NPN DolSch

A night to be supported, to ask questions and share resources, and to be with other parents who get what it’s like to deal with special challenges for their kids. Parents of kids with all types of developmental differences welcome (sensory processing disorder, autism, ADD/ADHD, PDD-NOS, mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, Down syndrome, physical disabilities, medical issues, etc.). Parents/family only, please (no therapists, students or business owners). The Zoom link will be sent out about 2 hours before the meeting.

Come enjoy Greektown’s annual holiday tree-lighting ceremony at Elysian Field (southeast corner of Halsted & Van Buren Streets) As the tree is illuminated, students from Chicagoland Greek schools will sing traditional Greek Christmas carols (kalanta) and additional Greek and American holiday tunes will be played by DJ Yianni. The holiday tree-lighting event is sponsored by Greektown SSA #16 with additional support from the Greektown Chamber of Commerce and nonprofit Chicago Greektown Educational Foundation. Complimentary treats included!

Maybe you have an infant and you are curious about public high schools in Chicago. Maybe you have an older elementary age child and the topic of high school is starting to come up in conversation. Or maybe your baby has morphed into a middle schooler and you suddenly need to figure this high school thing out! Wherever you are coming from, NPN is here to help. In this CPS 301 session, presented by Grace Lee Sawin of Chicago School GPS, you will learn about: - Selective enrollment high schools - Choice programs - How to apply to both - Selection criteria - Managing acceptances, waitlists, and principal discretion You may want to watch CPS 101: Understanding Tiers (available to NPN members only) in preparation for this live session. 
 This event is FREE and exclusive to NPN members only. Join now! Thank you to our media partner: Crain's Chicago Business.

re you a new mom with a baby 0-12 months old (or about that age)? If so, this is the group for you! NPN program manager, Tareema, is coordinating these video chats for moms to connect and talk about sleep, feeding, all of the unique challenges and joys you face as new moms. NPN New Moms Groups meet every Wednesday from 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM via Zoom. We encourage you to attend every week! These chats are for NPN members only. Please login to RSVP for free. You will receive an email confirmation with the Zoom link immediately after registering. Not a member of NPN? Join now and enjoy everything NPN has to offer!

Held every fall, NPN’s Annual Preschool & Elementary School Fair has been the No. 1 resource for school-searching parents for over 20 years! Parents can chat with reps from Chicago preschools and private elementary schools and attend breakout sessions about Chicago public schools. This year our school fair is virtual and runs from Saturday, September 25th through Saturday, October 16th. See the list of participating schools here. This year's fair consists of smart, organized, and one-of-a-kind resources and virtual events. FREE for NPN members! (Members, login to register). Register now to access: 1. Updated and new information in our School and Daycare Directory - File downloads - Videos - Photos - And more 2. An open house calendar - No need to search all over for dates, we pull them together for you in one simple document - Updated weekly as schools confirm/add dates - Register now to receive the link to the calendar 3. Live, virtual coffee talks with schools - Meet private school representatives - Watch a short, live presentation by the school - Ask questions - Register now for the schedule and links 4. Breakout sessions that explain everything you need to know about Chicago Public Schools 10/8/21 12:00 - 1:00pm CPS 101: Questions & Answers (FREE with school fair registration, receive the Zoom link in your school fair confirmation email) 10/15/21 12:00 - 1:00pm CPS 201: Selective Enrollment Elementary Schools Questions & Answers (FREE with school fair registration, receive the Zoom link in your school fair confirmation email) 10/22/21 12:00 - 1:00pm CPS 301: Selective Enrollment High Schools & Choice Programs (FREE for NPN members, REGISTRATION REQUIRED, register here) Registration required > FREE for NPN members > $35 non-members, comes with NPN membership to be activated November 1, for new members only. Does not apply to membership reactivations. >> Or join NPN now for $25 using promo code school21 and access the school fair, and everything NPN has to offer, for free! << Questions? Email Executive Director Amy Johnson at director@npnparents.org. NPN is a 501(c)(3) organization. We rely on the support of our members, partners, supporters, and sponsors to bring exceptional programming like this to parents. We would like to thank our Preschool & Elementary School sponsors for their support:

What is the difference between a classical and gifted school? What does the testing process involve? What can my child do to prepare? How do admissions work? How do I know if these programs are right for my child? Going beyond the basic information given at our popular CPS 101 seminars, CPS 201 covers CPS Selective Enrollment Elementary Schools (SEES). This CPS 201 Questions & Answers session, presented by Grace Lee Sawin of Chicago School GPS, will include: - Updates on the selective enrollment elementary school application process - New information about selection criteria and admissions process - Dedicated time to answer your questions. Come with a list! We will get through as many of your questions as possible. 
 We highly recommend that you watch this CPS 201 video recording before attending the live Questions & Answers session. 
 - Watching this video before hand will allow us time to answer your more complex questions in the live event.
 - You may also want to watch CPS 101: Understanding Tiers in preparation for the live Q&A. 
 - NOTE: These recorded videos are for NPN members only. To access the videos, join NPN now for $25 using promo code school21 (new members only) and enjoy all of the benefits that NPN offers. Please note: This event covers elementary school programs beginning at kindergarten and first grade in great depth. We will also touch on Academic Centers (7th and 8th grades). CPS preschool, magnet, and neighborhood/open enrollment options will NOT be covered in this discussion. If you are just beginning your research on Chicago Public Schools, we recommend viewing the CPS 101 webinars available in our NPN Video Library.

