The Parent Education Network (PEN), as part of the Graland Parent Association, coordinates opportunities for parent education on a wide range of topics, including academics, social-emotional growth, and health and wellness in child development.
In addition to PEN events, the school and other campus groups sometimes host or sponsor guest speakers on related topics.
Keep scrolling to learn more and register for PEN’s engaging lineup of events—as well as other exciting opportunities happening throughout the year!
Parent Guest Speaker Rosetta Lee
Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 6 p.m.
Sponsored by: SCAC
Register Here
The School Culture Advisory Committee (SCAC) is thrilled to welcome back guest speaker Rosetta Lee, an experienced educator and diversity consultant. Rosetta will lead a session on Inclusive Classroom Practices, drawing on her expertise in cross-cultural communication, identity development, implicit and unconscious bias, gender and sexuality diversity, and bullying prevention. The SCAC provides a space for adults to engage in meaningful dialogue around Graland’s strategic initiative to cultivate a culture of belonging. As part of this initiative, Rosetta will discuss how inclusive classroom practices can be implemented for students.
Dinner (pizza and salad) and beverages will be provided. Questions? Contact Oscar Gonzalez, Josh Cobb, Nicole Schneider, or Brian Taylor.
Sponsored by: SCAC
Register Here
The School Culture Advisory Committee (SCAC) is thrilled to welcome back guest speaker Rosetta Lee, an experienced educator and diversity consultant. Rosetta will lead a session on Inclusive Classroom Practices, drawing on her expertise in cross-cultural communication, identity development, implicit and unconscious bias, gender and sexuality diversity, and bullying prevention. The SCAC provides a space for adults to engage in meaningful dialogue around Graland’s strategic initiative to cultivate a culture of belonging. As part of this initiative, Rosetta will discuss how inclusive classroom practices can be implemented for students.
Dinner (pizza and salad) and beverages will be provided. Questions? Contact Oscar Gonzalez, Josh Cobb, Nicole Schneider, or Brian Taylor.
Anxiety, Worry, and Emotional Well-Being: A Discussion With Lynn Lyons, LICSW
Date: Monday, November 10, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
Sponsored by: PEN and the Ryyan Chacra Foundation
Register Here
Sponsored by: PEN and the Ryyan Chacra Foundation
Register Here
Lynn Lyons, a licensed psychotherapist and author of "Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents" and "The Anxiety Audit," is known for her work supporting children, parents, and educators in understanding and managing anxiety. She also co-hosts the podcast "Flusterclux" and brings decades of experience working with independent school communities across the country.
Lynn will speak to our parent community offering practical strategies to prevent and interrupt the generational cycle of worry. In the session, you will learn the difference between healthy worrying and debilitating anxiety, and how to reclaim emotional well-being.
Anxiety and worry are normal and expected parts of learning and growing, but when teens and children face challenges cognitively, socially, or emotionally, anxiety can step in and take over. Anxiety can be overwhelming and rigid, but it’s also based on predictable patterns that can shift once we learn how it operates. Action, not avoidance, is the key to success. Understand how you can model and encourage optimism and allow your child to grow with independence and courage.
Learn more at www.lynnlyons.com
Belonging Matters: Building Foundations for Thriving Kids With Phyllis Fagell, LCPC
Drawing on research from her two books, "Middle School Matters" and "Middle School Superpowers," school counselor and mental health therapist Phyllis Fagell will share how parents can keep the lines of communication open and support their child as they navigate shifts in friendship dynamics, heightened academic demands, increased sensitivity and challenges related to growing up in a digital world. Though the transition from childhood to adolescence can be tough for kids, this time of rapid physical, intellectual, moral, social, and emotional change is a unique opportunity to proactively build character and confidence.
Phyllis will share a broad range of practical strategies designed to boost kids' social skills and sense of belonging, help them maintain balance, make smart decisions, and stay optimistic even when things feel hard. You will learn sensible ways to guide your child through risk-taking when they fear embarrassment, and encourage them to thrive as they find their place in the pack.
Learn more at phyllisfagell.com
Josh's Movie Club
Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 6 p.m.
Movie: “Radical,” Directed by Christopher Zalla
Sponsored by: PEN
Register Here
Movie: “Radical,” Directed by Christopher Zalla
Sponsored by: PEN
Register Here
New this year, Josh has chosen a film entitled “Radical,” and its source material, “A Radical Way of Unleashing a Generation of Geniuses," an article by Joshua Davis for “Wired” magazine, for his “book” club. Based upon a true story, the uplifting film explores the transformative power of a teacher who commits to student-centered instructional methods to inspire hope and curiosity. The film premiered at Sundance in January 2023, winning the Festival Favorite Award.
This film’s exploration of experiential, inquiry-driven teaching offers a unique lens for reflecting on Graland’s Live the Learning tradition. The sixth-grade teacher celebrated in the film taps into the hidden talents and intellectual confidence of his students by using innovative methods, similar to ones developed here at Graland over the last century.
Please join Josh Cobb to explore this concept and enjoy an evening of thoughtful discussion and connection.
ISACS Parent Series: Expert-Led Webinars for Parental Support
Graland has signed up for the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) Virtual Parent Series and is excited to offer participation to our community. This informative series features six one-hour Zoom evening webinars led by experts in education, parenting, and child development. Connect with other independent school parents and gain valuable insights to support your children's growth. Learn more here and register below.
* You must register for the event by 2:00 p.m. on the day of the event. *
September 25, 2025 | Lisa Damour
Register Here
5:30-6:30 p.m.
School Skills: Setting Kids Up for Success
October 28, 2025 | Jonathan Haidt
Register Here
5:30-6:30 p.m.
How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Impacted
Everything + What We Can Do About It
January 13, 2026 | Tina Payne Bryson
Register Here
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Elevating Discipline with the Brain in Mind
February 10, 2026 | David Yeager
Register Here
5:30-6:30 p.m.
10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People
April 15, 2026 | Laurie Santos
Register Here
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Happier Parenting: Evidence-based
Strategies for Improving Parent Happiness
May 6, 2026 | Dr. Shefali Tsabary
Register Here
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Conscious Parenting: Raising Resilient,
Self-aware & Connected Children
* You must register for the event by 2:00 p.m. on the day of the event. *
September 25, 2025 | Lisa Damour
Register Here
5:30-6:30 p.m.
School Skills: Setting Kids Up for Success
October 28, 2025 | Jonathan Haidt
Register Here
5:30-6:30 p.m.
How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Impacted
Everything + What We Can Do About It
January 13, 2026 | Tina Payne Bryson
Register Here
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Elevating Discipline with the Brain in Mind
February 10, 2026 | David Yeager
Register Here
5:30-6:30 p.m.
10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People
April 15, 2026 | Laurie Santos
Register Here
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Happier Parenting: Evidence-based
Strategies for Improving Parent Happiness
May 6, 2026 | Dr. Shefali Tsabary
Register Here
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Conscious Parenting: Raising Resilient,
Self-aware & Connected Children
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
