The Classical Academies Partnering With Parents

In this special 30-minute episode of the Partnering with Parents podcast, Melanie Hempe, founder of ScreenStrong, explains how excessive screen use affects children's developing brains. Drawing on years of research and experience, Hempe explains why young brains are especially vulnerable to screen dependency. She shares the warning signs parents should watch for, and offers practical strategies for setting healthy boundaries. She also outlines a 30-day summer screen detox designed to help families replace screen time with meaningful activities, stronger relationships, and real-world experiences. ScreenStrong

Teens face many pressures today, from demanding schedules and social media stress to uncertainty about life after graduation. Two Classical Academy High School seniors share how balancing academics, activities, and relationships can lead to anxiety and burnout, often in ways parents don’t fully see. They reflect on how open communication, healthy boundaries, and unconditional support help parent-child relationships evolve from a focus on authority to one on trust and guidance. The conversation invites parents to rethink assumptions about teen motivation, recognize the mental and emotional load students carry, and approach expectations around independence with greater understanding.

Middle school marks a pivotal time as students transition from one primary teacher to several, face increasing academic expectations, and start seeking greater independence. It’s also a season when parents shift from manager to coach, learning to balance autonomy with meaningful guidance. Dawn Sullivan, a Classical Academy middle school teacher, shares insights on how families can nurture executive functioning skills during this critical period. She offers practical approaches such as modeling organization, establishing routines, weekly schedule reviews, and encouraging students to communicate directly with teachers. As students transition to high school, Dawn outlines how parents can gradually assume a mentor role, equipping teens to handle increasingly complex responsibilities with confidence. For slides to this presentation, visit here.

The Classical Academies’ Transition Partnership Program (TPP) helps students with special needs transition from high school to adulthood by supporting them as they explore employment, continuing education, and independent living. TPP Specialist Melissa Hilbig and Instructor Deb Kissner share how students can identify their strengths, connect with opportunities, and gain the skills, strategies, and resources needed for success. The program focuses on normalizing disabilities to promote independence, empowerment, and inclusion. While designed for students with IEPs or 504 plans, TPP builds valuable skills such as self-advocacy, collaboration, and confidence that benefit all learners.

Dr. Thomas Armstrong, Executive Director of the American Institute for Learning and Human Development, discusses the importance of supporting neurodivergent children. Dr. Armstrong shares how viewing neurodiversity as a strength, much like biodiversity or cultural diversity, can help parents reframe challenges, nurture their child's passions, and partner with teachers to highlight their child’s unique gifts. He also offers practical strategies such as strength-based learning, assistive technologies, developing a growth mindset, and connecting children with positive role models to create environments where students can thrive.The power of Neurodiversity: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Neurodiversity-Unleashing-Advantages-Differently/dp/0738215244Nuerodiversity in the Classroom: https://www.amazon.com/Neurodiversity-Classroom-Strength-Based-Strategies-Students/dp/1416614834

Julia Nicholson, former CEO and author, shares her journey of overcoming adversity and how the power of perspective builds resilience. She reminds us that growth comes from taking the next step, not striving for perfection, and highlights the importance of focusing on what we have rather than what is missing. Julia explores the impact of self-talk, the value of celebrating small wins, and how shifting our perspective toward the positive reduces stress and builds confidence. Her insights encourage parents to choose progress over comparison and to model resilience in everyday life.

Dr. Michele Borba is an author, international speaker, and educational psychologist who teaches parents and educators to nurture resilience and build character in children. She emphasizes that resilience isn’t innate; it’s a skill that can and should be taught before adversity strikes. Dr. Borba offers practical strategies for identifying and modeling core family values, focusing on children’s strengths, and integrating character development into everyday learning. Her insights provide a roadmap for raising confident, compassionate, and capable young people.Dr. Michele Borba is this year's JumpStart Parent Education Conference Keynote Speaker. Registration for the conference begins on August 1st. Learn more here.