Calling all Dads. Let's meet at Jefferson Park for a barbecue.

he challenges of balancing children’s needs and wants when it comes to technology/electronic devices has become all the more intense as so many kids have grown so dependent on using them for everything from everyday schoolwork to keeping connected to friends, in addition to their social media and recreational uses. This session will provide strategies for parents to manage their children’s uses of technology in ways that ensure their safety and wise use while promoting family trust and sustaining healthy relationships. This is a free event. RSVP required. Please go here to register. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: amber.guenther@smartlovefamily.org

Starting preschool is a big deal for both parents and children. From separation anxiety to making new friends to learning new skills, there is a lot to consider and prepare for. Take this opportunity to learn from experts about how to make this a smooth and happy transition for everyone in your family. In this intimate live discussion, preschool experts will discuss how to prepare for the first day of preschool and beyond, how to handle separation anxiety and some things parents and children can look forward to during these special years You will walk away from this discussion with the following: 1. How to prepare your child for preschool 2. How to handle separation anxiety on the first day and beyond 3. What to expect on the first day Plus our experts will help you prepare yourself for the first day too, and there will be time for Q & A at the end! Our preschool panel consists of: Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph School Ancona School Lycée Français de Chicago Park West Co-Op Nursery School Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor Immaculate Conception-St. Joseph School Email Meredith Marzano at mmarzano@npnparents.org with questions.

Join NPN moderator Meredith, and Grace Lee Sawin of Chicago School GPS in this live webinar for parents of students entering Chicago Public Schools in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade, and parents who are curious about the selection process in CPS. When Chicago Public Schools elementary school notifications come out, what does it all mean? Parents might receive multiple offers, one offer, no offers, and wait list numbers for their child. Join us for a chat about how to understand that notifications that you receive and how to handle multiple offers and wait lists. Because of the current pandemic, parents may be unable to tour schools or meet face to face with principals and current school families, typical strategies that parents use to get a "feel" of a school and make a decision. While the impact of COVID-19 is still playing out, we will also discuss alternative ways to get a sense of a school before making a decision. We are looking forward to answering your questions as you navigate your decisions after notifications! Feel free to send in any questions prior to the webinar to mmarzano@npnparents.org. RSVP to reserve your spot today. You will receive a webinar link with your instructions prior to the live session. Free for NPN members. Please log in to register. $15 for non-members Grace Lee Sawin, Chicago School GPS: Not being a native of Chicago, Grace Lee Sawin had no idea how daunting it would be to find a great school fit for her girls. She quickly discovered how confounding the process was. After years of research and a few different schools for her daughters, she founded Chicago School GPS to help other families successfully navigate the ever-changing Chicago school landscape, from preschool to high school.

NPN's annual Online Auction offers great deals on items Chicago parents want and love, including kids' classes, restaurant gift certificates, massages and access to cool experiences you can't find anywhere else. With the proceeds from our auction, NPN, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, will be able to continue to provide support and resources designed to solve the challenges of parenting in Chicago. Bidding opens May 5 at 5am and closes at 10pm on May 9. Preview link for items at www.biddingforgood.com/npnparents Questions? Email Melanie Schlachter at auction@npnparents.org. Thank you to our sponsors: Major sponsor: Children's Learning Place

Now that it's warming up, The Nicholson School invites you to join us for Story Time ! Gathered children will enjoy story telling followed by arts and crafts inspired by the tale! Listening to stories helps support children’s language and literacy development. Recommended for children ages birth to 5. This program is free of cost. RSVP required, please contact administration@nicholsonschool.org to register. This is a repeating event, and will take place again on Saturday, June 5, 2021, from 10:00am to 10:30am. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: administration@nicholsonschool.org

NPN's Summer Camp Fair reopens today! Register now to find summer camps still accepting campers! Our summer camp fair custom website opens at 9:00 am on Monday, May 3rd and closes at 5:00 pm on Friday, May 28th. >> Camp options for kids age 2 - 18 years old >> Search for camps based on theme, location, before and after care, virtual or in-person >> Access each camp's registration form with one click >> Watch short and informative video presentations from each camp director You must register here for access to the custom website. Parents who registered for NPN's Summer Camp Fair in February do not need to re-register. We will send you your login credentials to the custom website on May 3rd. Members: Free Non-members: $15 Includes an NPN membership which will be activated within 4 weeks of registration date Thank you to our sponsors, Kids' Work and Bennett Day Camp

