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Today’s kids are growing up in a digital environment no generation has faced before—and most parents are trying to keep up without a roadmap. Between smartphones, social media, school devices, gaming, and constant online connection, it can feel overwhelming to know what actually helps kids thrive. Raising Kids in a Digital World is a supportive, evidence-based series designed to help parents and caregivers move beyond fear and confusion and toward clarity, confidence, and realistic family strategies. Rather than focusing on panic headlines or rigid rules, this program offers practical tools, thoughtful discussion, and research-informed guidance that meets families where they are. Emmy Hilliard of Grow Digital Skills will help participants gain insight into how technology truly affects kids’ development, how to talk with kids in ways that build trust and cooperation, and how to create family tech plans that actually work in real life. Sessions are designed to stand alone or be taken as a series, allowing families to join whenever they’re ready. Session 1: What’s Really Going On With Kids and Technology Understanding the digital landscape without the fear This session cuts through alarming headlines and myths to explore what research actually tells us about kids, screens, and brain development. We’ll look at: How technology affects attention, sleep, mental health, and learning Why some kids struggle more than others What’s normal, what’s not, and when to be concerned Parents will leave with a clearer, calmer understanding of what truly matters—and what doesn’t. Session 2: Conversations that Work How to talk about tech without power struggles Most families fight about screens—but very few are taught how to talk about them. This session focuses on: How to have conversations that don’t trigger defensiveness Ways to help kids feel heard while still setting limits How to shift from control to collaboration You’ll learn practical scripts and strategies you can use right away to open healthier, more productive conversations at home. Session 3: Building a Family Digital Plan Creating boundaries that actually stick Rigid rules often fail—but no rules don’t work either. This session helps families create a plan that fits their values and their real life. We’ll cover: How to decide what matters most for your family Age-appropriate boundaries How to handle pushback and change over time Understanding smartphone settings Participants will leave with a framework they can adapt as their children grow. Session 4: School Devices & Social Media Managing what you don’t fully control From school-issued laptops to Snapchat and TikTok, parents often feel powerless. This session explores: How to set boundaries when devices are required for school What to know about popular platforms How to advocate for your child at school When and how to step in This is about realistic navigation—not perfection. Register for each of these online sessions separately or come to the full series for the maximum benefit.

“Ciao e Benvenuto!” Imagine yourself seated at a small café table in an Italian piazza, ordering a cappuccino, asking for directions, or chatting with a local—all in Italian. This beginner-friendly course will give you the tools and confidence to start doing just that. Italian I is an engaging introduction to the Italian language and culture. You’ll learn correct pronunciation, essential vocabulary, and everyday phrases for travel and conversation, along with an appreciation for Italy’s rich culture—from food and wine to art, customs, and daily life. Using the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) as a guide, we will build a strong foundation in Level A1 Italian, including: Articles and gender Present-tense verbs and basic conjugation Sentence structure Practical expressions for real-world situations You’ll practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing through interactive activities designed to help you feel comfortable using the language right away. Italian I covers the first half of Level A1, while Italian II completes the A1 level. This course is perfect for anyone who wants to begin learning Italian—whether for travel, citizenship, personal enrichment, or simply the joy of learning a beautiful language. Classes meet online via Zoom. You’ll receive a meeting link and digital handouts before the first session to support your learning. Required Text: Please purchase Language Hacking Italian for Beginners by Benny Lewis before the first class. This book will be used for both Italian I (chapters 1-3) and Italian II (chapters 4-7 or as we progress). Supplemental emailed handouts, videos, and some homework will be provided for weekly review and to help you and the class progress with ease. "Imparare l'italiano è divertente! (Learning Italian is fun!) - The online coarse is short but hits the important points in learning a new language. Liz is a great instructor and brings her personal experiences, living and visiting Italy, making the class very practical. Grazie mille!"