La Cañada Unified School District

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Family Learning Series

Register for Family Learning Series Events below:
 

Upcoming Sessions

Past Sessions
 
 
 
The Truth About Vaping, Marijuana, and Fentanyl
February 29, 2024 | Clayton Cranford
LCHS Auditorium
6:30pm
 
As parents, our concern for the safety and well-being of our children is paramount. In response to the alarming rise in teen vaping, marijuana use, and fentanyl-related deaths, the LCUSD Family Learning Series presents a thought  provoking 90-minute session designed specifically for parents, presented by Clayton Cranford. This presentation will equip parents with the essential knowledge to protect their children and engage in  meaningful conversations about substance use and  addiction. 
 
  • Explore the hidden dangers of teen vaping and how it impacts our children's health. Learn about the concerning rise in vaping among students and understand the potential consequences of nicotine addiction. 
  • Address the pressing issue of fentanyl overdose deaths and counterfeit prescription drug use. Gain insights into how teens unknowingly expose themselves to the deadly effects of counterfeit pills laced with Fentanyl. 
  • Understand how teens are acquiring drugs online and how to identify suspicious online activity on their child's phones. Equip parents with the tools to monitor and safeguard their children's online interactions. 
  • Learn practical strategies for having thoughtful conversations about drug use and addiction with your child. We will provide parents with practical guidance on fostering open communication and support. 
  • Drug overdose is the leading cause of death for young people, and Fentanyl has become the number one cause of drug overdoses. This seminar addresses these pressing issues head-on, seeking to prevent further tragedies. 
 
Clayton Cranford, the founder of Total Safety Solutions LLC and CyberSafetyCop.com, is a retired Sergeant from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in California. He is a renowned law enforcement educator in the United States, specializing in social media, child safety, and behavioral threat assessments. Clayton authored the definitive book on Internet safety for families, “Parenting in the Digital World,” and was awarded the National Anti-Bullying Award for his contributions to society. Throughout his career, Clayton has served as a member of the Orange County School Threat Assessment Team, School Resource Officer, and Crisis Negotiation Team. He also supervised Orange County’s drug abuse education program, which has reached thousands of students in hundreds of schools across Southern California.
 
 
 
We Need to Talk About It: Online Safety, Sexting, and What Our Sons and Daughters Need to Know
February 20, 2024 | Catharine Richmond and Hadley Durkee 
LCUSD Board Room
6:30pm
 
 
La Cañada families and students in grades 7-12 are invited to an important in-person Family Learning Series event on Tuesday, February 20, at the LCUSD Governing Board Room. This timely discussion will tackle the delicate subject of online safety and sexting, specifically focusing on how seemingly private online actions can have real-world consequences.
 
Why attend?
 
  • Gain diverse perspectives: Two expert speakers, a cybersecurity expert and an actor/producer with a powerful personal story, will offer unique insights and practical strategies.
  • Start conversations: Open communication is key to protecting our kids. This event provides a safe space for families to discuss online safety openly and honestly.
  • Equip your children: Learn valuable strategies to help your teens navigate the online world responsibly and avoid difficult situations.
 
Meet the speakers:
  • Catharine Richmond: An LCUSD graduate and Assistant United States Attorney with extensive experience in online safety and youth protection. Known for her engaging and eye-opening presentations to LCHS students, Catharine will share valuable insights from the lens of personal safety and the law.
    Hadley Durkee: An accomplished actress, writer, and producer, Hadley will bravely share her personal experience with online image leaks and screen her impactful short film inspired by those events.
Don't miss this crucial opportunity to empower your family with knowledge and tools for navigating the challenges of online safety together.
 
(Please note: This event may address sensitive topics. Parental discretion is advised.)
 
 
Cliques, Conflicts, And Connections: Practical Strategies To Help Children Build Emotional Resilience And Strong Friendships
January 30, 2024 | Dr Melissa J Johnson, Ph.D.
LCUSD Board Room
6:30pm
 
Melissa J. Johnson, Ph.D., licensed psychologist (PSY 13102), is the founder & CEO of the Institute for Girls’ Development and Flourish Therapy and Wellness Center in Pasadena, CA.  An expert on child and teen development with a Masters in Education and Doctorate in Counseling Psychology, Dr. Johnson has worked with children, teens and parents for over 35 years, providing empowerment opportunities for individuals, families, groups and communities. Dr. Johnson describes her passion in these words, “I work on the individual, interpersonal, and community levels to help youth and parents learn empowering tools to thrive.” Dr. Johnson and the Institute clinical team recently developed Flourish Therapy and Wellness Center to serve adults and all genders with strength-based services and resources. Dr. Johnson’s approach to raising and mentoring youth draws together contemporary research in social and emotional learning, neuroscience, mind/body health, and known-to-work skills for mindful resilience. Dr. Johnson is the creator and author of Stand Up! Speak Out!® The Essential Guide to Empowering Girls’ Friendships for educators and mental health professionals. She is a sought after speaker on both coasts of the U.S. In her parent presentations, she loves sharing her passion for ways to help young people and parents thrive!