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Graduate School

for Parents

Mastering the Art of Family Engagement

Equipping Families. Elevating Schools. Healing Communities

Overview

In today’s schools, educators are seeing more students impacted by trauma, chronic stress, and adversity. These experiences—especially when unaddressed—can hinder academic achievement, attendance, behavior, and family engagement. But schools don’t have to face this challenge alone.

This three-part, trauma-informed workshop series is designed specifically for schools and districts looking to deepen their partnerships with families, improve student outcomes, and cultivate resilient, compassionate school communities.

Each session blends expert facilitation, hands-on tools, and culturally responsive strategies grounded in the latest research on trauma, resilience, and family engagement.

Professional Development Traveling Workshop

Workshop 1: Trauma-Informed Parenting – Understanding and Responding to Trauma

Ideal For: Parents, caregivers, and school staff who want to understand trauma’s impact on children and build healthier home-school dynamics.

Description:
This foundational workshop introduces families to the basics of trauma and its effects on child development, learning, and behavior. Participants will learn how to recognize trauma responses in children, reduce conflict through co-regulation strategies, and create safe, nurturing home environments that support emotional healing and school success.

What Participants Will Gain:

  • A clear understanding of how trauma affects the brain and learning

  • Tools for calming emotional outbursts and reducing stress at home

  • Positive discipline and communication strategies rooted in empathy

  • A renewed sense of confidence and connection with their child

 

Workshop 2: Parent University – Strengthening Family Resilience

Ideal For: School communities that want to build protective factors and help families become more adaptable, hopeful, and connected—even in uncertain times.

 

Description:
Resilience is not something we’re born with—it’s something we build. This workshop helps families develop the skills and habits that foster long-term resilience. Through guided discussions and scenario-based learning, families learn to establish routines, access support networks, and develop mindsets that promote both personal and academic resilience.

What Participants Will Gain:

  • Practical routines that support consistency and emotional safety

  • Skills to manage stress, anxiety, and trauma triggers

  • Ways to promote a growth mindset in children

  • Family resilience plans tailored to their needs

Workshop 3: Parent Leadership Coaching – From Advocate to Leader

Ideal For: Parents and caregivers who are ready to take an active role in school improvement, equity efforts, and decision-making processes.

 

Description:
True family engagement goes beyond bake sales and back-to-school nights. This coaching session transforms parents into partners by equipping them with leadership and advocacy skills that drive real change in schools. Participants will learn how to navigate school systems, serve on decision-making bodies, and advocate for policies that reflect their community’s needs.

Project Appleseed Six Slices of Family Engagement

What Participants Will Gain:

  • Leadership self-assessments and growth plans

  • Tools for effective communication with school leaders

  • Strategies for organizing and mobilizing other parents

  • Inspiration to lead with purpose and vision

 

Why This Series Matters for Your School

  • Supports Whole Child Education through social-emotional learning and trauma-informed practices

  • Strengthens Tier 1 MTSS interventions by improving home environments and school readiness

  • Empowers families as co-creators of school culture and key stakeholders in equity work

  • Improves academic and behavioral outcomes by addressing root causes of disengagement

 

Customization & Format Options

  • In-person or hybrid delivery

  • Available as standalone workshops or a multi-part Parent University series

  • Includes printed and digital materials, Family Engagement Toolboxes, and follow-up resources

 

Let’s Build Stronger Schools—Together.

Contact us to schedule your custom trauma-informed workshop series and take the next step in transforming your school’s approach to family engagement.

Questions? Our team is here to help! Let us know what you're interested in below.

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Project Appleseed

520 Melville Avenue | St. Louis, MO, 63130-4505

Phone: (314) 292-9760 | Fax: (314) 725-2319

headquarters@projectappleseed.org | @pledgeappleseed

Parents Advocating Challenging Education 

IRS 501 (c)(3) Nonprofit Association

 

© Copyright 2025

All rights reserved and stringently prosecuted. Reproduction, distribution, copying, modeling, imitating, extracting, adapting concepts, or any derivative thereof is strictly prohibited. Project Appleseed, Parental Involvement Pledge, Parent Engagement Pledge, Parental Involvement Report Card, Parent Engagement Report Card are trademarks of Project Appleseed. Unauthorized use is an infringement of copyrights, trademarks, or proprietary rights. National Parental Involvement Day, National Family Engagement Day, Public School Volunteer Week are all unregistered trademarks of Project Appleseed.

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