D35 on the Go

In our 3rd episode of the D35 On the Go Kindergarten mini-series, we are  joined by Molly Pope, parenting coach and early childhood expert, and  Erin Nathan, one of our South School kindergarten teachers, to discuss the following topics:

• The ways in which regulation comes into play in kindergarten
• Developmentally appropriate expectations when it comes to regulation
• Ways we can support our child’s regulation practice and growth at home

Resources:

• Breathing strategies for parents

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We will be recording 3 Kindergarten Mini-series episodes in this first month of school to bolster kindergarten families as they support their child in the transition to kindergarten. In this second episode, we welcome Molly Pope, parenting coach, former school psychologist, and early childhood expert. Molly will be talking us through how we can set boundaries in our homes in order to support our children in rising to our expectations - both at home and at school.

During this conversation, topics include:

• What effective boundaries look like for kindergarten-aged children
• How to align home expectations with school routines and values
• Practical strategies for implementing consistent boundaries that support learning
• Common boundary-setting challenges and how to overcome them
• Ways to help children understand and embrace expectations rather than resist them

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One unique resource in our Glencoe  community is access to mental health care through Family Service of Glencoe, or FSG as they are known. In this episode, Dr. Wang speaks with Amber Bond, Executive Director of FSG. During their conversation, they discuss:

• The services offered by FSG
• How you can reach out for support if it’s needed
• Information about our upcoming Hearts & Minds in Motion event, which will support the work of FSG 

Interested in learning more? 

• Check out www.fsgcares.org

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We will be recording 3 Kindergarten Mini-series episodes in this first month of school to bolster kindergarten families as they support their child in the transition to kindergarten. In this first episode, South School Principal, Kelly Zonghetti, and Director of Professional Learning, Betty Weir, discuss all of the planning that went into opening this school year and ways in which parents can complement the work of the school at home.

During this conversation, topics include:

• The most common hopes and worries parents express about kindergarten
• What "kindergarten readiness" really means beyond academics
• New supports South School has implemented this year for kindergarten families
• Practical ways to build learning stamina both at home and at school

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As we look to the 2025-26 school year, District 35 is excited to be offering the Let Grow Play Club as an option at both South and West. In this episode, Dr. Wang speaks with Megan Hebert, Let Grow’s school program director. During our conversation, we will discuss:

• The foundations of the Let Grow organization
• The way in which the clubs are structured
• Ways parents can complement the Let Grow approach at home

Interested in learning more? 

• Check out the Let Grow website
• Let Grow Home Independence Toolkit

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In this episode, Dr. Wang speaks with Sarah Ward, a nationally revered professional in the area of executive functioning. During our conversation, we will discuss:

• The reasons we are seeing an increase in executive functioning challenges, among children and adults
• Ways in which we can support our children at home and at school
• Special considerations as we think about setting up routines and structures in our classrooms and homes

Interested in learning more? 

Check out Sarah Ward’s website at www.efpractice.com

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In this episode, Dr. Wang speaks with West School principal Ben Baird about the 4th Grade Boundless Adventures field trip. During our conversation, we will discuss:

• The origin of the field trip
• The types of activities our students experience on the field trip
• The value of the field trip as the students conclude their 4th grade experience at West and prepare to transition to 5th grade at Central

Interested in learning more? 

Check out the Boundless Adventures website

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In this episode, Dr. Wang speaks with Dr. Doug Bolton about the ideas presented in his new book, Untethered. During their conversation, they will discuss:

• The role of attachment in healthy development
• The importance of learning to regulate emotions
• The power of repair

Interested in learning more? 

• Take a look at the book, Untethered
• Listen to Dr. Bolton’s interview with Lisa Damour from the April Family Action Network event.
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In this episode, Dr. Wang speaks with Megan Michna, South’s Multilingual Learner Teacher and member of the District Belonging Committee. 

• During our conversation, we will discuss:
• A behind the scenes look at our Family Belonging Event
• The variety of cultures represented within our D35 schools
• The strengths that our multilingual learners bring to our school community

Interested in learning more? 

• Superhero Video
• Book list
• TedTalk- The Benefits of a Bilingual Brain
• View pictures of the Being Bilingual is a Superpower Bulletin Board

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In this episode, Dr. Wang speaks with members of the D35 leadership team regarding learnings coming out of recent D35 parent engagement events and ways we can empower our children to be more independent. During our conversation, we will discuss:

• New approaches community parents shared on ways they are promoting skill-building with their children
• Shifts we are making in our schools to enhance free play and agency
• Suggestions from each of our building principals on ways in which we can encourage independence at home

Interested in learning more? 

• Supporting Our Youth with Healthy Technology Habits
• Screen Sanity website
• Research from The Anxious Generation

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