Learning by Example: Graland Parents Come Together to Learn and Connect

The Parent Education Network (PEN), part of the Graland Parent Association, coordinates a robust lineup of events designed to support families in all aspects of child development. From academic growth to social-emotional well-being, PEN brings expert voices to campus to help parents guide their children in becoming curious, resilient, and confident individuals.

This fall, in addition to PEN events, the School Culture Advisory Committee (SCAC) welcomed educator Rosetta Lee for a parent education session on inclusive classroom practices. The evening sparked valuable dialogue about belonging and how educators and families can work together to support every student’s sense of inclusion and respect.

Later this fall, PEN, in partnership with the Ryyan Chacra Foundation, will host “Anxiety, Worry, and Emotional Well-Being” with author and therapist Lynn Lyons on Monday, November 10. In the new year, on Monday, January 26, school counselor and author Phyllis Fagell will lead “Belonging Matters: Building Foundations for Thriving Kids.”

New this year, Josh’s Movie Club will take place on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Participants will watch the film “Radical,” directed by Christopher Zalla, and read its source material, the Wired magazine article “A Radical Way of Unleashing a Generation of Geniuses” by Joshua Davis, before joining Head of School Josh Cobb for a discussion. Based on a true story, the uplifting film highlights a teacher who inspires hope and curiosity through creative, inquiry-driven teaching. Its themes of experiential learning offer a powerful lens for reflecting on Graland’s Live the Learning tradition and the innovative approaches that have shaped teaching and learning at Graland for more than a century.

Graland also participates in the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) Parent Series, which offers virtual webinars on parenting, child development, and student well-being. The series features nationally recognized experts, including Lisa Damour, Jonathan Haidt, and Dr. Shefali Tsabary.

Beyond formal events, parent and caregiver groups offer opportunities to connect through shared interests and experiences. Community Groups, open to all parents and guardians, create welcoming spaces for dialogue, discovery, and connection on campus. This year’s groups include Live IRL (In Real Life), which supports families in navigating digital wellness and social media use; the Mahjong Parents’ Group, which gathers for friendly games and conversation; and the Parents’ Basketball League, which meets twice a month for evening games in the gym.

Affinity Groups, as defined by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), are “a bringing together of people who have something important in common (race, gender, profession, or special interest, etc.).” At Graland, Affinity Groups, such as Parents of Students of Color, Parents of Students with Learning Differences, Black/African American Families, LGBTQIA+ Families, and New Families to Graland, foster belonging and connection through shared experiences. Together, the Community and Affinity Groups spark dialogue and build relationships through spaces where parents can share, listen, and learn from one another.

Families also experience learning firsthand through events such as Lower School Math Coffees, where Math Department Chair Mrs. Meggan Dodge, Associate Director of Curriculum & Instruction Ms. Nikki Spiers, and grade-level teachers share Graland’s approach to building mathematical understanding. These sessions invite parents to explore math vocabulary, visual models, and strategies for supporting problem-solving and reasoning at home.

Throughout the year, Family Tinker Time with Mrs. Elizabeth Leddy in the Gates Invention and Innovation Lab offers another hands-on opportunity for families to learn together. Parents and students collaborate on creative design challenges that inspire curiosity, innovation, and teamwork, reflecting the spirit of lifelong learning that defines the Graland community.

As the year progresses, parents and guardians are encouraged to take part in these opportunities to learn, connect, and grow together. When families engage in their own learning, they model curiosity, empathy, and engagement for their children—and strengthen the community that makes Graland so special.