The following workshops are available for staff, students and parents. Workshops are offered both in person and via Zoom. MPY requires a minimum of 25 participants for staff workshops and a minimum of 40 participants for parent and caregiver workshops. Exceptions are made on a case by case basis.
Introduction to Sensory Integration Disorders
Many children who may be identified as having behavioral struggles, may actually be managing the needs of their sensory systems. These systems process all of the internal and external stimuli that enter the body and brain throughout the day. By uncovering how each sensory system may be impacted, we can better understand the needs of the children we work with and more easily support their development and success in the classroom.
Kind Minds
Creating awareness about mental wellness can begin in elementary school. This interactive presentation teaches children how to identify their emotions, develop coping skills, and build empathy. Suitable for grades K-4 and facilitated by a licensed clinician from Minding Your Mind. Recommended for Grades K - 4. Available in Spanish.
LIFE/work Balance (Remote Only)
For many of us, we define ourselves by what we do professionally. This can be good, but also detrimental if we lose focus on everything else that life has to offer. In this workshop, you will assess your life in 18 areas – career and 17 others – to get a sense of your LIFE/work balance. You will also go through exercises to prioritize some other areas and set goals in them too. Finally, you will leave with a personalized, color-coded bar chart that reflects your 18 areas, which can be an excellent source of motivation, inspiration, and validation.
Making Sense of the English Language Development Framework (Remote Only)
Get familiar with the newly revised English Language Development Framework (WIDA 2020) Standards, gaining practical insights and strategies to effectively support the linguistic and academic development of multilingual learners. This is an overview of the key elements of the framework including what has changed, what has remained, and how it applies to K-12 educators with multilingual learners.
Marijuana: Where We Were and Where We Are - New!
This workshop details the truth about the alarming effects of marijuana on the developing adolescent brain and how marijuana use may negatively impact concentration, attention, motivation, and mood. In addition, this workshop highlights the legalities of marijuana and the role of school policies.
Mental Health Awareness for Youth: Young Adult Speaker Presentation
The Young Adult Speaker program is geared for youth grades 6+ and features young adults who provide educational programs built around lived experiences. Through sharing their experience with a mental health condition and related crisis, they challenge negative stereotypes, give hope and skills to audience members, and encourage students to reach out for help. Students also learn the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and conditions, negative versus positive coping skills, the similarities between mental health and physical illness, the language and skills needed to have a conversation about mental health, and how to create a supportive school environment. This is facilitated through Minding Your Mind.
Mindfulness in the Age of Digital Distraction (Remote Only)
Teachers and parents will learn the “Power Down for Presence” process, proven to increase attention and focus for more efficient and productive homework time. As the ubiquity of the 24/7 digital world increases, the appeal of technology becomes even greater. The brain science supports the power of mindfulness to pause one’s use of technology and be present for greater mental and brain health. This workshop shares evidence-based research tools and skills.
Motivation and Happiness (Remote Only)
In this workshop, you will explore your personal and professional motivation and happiness. Rate your current state and brainstorm on how to increase these. We will also discuss internal vs. external motivation and the Platinum Rule. Learn how to tap into others’ motivation and happiness too!
Multilingual Family Partnerships (Remote Only)
Learn how to communicate and partner effectively with multilingual families. We will move beyond conferences
and share techniques to build true engagement.
Narcotics- The Drugs, Health Risks, Educational Needs and Emergent Care
The opioid crisis has affected countless people and continues to put young people at risk. This presentation examines the basics of opioids- what this classification of drugs is, why opioid addiction is unique, the history of our present epidemic, the importance of education and emergent care in an overdose situation.