St. Margaret’s Parent Teacher Fellowship welcomed the final presenter in the 2024-2025 Parent Up Speaker Series last week, an engaging and energetic talk by consultant, leader and educator Jason Craige Harris.

 

It was Mr. Harris’ second visit to St. Margaret’s this school year, as he spoke to the professional community last August on the topic of belonging within school communities.

 

That talk inspired St. Margaret’s school leaders and the PTF to bring Mr. Harris to present to parents and students. He spoke to the parent community last Friday in Hurlbut Theater, providing tools parents can use to help children manage relationships with peers. Much of his talk centered around helping children feel seen, using the phrase “less transaction, more interaction” and providing tools for parents to help navigate relationships with their children, and to help their children navigate relationships with peers and teachers. His talk was followed by a Q&A moderated by Patrick Bendzick, St. Margaret’s assistant head of school for health and wellness. 

 

Later in the day, Mr. Harris shared his insight to the entire Upper School and Middle School, before speaking in smaller sessions to Middle School and Upper School student leaders which focused on deeper skill-building around relationships, dignity and belonging through discussions around case studies. Student leaders included the Middle School student council and service class, as well as Upper School Admission Ambassadors, ASB, Peer Counselors, Honor Committee, Tartan Tutors and TIDE. 

 

The PTF Parent Up Speaker Series is a parent-education initiative by the PTF in collaboration with school leaders. This year’s series also included an inspiring talk by former USC football player Jake Olson in October. 

 

The PTF would like to thank Parent Up Speaker Series Liaison Kristina Chatow, assistant Anastassia Steele and the entire Parent Up committee for another great lineup of speakers.