Parent University's keynote address will highlight information all parents need to know to help keep their children safe online and while using the many means of modern communications.

Speaker: Anne Krick, Psy.D.

A panel of District 155 experts including a guidance counselor, school nurse, dean, and social worker will walk you through important issues faced by students in the district and how you can help your child. The panel will cover how to help your student rebound from bad grades or other issues and best-practices in working cooperatively with your school to help your child. This session will include a question and answer period.

Learn strategies to effectively manage power struggles and implement Love and Logic techniques for your home.

Speakers: Laura Jacobson & Shannon Levitt - Community High School District 155

Do you know the warning signs for suicide? What can you do to help prevent this tragedy? An expert from the Crystal Lake Police Department will provide guidance to help parents identify at-risk youth and informaiton to help you react in a dire situation.

Speaker: Officer Charles Harris - Crystal Lake Police Department

The presenter will offer helpful suggestions to create open communication channels that allow your child to thrive in a difficult situation, and tips on how to manage your own emotions regarding your divorce so you can co-parent effectively.

Speaker: Barbara Easterday, M.S.W., L.C.S.W. - Center for Wholistic Counseling

Autism is a complex developmental disability defined by impairments of social communication and interaction, along with restricted and repetitive activities and interests. Autism symptoms may differ from one individual to another. This session will explore the symptoms, school struggles, and therapies associated with autism spectrum disorders. A wealth of information about school and community resources will be provided.

Speaker: Kerrie Kurth Community High School District 155

This session will help you understand how nutrition can affect teen behavior, mood, and attention—all in understandable terms. The speaker will also help you with tips on how to nurture health habits in your home.

Speaker: Anthony J. Ebel, D.C., C.A.C.C.P. - Premier Wellness Chiropractic

A District 155 expert will provide guidance and information about the college process specific to the first two years of high school. Learn timelines and valuable information to help your child plan for post-high school educational opportunities.

Speaker: Shawn Ness - Community High School District 155

A District 155 expert will provide guidance and information about the college process for junior and senior parents. This will include available resources to help parents and students at the school, on the Web, and in the community.

Speaker: Shawn Ness - Community High School District 155

Open, honest and loving adults provide an opportunity for teens to learn both the joy and pain of caring for others and themselves. This session will help you to recognize the signs of grief and support your child through difficult times including death, divorce, moving, and health problems.

Speaker: Amy Gartner, M.S.W., L.C.S.W. - Community High School District 155

Bullying is a persistent issue existing in and out of school. Here we'll examine the causes for this behavior in both females and males, and what you can do to protect or discourage such behaviors in your child. The speaker will touch on activities and resources at school and in the community that may be helpful to you and your child.

Speaker: Jeanne Walsh, L.C.S.W., M.B.A. - Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital

Whether your student is moving from middle school to high school, or transitioning to more advanced high school courses, the rigors and course load can become overwhelming. An expert on organizational skills and studying will help empower parents to help their student succeed in District 155 and beyond.

Speaker: Kurt Wagner - Community High School District 155

Learn how to identify the warning signs of drug and alcohol use. The speaker will provide examples and talking points for how to communicate with your child about the dangers of abuse. This session will also discuss community resources to help combat drug and alcohol use.

Speaker: Emily Kostner - Family Service & Community Mental Health Center

Learn to identify and cope with disorders that may impact your teen’s life. The session will deal directly with these two conditions and touch on suicide education and prevention.

Speaker: Dr. Todd Lendvay - ProActive Behavioral Services

This session will explore ADHD and how it manifests in the school environment. You will learn current assessment and treatment models, school strategies, and other tips to help you advocate for your child.

Speaker: Dr. Douglas Neal

Adolescence can put a strain on the communications channels between teens and parents. This session will help you find ways to be part of your child's life in productive ways. You will learn how to ask questions without interrogating, how to be supportive but not controlling, and how to be an effective cheerleader for your child.

Speaker: Dr. Lorena Gorey, L.C.P.C.

Eating disorders can affect people of all ages and may be caused by several factors. In this session, an outside speaker will provide you with the resources to help someone struggling with an eating disorder take the first steps to recovery.

Speaker: Amy Gartner, M.S.W., L.C.S.W. - Community High School District 155

From unsafe new-driver tendencies to legal liability for parties hosted in the home, an expert will provide best-practice strategies and safety precautions to protect you and your student. The session will shed light on the new teen driving laws and other legal issues that may impact your family on the road and in the home.

Speaker: Officer Mark Szumanski - Crystal Lake Police Department

When situations get out of hand, it can be difficult to control your own temper or disarm your child’s. This session will offer pointers on how to overcome the frustrations that can escalate to anger issues.

Speaker: Dan Blair, L.M.F.T., L.C.P.C., N.C.P.C.

An outside expert will give you valuable pointers on how to communicate with your son or daughter about sex and setting healthy boundaries in relationships.

Speaker: Linda Hall - Youth Service Bureau

From self-injury to eating disorders, many adolescents turn to unhealthy coping behaviors. Healthy alternatives exist, and we’ll show you how to identify the unhealthy options and introduce new concepts to help your child deal with issues in his or her life.

Speaker: Angela B. Dampier, L.C.S.W., C.A.D.C., S.A.P., Psychotherapist

Naviance is an important tool for students who need help identifying a career path, an area of study after high school, or the right college for him/her. A District 155 expert will walk you through the system so that you can empower your student toward a successful future.

Speaker: Meghan Kratzke - Community High School District 155

Do you know how to find your child's grades online? Can you help your child implement time management skills using the online calendar? Do you have questions about the point-of-sale cashless lunch system? This session will walk you through these topics and more to help you understand all the resources available through Skyward Family Access.

Speaker: Hank Harvey, Ed.D. - Community High School District 155

A highly qualified expert will walk you through the ins and outs of financial aid that may be available to your child as he/she prepares for the next step after graduation. Ideal for parents of juniors and seniors, the session will give you the essential knowledge you need to navigate this complex topic.

Speaker: Shawn Ness - Community High School District 155

This session will explore the many pressures our teens face today. Learn how to identify signs and symptoms of anxiety, treatment models, and how anxiety can impact your child in a school setting.

Speaker: To Be Announced