Virginia Beach City Public Schools’ Parent Connection welcomes the first in a series of guest columnists who will offer insight, research, and commentary on all facets of parenting. The first column, The Teenage Brain – What every parent should know, is available now on the school division Web site, vbschools.com. Guest columnist Sandra “Sam” Fabian shares research on the development of the teen brain and strategies for parents who are raising teenagers. Fabian is the community outreach program manager and parent educator for Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters.

“Our community is filled with educators, healthcare providers, and other professionals who have unique insights and areas of expertise related to developing healthy family relationships and successful students,” said Melissa McQuarrie, community relations director for the school division. “We are fortunate that they are willing to contribute to the Parent Connection as guest columnists,” McQuarrie added.

Parent Connection links families to educational materials, workshops, activities, and community resources which support child development and success. A monthly calendar of events and classes is available on the Parent Connection page of the school division Web site. Parents, grandparents, and citizens who wish to be notified, via e-mail, when new items are added to the calendar can sign up for vbschools x-tra, the division’s on-line subscription service.

Additionally, the school division will host its first Parent Connection seminar in February 2009. To offer input on possible sessions and topics for the seminar contact Melissa McQuarrie at 757.263.1936.

###