Fall 2023

Oct. 18: Live Vape Free! | Watch the recording.

Nicotine harms developing brains and can negatively impact mental health, but many young people use nicotine to focus and relieve stress. The long-term impacts are still unknown, but the evidence is clear. We do not want another generation addicted to nicotine and tobacco. This session will cover vaping trends, prevention and support for families. You will be empowered to have productive conversations about vaping and substance use with your child.

The guest speaker is Sarah Birckhead, Central Region Coordinator for Tobacco Control for the Virginia Department of Health

Nov. 1: Myths and Facts about Mental Health | Watch the recording.

Myths, misunderstandings, stereotypes and negative attitudes can surround mental illness. These result in judgment, discrimination and isolation of people with mental illness, as well as their families. This session will cover common myths and actual facts about mental illness.

The guest speakers are Eric Faw, LPC, and Rebecca Lint, MSW of Chesterfield Mental Health Prevention Services.

Nov. 15: Building Resilience in Children to Prevent Drug Use | Watch the recording.

Let's talk about developing resilience in children. Several traits found in resilient children — such as high self-esteem, empathy, help seeking and self-awareness — are also factors that deter children from using harmful substances like tobacco, marijuana and alcohol.

The guest speaker is Barbara Burke, LCSW.

Thursday, Nov. 16: Kinship Families: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren | Watch the recording.

A growing number of grandparents are taking on parenting their grandchildren, forgoing the traditional grandparent/grandchild relationship. This often means giving up leisure time, traveling and other aspects of your independence. What support do you have in Chesterfield County? Join this session to learn more and meet others who may be in similar shoes.

The guest speakers are Alexa van Aartrijk, MSG, ALFA, and Amy Smith, manager of Aging and Disability Resources.

Dec. 6: Helping Your Child with Self-Regulation | Watch the recording.

When children and teens effectively manage their behaviors and emotions, it increases their ability to learn, make good choices, make friends, and become more independent.   Participants in this workshop will learn how they can help children and teens with self-regulation.

The guest speakers are Melissa Ackley, LCSW and Valerie Fowlkes, M. Ed. of Chesterfield Mental Health Prevention Services.

Dec. 13: ACES, Adverse Childhood Experiences | Watch the recording.

When children experience traumatic events, it can have lasting effects on their mental well-being. These events are called adverse childhood experiences (sometimes abbreviated ACEs). This gathering will help raise awareness and provide resources in an effort to reduce adverse childhood experiences, foster resilience and improve the overall health of our community.

The guest speakers are Melissa Ackley, LCSW and Valerie Fowlkes, M. Ed. of Chesterfield Mental Health Prevention Services.

Spring 2024

Jan. 10: Drug Trend Awareness

Learn about the latest drug use trends because it’s never too early to talk with your children about the risks of drug use. Research suggests that one of the most influential factors for children is a strong, open relationship with a parent. Learn how to start a conversation with your child about the risks of substance use.

The guest speaker is LaKendra Hurt, MS of Chesterfield Mental Health Prevention Services.

Feb. 7: ADHD | Watch the recording.

Learn common characteristics of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and tools to help them thrive at home and school.

The guest speaker is Melissa Ackley of Chesterfield Mental Health Prevention Services.

Feb. 21: Top 10 Things to Know about the IEP Process

Children with disabilities have the right to a free appropriate public education, which is outlined in their individualized education program. Everyone on the IEP team shares responsibility in developing a document that allows the student to access the education they are entitled to. This session will help you be more confident and capable in the IEP process.

The guest speaker is Love Kingsbury of the Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center. 

Feb. 28: Help Seeking Intellectual Disabilities Services | Watch the recording.

This session will cover the referral process for intellectual disabilities services and individual and family developmental disabilities support at the Chesterfield Community Services Board. Topics will include details of support coordination, waivers services and the eligibility process.

The guest speaker is Stephanie Williams of Chesterfield Mental Health.

March 6: Unspoken Risks Associated with Youth Gambling and Gaming | Watch the recording.

We will discuss problem gambling and the prevalence of youth gambling. Learn about adolescent brain development and at-risk behaviors. Be empowered so that you can educate your child about responsible gambling and gaming.

