so proud to see Caitlin model the same compassion and generosity taught by our founder, Mother Cabrini, and embraced by Villa Academy.
Way to go Caitlin!!
Food Lifeline’s Repackathon
Villa fourth graders will visit Food Lifeline’s Volunteer Repack Center during the second week of February. Each class will have the opportunity to volunteer their service for three hours to assist with necessary projects that may include labeling packaged products, inspecting and sorting food donations, or repackaging bulk donated products.
Villa’s partnership with Food Lifeline has been a very rewarding ongoing relationship. Helping with the organization and dissemination of thousands of pounds of food to those in need is one of many ways students participate in the Cabrinian tradition.
If your family would like to join the effort, consider signing up for Food Lifeline’s Repackathon on February 11th, 2012. The REPACKATHON is a volunteering marathon featuring non-stop music, competitive spirit, and teamwork to get thousands of pounds of food ready for hungry families. Learn more and register at www.REPACKATHON.org. Create a team or join a team! (Space is limited.) $25 per person or $250 for a team of 10 – snazzy FLL apron and goodies included!
