Garfield Park Academy believes all students can be successful in life when provided the proper resources. Through self-regulation, counseling, and individualized education, GPA staff works to help students understand and achieve success by changing their attitudes. We would like to take this a step further and offer a Parent Education Program (PEP) to support parents and guardians raising the children and adolescents that attend GPA.
PEP invites all parents and guardians to meet one Wednesday a month throughout the 2024-2025 academic year from 6 PM to 8 PM. The meetings will be held in-person here at GPA with the option to sign on virtually for those who would like to join but cannot physically attend.
Through these sessions, we hope to encourage mutual respect between the parent and child as well as foster cooperation, responsibility, and self-reliance. There will also be opportunities for parents and guardians to discuss their own feelings and ideas as well as find support and encouragement from other group members.
Reminders will be sent out regarding the meetings ahead of time and RSVPs can be sent to Amber Zickler, Dora Kerney and/or your child’s Social Worker.
Amber Zickler: azickler@gpaschool.org; ext. 243
Dora Kerney: dkereny@gpaschool.org; ext. 277
Parent Educ Program (PEP) – Mental Health and Crisis Management – There are many mental health resources available for everything from routine visits to crisis intervention and everything in between. We will discuss strategies for de-escalating a crisis and who to contact if you need further support.
PEP meetings will be held in-person at GPA with the option to sign on virtually for those who would like to join but cannot physically attend.
Reminders will be sent out regarding the meetings ahead of time and RSVPs can be sent to Amber Zickler, Dora Kerney and/or your child’s Social Worker.
Amber Zickler: azickler@gpaschool.org; ext. 243
Dora Kerney: dkereny@gpaschool.org; ext. 277
Parent Educ Program (PEP) – Self-Harm and Suicide Prevention – Unfortunately, self-harm is prevalent in adolescents today. Identifying risk factors, knowing the signs, and seeking out help will all be discussed.
PEP meetings will be held in-person at GPA with the option to sign on virtually for those who would like to join but cannot physically attend.
Reminders will be sent out regarding the meetings ahead of time and RSVPs can be sent to Amber Zickler, Dora Kerney and/or your child’s Social Worker.
Amber Zickler: azickler@gpaschool.org; ext. 243
Dora Kerney: dkereny@gpaschool.org; ext. 277
Parent Educ Program (PEP) – Connecting with your child – What do our kids want us to know? How can we connect with them more? This session will talk about different bonding activities and ways that you can strengthen your relationship with your youth.
PEP meetings will be held in-person at GPA with the option to sign on virtually for those who would like to join but cannot physically attend.
Reminders will be sent out regarding the meetings ahead of time and RSVPs can be sent to Amber Zickler, Dora Kerney and/or your child’s Social Worker.
Amber Zickler: azickler@gpaschool.org; ext. 243
Dora Kerney: dkereny@gpaschool.org; ext. 277
March 12th 6 PM to 8 PM
Parent Educ Program (PEP) – Social Media and Internet Safety – Social Media is constantly evolving and has many advantages. Despite the positive impact, social media safety is imperative. This meeting will look at how to keep our students safe on the internet.
PEP meetings will be held in-person at GPA with the option to sign on virtually for those who would like to join but cannot physically attend.
Reminders will be sent out regarding the meetings ahead of time and RSVPs can be sent to Amber Zickler, Dora Kerney and/or your child’s Social Worker.
Amber Zickler: azickler@gpaschool.org; ext. 243
Dora Kerney: dkereny@gpaschool.org; ext. 277
Parent Educ Program (PEP) – Self-Regulation and Anger Management – We will discuss anger along with its underlying emotions. This can give insight into why a child may respond in certain situations and how to best help them. Stress management and cool-down techniques will be explored.
PEP meetings will be held in-person at GPA with the option to sign on virtually for those who would like to join but cannot physically attend.
Reminders will be sent out regarding the meetings ahead of time and RSVPs can be sent to Amber Zickler, Dora Kerney and/or your child’s Social Worker.
Amber Zickler: azickler@gpaschool.org; ext. 243
Dora Kerney: dkereny@gpaschool.org; ext. 277
Both coping skills and self-care are essential for everyone. As parents and guardians, we need to ensure that we are taking care of ourselves to assist in taking care of others. We will discuss how coping skills and self-care are individualized and ways to incorporate them into your daily life.
PEP meetings will be held in-person at GPA with the option to sign on virtually for those who would like to join but cannot physically attend.
Reminders will be sent out regarding the meetings ahead of time and RSVPs can be sent to Amber Zickler, Dora Kerney and/or your child’s Social Worker.
Amber Zickler: azickler@gpaschool.org; ext. 243
Dora Kerney: dkereny@gpaschool.org; ext. 277
Whether your child is attending ESY or not, you may still be looking for structure during the summer. We will provide resources to keep consistency while also having fun during the summer months.
PEP meetings will be held in-person at GPA with the option to sign on virtually for those who would like to join but cannot physically attend.
Reminders will be sent out regarding the meetings ahead of time and RSVPs can be sent to Amber Zickler, Dora Kerney and/or your child’s Social Worker.
Amber Zickler: azickler@gpaschool.org; ext. 243
Dora Kerney: dkereny@gpaschool.org; ext. 277
