PTF Parent Up Speaker Dr. Michele Borba Explores the Teachable Traits of ‘Thrivers’

The 2022-2023 PTF Parent Up Speaker Series concluded last week, as St. Margaret’s welcomed Dr. Michele Borba on campus for a series of insightful and enlightening talks to the Tartan community. 

 

Dr. Borba is an educational psychologist, internationally renowned educator, award-winning author and parenting expert. She presented to the parent community in Hurlbut Theater and also led talks with Upper School and Middle School students. 

 

Her parent talk centered around “thrivers” and the seven teachable traits of those who find success in life. They are:

 

Her presentation with the parent community was weeks in the making. Dr. Borba met with nine Upper School students via Zoom prior to traveling to St. Margaret’s, asking them what they wish their parents knew, what causes them stress, and what strategies they’d like to hear about to manage challenges in their lives. 

 

The latter question led to an insightful presentation about managing stress to the Upper School. Dr. Borba challenged students to implement a small habit for the next 21 days to manage stress. Each student received a checklist of 60 possible “habits” to focus on and were encouraged to document the habit they chose to pursue. 

 

Dr. Borba also met with the Middle School student body, presenting on how to navigate social situations and be an upstander amidst instances of unkind behavior, including bullying.

 

Resources from Dr. Borba are available here:

 

 

The PTF Parent Up Speaker Series is an educational initiative generously funded by the PTF Grant Enrichment Program working in unison with St. Margaret’s academic leaders. This year’s Parent Up Speaker Series committee includes PTF President Jessica Klausner, Parent Up Speaker Series Chair Melinda Glowacki, Parent Up Speaker Series assistant Rosanna Coveyou, St. Margaret’s Assistant Head of School Ryan Dahlem, Director of Equity and Inclusion Victor Cota and PTF Office Manager Beth Adamany.