Dad helping son in classroom

Programs for Families

Coffee & Conversation

Coffee & Conversation events are virtual gatherings to explore topics important to parents and caregivers. Each webinar provides an opportunity to learn, ask questions and discuss. Events are facilitated by the CCPS Office of Community Engagement in collaboration with Chesterfield County Prevention Services.

Coffee & Conversation events are held on Wednesdays from 1-2 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Use this form to register for events listed below.

Coffee & Conversation logo with three coffee cup stains

Upcoming Sessions (Fall 2024)

Wednesday, Sept. 18, 1-2 p.m.
Starting the School Year with the Right Mindset

It's a new year, so get your growth mindset on! Many students have difficulty managing their work demands and daily routines. Consequently, it creates cycles of frustration, procrastination, withdrawal of effort and the abandonment of tasks. Strong executive function skills will lead to a higher level of academic performance and enhance one's life.

In this session, you will get some tips on how to teach your child strategies for organization, self-determination and greater independence to achieve their academic and life goals.

Guest Speaker: Maria DelCorso, New Agenda LLC

Wednesday, Sept. 25, 1-2 p.m.
Mental Health Emergencies:  Prevention and Response for Families

Learn about local and regional approaches to preventing and responding to youth mental health emergencies in this session. Representatives from CCPS and Chesterfield Mental Health will discuss school-based prevention and awareness initiatives and the continuum of local and regional resources for youth experiencing a mental health emergency.

Guest Speakers: Catherine Ogletree, CCPS Mental Health Support Specialist; Melissa Ackley, Chesterfield County Prevention Services Manager; and Julia Cox, Manager of Chesterfield Mental Health Access and Emergency Services

Wednesday, Oct. 2, 1-2 p.m.
Online Safety for Families

Two of the easiest mistakes a parent can make when it comes to social media is thinking:

  1. My child is too young for me to worry about online safety yet.

  2. My child has had a phone for years so we don’t have to worry about this now.

We are never too young or old to learn about safety on social media. Join us as we discuss some of the more prevalent issues in Chesterfield concerning our school-aged children and social media interactions. Learn ways to start a conversation with your child about online safety. Let's work together to help our children safe and thrive online.

Guest Speaker: Georgia Smith, Crime Prevention Specialist, Chesterfield County Police Department

Wednesday, Oct. 9, 1-2 p.m.
Starting Early, Finishing Strong: Why School Attendance Matters

Regular attendance is a significant factor in a student's academic success and achieving life goals. In this session, families will gain an understanding of the impact of attendance and learn ways to build positive habits that will pay off in school and beyond.

Guest Speakers: Chiquita Elliott and Jennifer McClaire, Attendance School Social Workers

Wednesday, Oct. 16, 1-2 p.m.
What Parents Should Know about Bullying

Attend this session to gain essential tools and strategies to empower your children to become stand-up citizens and critical players in safely resolving bullying situations. This Coffee+Conversation will equip parents with practical guidance to handle various bullying scenarios their children might face, whether at school, online or in social settings.

Guest Speaker: Rachel Munick, Ed.S., NCSP, Trauma Informed Care Training Specialist, Department of School Improvement

Wednesday, Oct. 23, 1-2 p.m.
Helping Children Deal with Grief

Most kids know something about death. They’ve seen it on TV and in the movies, yet it is different when it happens to someone close to them. As parents and family members, we can’t take kids’ pain away, but we can help them cope in healthy ways. In this session, learn ways to make children who are experiencing grief feel safe through connection and support.

Guest Speaker: Eric Faw

Past Sessions and Recordings

2024

  • May 1: Vaping Trends

  • April 24: Emotional Regulation Strategies for ADHD and Executive Function Challenges | Watch the recording

  • April 17: Fostering Your Child's Self-Esteem | Watch the recording

  • March 20: Building Bridges with Your IEP Team

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

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

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

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

  • Feb. 7: ADHD | Watch the recording

  • Jan. 10: Drug Trend Awareness

2023