The guest speaker is Valerie Fowlkes of Chesterfield Mental Health Prevention Services.

March 13: Knowing, Understanding, and Supporting Gifted Learners | Watch the recording.

Learn about common characteristics of gifted learners, how they interact with others and the world, their unique needs and how you can best support and advocate for them.

The guest speaker is Brianne Gunn, CCPS gifted support specialist.

March 20: Building Bridges with Your IEP Team

Raising a child with a disability requires teamwork. This session offers ways to build relationships and solution-oriented partnerships with your child's IEP team.

The guest speaker is Love Kingsbury of the Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center.

April 17: Fostering Your Child's Self-Esteem

Kids with positive self-esteem feel confident and capable. They value themselves and their abilities. Learn what influences children and teen's self-esteem. Specific strategies will offer ways parents and caregivers can help increase a child’s positive beliefs.

The guest speaker is Ginger Dotter of Chesterfield Mental Health Prevention Services.

April 24: Emotional Regulation Strategies for ADHD and Executive Function Challenges

Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and executive function challenges often have difficulties regulating their frustration, anger or sadness. We will discuss strategies to help manage daily stressors at school and at home.

The guest speaker is Amie Davies, co-owner of New Agenda executive function coaching and special education teacher.

May 1: Vaping Trends

Delve into vaping and related concerns. We will discuss what constitutes vaping and how the various products are harmful for us and our children. Be prepared and informed to talk to your child about vaping.

The guest speaker is Eric Faw of Chesterfield Mental Health Prevention Services.

Chesterfield County Public Schools will host a free documentary film series for families and educators on these Tuesdays: 

• “The Disruptors” on Feb. 27 

• “Split Up” on March 5

• “Anxious Nation” on March 12

• “Deej” on March 26

Organized by the Office of Family and Community Engagement, the FACE FWD film series will explore cultural competency, social-emotional development and adolescent support. Tickets are free, but reservations are required via Eventbrite for each of the four films. Each film will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Career and Technical Center @ Hull, 13900 Hull Street Road, Midlothian, VA 23112. CCPS teachers who attend will receive 2 ImpactU points. 

Reserve your free tickets for “The Disruptors,” which will be shown at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 27 in the CTC@Hull auditorium. The film explores attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, which is one of the most commonly diagnosed and widely misunderstood neurological conditions in the world, affecting nearly 10% of children and a rising number of adults. But what if having an ADHD brain is actually an asset? A growing number of innovators, entrepreneurs, CEOs, Olympic athletes and award-winning artists have recently disclosed that their ADHD, managed effectively, has played a vital role in their success. “The Disruptors” hears from many of those game-changing people about their ADHD, debunks harmful myths and takes viewers inside a number of families as they navigate living with ADHD.

Reserve your free tickets for “Split Up,” which will be shown at 6:30 p.m. March 5 in the CTC@Hull auditorium. The 50-minute film features a dozen teens looking back at childhoods marked by divorce. “Split Up” is a practical and emotional roadmap for teens and young adults navigating divorce — and a cautionary tale for divorcing parents. The film gives us the teens' perspective on divorce: no adults, no experts, just teens speaking the powerful truth of what is on their minds and in their hearts as they reflect on their family situation. Their wisdom, candor and humor give courage to other children and encourage parents to make better choices as they move through divorce.

Reserve your free tickets for “Anxious Nation,” which will be shown at 6:30 p.m. March 12 in the CTC@Hull auditorium. In 2022, the U.S. Surgeon General warned of a mental health crisis among adolescents, especially anxiety disorders. “Anxious Nation” explores how anxiety shows up in children and provides insights into managing mental health. The mission of the producers of the film is to create a unified community for people struggling with anxiety that encourages open dialogue and the sharing of coping strategies. By shining a light on this often-hidden issue, the film seeks to create a more compassionate and understanding society that supports those grappling with anxiety.

Reserve your free tickets for “Deej,” which will be shown at 6:30 p.m. March 26 in the CTC@Hull auditorium. The film tells the story of D.J. Savarese. Abandoned by his birth parents, he finds a loving family that helps him learn to communicate. As he makes his way through high school and dreams of college, he advocates on behalf of non-speaking autistic people, embraces filmmaking and poetry and discovers what having a voice can truly mean.