Since the pandemic, Chilton House has actively encouraged greater parent involvement in the school community, aiming to foster connections. Head of Early Learning Lauren Mactas initiated a series of parent-only events called “The Partnership Series” last year, responding to a need for shared learning experiences in a constantly evolving parenting landscape. Due to its success, this series has continued as a monthly event this year.
According to Mactas, these events are an important way the school can support and empower parents. They offer a platform for parents to connect, discovering common ground in the shared journey of raising children. One parent expressed, “The events helped me realize I’m not the only one, and I feel so much less alone.” Additionally, it allows educators to exchange insights from the school environment and integrate family learning into the classroom, fostering a meaningful partnership with parents in their children’s education.
Dr. Samantha Brenner ’94, P’31, P’33’ emphasized the importance of The Partnership Series, saying, “Being able to share and hear my fellow parents’ experiences helps me feel a closeness with the families and a validation of the normalcy of certain shared experiences.”
Each meeting revolves around a specific theme, with Mactas guiding the discussion. In a recent session, parents explored how best to set limits. They exchanged ideas on effective limit-setting systems within their families and gained insights into Chilton House’s approach. For instance, they learned how students in the 3s/4s and kindergarten classes contribute to creating classroom rules at the beginning of the school year and are accountable for upholding them throughout the year.
Mactas selects themes based on suggestions from parents, with the December meeting focused on how our upbringing has influenced our parenting. This topic yielded a fascinating conversation last year and was requested again for our new families to add their perspectives.
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