The Classical Academies Partnering With Parents

What if the key to connecting with our kids isn't saying more, but listening better?

Licensed social worker, counselor, and author Brenda Levine explores how intentional listening can strengthen relationships and build trust with our children. Brenda explains why common parenting instincts- offering advice, fixing problems, or reassuring kids that everything will be fine- can sometimes shut down communication. Through practical strategies, real-life examples, and insights from brain science, parents will discover simple ways to help their children feel heard, understood, and supported.

How to Talk so Kids Will Listen

What I Really Want to Hear

Giving the Love that Heals

Additional Resources

The world our children are growing up in is vastly different from the one we knew. Retired DEA Special Agent and substance abuse prevention expert Rocky Herron discusses the changing dangers of drugs, the importance of early prevention, and why no family is immune to these risks. Drawing on decades of experience, Rocky shares practical insights to help parents have meaningful conversations with their children, recognize potential dangers, and empower them to make healthy, informed choices.

https://www.sdcoe.net/students/substance-abuse-prevention-education

What if a high-paying career didn’t require four years of college? Carissa Chavez from MiraCosta College’s Technology Career Institute shares the growing opportunities available through career education and workforce training. Moving beyond traditional trade school stereotypes, today’s programs prepare students for in-demand careers in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, HVAC, biomedical equipment, and other technology-driven fields. Chavez also explains how students can explore career options through dual enrollment, job shadowing, and mentorship, and why these affordable, accelerated programs can offer a strong return on investment.

Mira Cost Workforce Development: https://commed.miracosta.edu/

Courses and Programs: https://commed.miracosta.edu/public/listProgramAreas.do?method=load

E-bikes are increasingly popular with students, but do young riders and their parents know the rules of the road? Sergeant Matt Ciremele of the Escondido Police Department shares what families need to know to keep young riders safe, including e-bike classifications, California laws, common riding mistakes, theft prevention, and practical steps parents can take to help their children ride responsibly.

Sora is a project-based virtual program for students in grades 6-8 that reimagines online learning. Program lead Stephanie Brown shares how Sora combines live instruction, hands-on projects, and a supportive community to create an engaging middle school experience. Learn what a typical day looks like, how project-based learning brings academics to life, and how optional in-person activities give students opportunities to build friendships and stay connected.
Learn more at classicalacademy.com/sora

A new school year brings new routines, new expectations, and a fresh start for students and families. Licensed marriage and family therapist Kara Kohnen shares practical ways parents can help children begin the year feeling confident, supported, and emotionally prepared. From establishing healthy routines and easing back-to-school anxiety to encouraging a growth mindset and recognizing when a child may need additional support, she offers helpful strategies for starting the school year on a positive note.

https://www.growthroughlifecounseling.com/

How can understanding the brain transform the way we parent and teach? Lindsay Morris is the author of Teach the Brain, Change the World, founder of Generation Wellness, and keynote speaker for this year’s JumpStart Parent Education Conference. She shares how brain-based strategies can strengthen emotional regulation, deepen relationships, and support learning at home and at school. She explains the brain's three tiers and why children need to feel safe, seen, and connected before they can access logical thinking and problem-solving.
Website: generationwellness.com
Teach the Brain, Change the World Book
JumpStart Sign Up and Information

Drawing on years of experience helping clients simplify their technology, Shawn Lemon, founder of The Digital Organizer, shares practical strategies for reducing digital clutter and creating a more organized family life. He offers easy-to-implement tips for managing email, organizing digital photos, creating color-coded family calendars, and securely sharing passwords—all designed to help families save time, reduce everyday stress, and make their digital lives more manageable. Tune in for practical advice that will help you bring order to your devices and more peace to your home.

https://thedigitalorganizer.com/lp/classical

Rebroadcast of episode 184, Homeschooling as a Working Parent. Originally released December 31, 2024.

Balancing a career and homeschooling might seem impossible, but teachers Julie Enzminger and Desirae Heath prove that it can be done successfully with the right strategies. They share how they manage professional commitments and offer practical tips for effective time management, establishing flexible routines, and building supportive accountability systems to stay on track. They’ve found innovative ways to balance their roles by leveraging virtual resources and strong community connections.

Rebroadcast of episode 188, Building Strong Special Education Parent Partnerships. Originally released February 25, 2025.

The Classical Academies is committed to supporting students with special needs through flexible, personalized special education programs. Program Specialist Regina Darling shares insights on creating collaboration between families and educators, addressing key challenges such as navigating the special education system, maintaining open communication, and ensuring IEPs (Individual Education Plans) adapt to each student’s evolving needs. She emphasizes the importance of assuming the best intentions, fostering strong communication, and creating adaptable IEP plans to support student success best.