MP&MS SPEAKER SERIES 2006-2007

Tuesday, November 7, 2006
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“ Learning and Your Child’s Brain”
Presenter: David Ghoogasian

The brain has been a mystery to humankind for centuries.  Advanced imaging technology and neuroscience are now giving us some hints as to what is going on in the “black box.”  We have all been puzzled at how and wondered why our children, our students, or we ourselves, can “learn” something one day and behave as though we have never seen the information before on another day.  David Ghoogasian will share with students, teachers, and parents some information that will help them understand the learning brain and ways in which they might be able to improve and enhance learning.

David Ghoogasian, educational consultant/trainer and school improvement facilitator, has a rich background in education, which includes teaching, counseling, administration, and professional development. A former school principal, Ghoogasian trains and teaches parents, students, and educators with backgrounds ranging from early childhood education through college and university instruction.

The areas of emphasis in the training he provides include the classroom applications of brain research, learning styles, teaching styles, multiple intelligence theory, differentiated instruction, classroom management and emotional intelligence. He teaches and trains through his own company, The Lyceum, as well as through the University of California, Riverside and University of California, Irvine education extension programs. He is a sought after speaker who presents for public, private, and independent schools, institutions of higher learning, conferences and the corporate world.

His presentations, classes, and training are consistently well received for their informative, practical, and applicable nature. Ghoogasian is a member of the Gift and Talented Education (GATE) and Professional Teaching certificate program advisory boards at UCI Extension. He has served on visiting committees for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Schools and is a member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), the National Staff Development Council (NSDC), and the California Association for the Gifted (CAG). He recently received the “Distinguished Instructor Award” from UCI Education Extension as well as the “Dean’s Outstanding Service Award.”

Wednesday, January 10, 2007
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“ The Amazing New Role of Teachers”
Presenter: Eric Jensen

This exciting presentation explores the new roles that teachers have in the 21st century. Discoveries from emerging science tell us that the teachers we trust our children to are doing more than imparting content and skills. They are literally changing your child’s brain before your eyes. But you, too, can change their brain — if you know how. Learn the key factors that drive positive change in the brain and find out which ones you can use to maximize your child’s potential. This rare event is a must for all parents and educators.

Eric Jensen is the founder and President of Jensen Learning Corporation Inc. in San Diego, California – an international professional training organization which aims to synthesize brain research information with implications and applications for education and learning.

A former teacher at all levels, from elementary to university, Jensen is a member of the International Society for Neuroscience and the New York Academy of Science.
Jensen has authored over 20 books about the applications of recent brain research to education, including “SuperTeaching,” “Student Success Secrets,” “Brain-Based Learning,” “Brain Compatible Strategies,” “Learning with the Body in Mind,” “Teaching with the Brain in Mind,” “Arts with the Brain in Mind,” “Different Brains Different Learners,” “Trainer’s Bonanza” and “The Great Memory Book.”

Tuesday, February 6, 2007
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“ Parenting Your Child in the 21st Century:
Practical Tips”
Presenters: Diane Provo, Karen Seekamp, David Gottlieb

Esteemed Marin educator, consultant and author, Diane Provo, returns to team up with MP&MS Learning Specialist, Karen Seekamp and Director of Learning Resources, David Gottlieb, for a lively presentation and Q & A on challenges that we face raising our children in this fast-paced and technology-driven world. While our goal remains to raise secure, confident, compassionate and literate citizens, the demands placed on children seem to be increasing and constantly changing. Come hear how current brain and learning research is both reinforcing our beliefs as well as shifting our perception about how to raise happy and prepared global citizens. You will leave with useful insights, practical strategies, and most of all, a desire to learn more.

Since 1970, Diane Provo has taught special education classes in both public and private schools, coordinated special education programs for Head Start, taught graduate school at Dominican College and consulted on a regular basis for the Institute for Learning Difficulties in San Rafael.

Karen Seekamp has worked with adolescents for over 20 years. In addition to directing an afterschool and summer day camp at Hudson Guild Settlement House in New York City, she worked for New York University Medical Center as a vocational rehabilitation counselor.

David Gottlieb was founding director of a high school learning center in San Francisco and a program director and clinical supervisor for children with severe learning and behavioral issues before joining the MP&MS faculty.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“ Where the Rubber Meets the Road — Classroom Implications of Brain-Based Research”
Presenters: MP&MS Head of School, Julie Elam, and Division Directors, Marianne Thomas, Wendy Feltham, Dave DeMartini and David Gottlieb

Join the Marin Primary & Middle School administrators for an evening panel discussion of the classroom implications of recent brain-based research. Hear from the preschool, primary and middle school directors about the impact of research on classroom practices in all schools, including the links between the MP&MS teaching style and best practices for children with a variety of learning styles and developmental levels. Learn more about the impact of learning differences on social interactions as well as academic work at school, and engage with the division directors and head of school in a wide-ranging discussion of the school’s work in this important area during the current school year.

Event Information:
All parents are welcome to attend. All Speaker Series events are held in the MP&MS Multipurpose Room unless posted otherwise. Events begin at 6 p.m. with a light supper, followed by speaker presentations at 6:30 p.m., ending promptly at 8 p.m. The Parent Association provides a complimentary supper. Childcare, including a pizza dinner, for the children of MP&MS parents, is $10 per child. It is necessary to sign-up in advance both to attend the event and for childcare.

Sign-up sheets will be posted on the parent bulletin boards in the primary and preschool buildings one week before each event. You may also sign-up by
e-mailing Laura Greenfield at lgreenfield@mpms.org.

Childcare Guidelines:
Childcare is provided to currently enrolled preschool through eighth grade children only. Please reserve your child’s space before the posted deadline date as we have limited space available.

Siblings of current MP&MS students will be admitted with consent from Matt Penwell, Afterschool Director. Childcare is not available for any child under the age of 18 months, or for children who are not siblings of MP&MS students.

NOTE: Contact Matt Penwell at (415) 924-2608, ext. 226, mpenwell@mpms.org, for childcare reservations after the sign-up deadline. If you sign-up and are unable to attend, we ask that you cancel your childcare reservations by 12 p.m. on the day of the event by contacting Matt Penwell. The PA calculates childcare, pizza, and supper costs based on your sign-ups. We ask for your cooperation in this matter.