On the evening of October 29, 2024, Gossler Park Elementary School hosted a Positive Parenting class as part of the Community Schools Federal Grant awarded to the district. The session was facilitated by Gossler Park’s social worker, Stephanie Emmons, and guidance counselor, Jessica Deshaies, and focused on equipping parents with positive parenting strategies in an engaging, collaborative setting.

Typically structured as a seven-week course, the session was condensed into a one-hour overview, covering essential topics in positive parenting: building relationships, understanding behaviors, setting routines and making choices, developing coping strategies, using logical consequences, and creating actionable parenting plans. Emmons emphasized the foundational importance of relationships in parenting, likening them to the base of a house: “Relationships are like the foundation of a house; you have to build that first,” she noted, underscoring the necessity of establishing strong, trust-based connections with children before other tools can be effectively applied.

Parents had the opportunity to connect their personal experiences to the tools and topics discussed, sharing anecdotes about their children and relating to each strategy in a practical, meaningful way. The use of consistent language both at home and in school was highlighted, promoting a cohesive approach between school and family.

For those unable to attend the October 29 session, Gossler Park Elementary will offer another Positive Parenting class on Friday, November 1, 2024, at 2:00 pm, providing another opportunity for parents to engage in these essential discussions and learn new ways to foster healthy, positive relationships with their children.Thank you, Angela Leach, Gossler Park Elementary School’s Community Schools Facilitator for her coordination of this event. If any Gossler Gator parents are interested in the Friday class, please reach out to aleach@mansd.org