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Parent University

two figures facing each other with their arms making a heart shape. Figures are surrounded by a circle.

 

The OSD Parent University team is composed of parents, faculty, and administrators who collaboratively create opportunities for parents and guardians to stay engaged and active in their child's education. OSD Parent University events, workshops, and publications provide valuable information and insight to support raising well-balanced, happy, and successful children. 

On this page:

  • Upcoming Events

  • Previous Workshops

  • Link to our Podcasts

 
 
For information on wellness, health and safety, please visit our Safety, Health and Wellness page and our OSD Parent University Resources for Families page.

Visit our Parent University Podcast Page

Smart Social flyer about how it educates families about social media.

The school district has signed on with Smart Social, a company that operates a website and app aimed at keeping students safe online by offering tips, guides, and expert information to parents. It also teaches students to use social media with a purpose and a plan.

More than 500 Oceanside families have already signed on to access Smart Social's website, live webinars, and videos. These resources educate parents about the ever-growing number of social media apps and video games that their children may be using to interact with others online.

There are also teen-led video lessons so that young people can learn from their peers how best to safely shine online. A regular parent newsletter keeps parents informed about upcoming workshops and the latest topics including artificial intelligence, airdrop and nearby share, among others.

Many West Coast school districts are using Smart Social and Oceanside is among the first on Long Island to offer Smart Social services to parents. The district's Parent University representatives are working with their principals and PTAs to schedule Smart Social events at their schools. The district chose to work with Smart Social after parent surveys named social media as one of the top subjects that parents wanted to learn more about through Parent University.

Smart Social was discussed at the October 18 Board of Education meeting which can be viewed on YouTube.  

 

 

Dr. Devorah Heitner, author of Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World, was our keynote speaker for the March 18 Parent University Saturday Symposium.

Dr. Devorah. Heitner, digital media expert and author, speaks to parents at Saturday Symposium March 18.
Dr. Heitner shared advice from her book Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World and her just published Growing Up in Public. Visit Dr. Heitner's blog to learn more about how to "mentor, not monitor" your children as they venture into the world of texting and social media.
 
In addition to Dr. Heitner's keynote address, there was a yoga demonstration, a workshop on how to get a grip when emotions flood the brain, and an expo with parenting information from carseats to college.
 
Parents also toured the new Oceanside High School Wellness Center.
 

OSD Parent University Previous Workshops 2022-23

Parents on beach with little child and baby with Family Health and Wellness workshop information posted over image.