My Art House Studio is offering sample classes to help families get to know us. This month we're featuring two MAHS favorites, Pop Dance Party and Story Time! Story Time! | 2:30-3pm CST | Ages 3-6 This class takes reading to new heights! In this sample class, artists will read along to a new book followed by integrated movement, fun dance combinations, and themed games. This month we're reading GIRAFFES CAN'T DANCE. Pop Dance Party | 3:30-4pm CST | Ages 7-11 We'll dance to chart topping pop songs. Like pop music, our moves will be inspired by Hip-Hop and Jazz dance styles. Learn original combinations, music video choreography from your favorite pop songs, and create moves of your own! This is a free event. RSVP required: Please go here to register This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: hello@myarthousestudio.com

Attention moms over 40 with children between 2 months and 3 years old - this is the group for you! Please join PN member and volunteer, Cathy, who leads a Zoom chat for moms 40+ to connect and talk about the unique challenges and joys you face as moms. Please sign up for this group to attend one or all of these April meetups and drop in for as long as you can! This group will meet at 12:15 - 1:00 PM on Fridays, April 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th. You will receive a Zoom link the day before the meeting. NPN members only. Please register once for you and your child(ren). You will receive an email confirmation after you register. Questions? Contact NPN Program Manager Meredith Marzano at mmarzano@npnparent.org. Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Erikson Institute. NPN is proud to share information about Erikson Institute's Fussy Baby Network: The Fussy Baby Network offers a range of parent support services around crying, sleeping, and feeding issues for babies and toddlers up to age 3. We provide free phone support through our warmline, staff by our warm and caring family/infant specialists. We also offer free virtual home visits to families no matter where they live. Finally, we provide support groups for parents to talk together about the challenges they face and how they cope. All of our services are available in English and Spanish.

t’s a night to be supported, to ask questions and share resources, and to be with other parents who get what it’s like to deal with special challenges for their kids. Parents of kids with all types of developmental differences welcome (sensory processing disorder, autism, ADD/ADHD, PDD-NOS, mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, Down syndrome, physical disabilities, medical issues, etc.). Parents/family only, please (no therapists, students or business owners). The Zoom link will be sent out about an hour before the meeting.

Join NPN & Lil' Kickers for a morning of non-stop fun with friends and family at their Chitown Futbol location. This event is perfect for toddlers and children of all ages, with something for everyone. Included in the admission price: -- Soccer demonstrations & sample classes -- Supervised inflatable jump zone -- Arts, crafts, kid-friendly games & activities -- Face painting & MORE Children under 1-year old are free. Your RSVP/ticket payment is a non-refundable reservation and processing fee. Pictures taken at the event will be used by NPN in future NPN promotional materials for the sole purpose of illustrating the activities at the event. Disclaimer: NPN and event sponsor assume no liabilty for any and all bodily injury at the event. ** Members: Please sign-in to receive special member ticket pricing. *** Your RSVP/ticket payment is a non-refundable reservation and processing fee. Pictures will be taken at the event to be used by NPN in future NPN publications, web pages and other promotional material for the sole purpose of illustrating the activities at the event. Disclaimer: NPN and event sponsor assume no liability for any and all bodily injury at the event.

Attention moms with little ones who are single moms by choice, this group just for you! Join other NPN members for a virtual Single Mom By Choice (SMC) Group. An NPN member volunteer will coordinate a video chat for other single moms by choice to connect and talk about the unique challenges and joys navigating single motherhood. The group will meet Wednesday February 3rd from 8:00 - 8:40 PM via the Zoom video chat platform. Please RSVP below to receive updated information. *You will receive an email before the group begins with instructions on how to sign in to the chat. **Please register once for you and your infant. Log in to your NPN account & RSVP below. If your RSVP goes through successfully you will receive an email confirmation momentarily. Contact Meredith Marzano, mmarzano@npnparents.org, for more information

Attention moms with little ones who are single moms by choice, this group just for you! Join other NPN members for a virtual Single Mom By Choice (SMC) Group. An NPN member volunteer will coordinate a video chat for other single moms by choice to connect and talk about the unique challenges and joys navigating single motherhood. The group will meet Wednesday February 3rd from 8:00 - 8:40 PM via the Zoom video chat platform. Please RSVP below to receive updated information. *You will receive an email before the group begins with instructions on how to sign in to the chat. **Please register once for you and your infant. Log in to your NPN account & RSVP below. If your RSVP goes through successfully you will receive an email confirmation momentarily. Contact Meredith Marzano, mmarzano@npnparents.org, for more information