Lebo Parent University
On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, join Mt. Lebanon School District for Lebo University. This engaging event is designed to provide parents/guardians with valuable information and resources to support your family and contribute to our students’ academic and social-emotional well-being.
Guests will have the opportunity to select three 40-minute sessions. RSVP is required.
College 101
Presented by:
- Miguel Alvarez, Director of Access and Opportunity | Tartan Scholars Recruitment and Enrollment Manager, Carnegie Mellon University
- Guillermo Aviles Casillas, Associate Director of In-State Recruitment, University of Pittsburgh | Admissions and Financial Aid
- Dr. Dorothy Collins, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs CCAC
- Nathan Petrak, Associate Director of Admission Point Park University,
- Daniel J. Pinchot, Sr. Director of Enrollment Management, Southwestern Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University
Experts will provide insights into the college admission process, tips for crafting standout applications, and advice on how to make informed decisions about higher education. This panel will feature college admission counselors from a variety of institutions, each bringing unique perspectives on what admissions teams look for in prospective students.
Creating a Culture of Inclusivity: School to Home Connections
Presented by: Brook Webb, Principal Washington Elementary School
This session focuses on fostering inclusive practices by enhancing collaboration between schools and families, emphasizing the significance of understanding each student's unique background and learning style to promote a positive learning experiences for all.
Cultivating Resilience & Emotional Agility
Presented by: Nicci Giehll, Ed.D, Principal Hoover Elementary School and Marcia Warren, LCSW
“Discomfort is the price of admission to a meaningful life.” -Dr. Susan David, Harvard Medical School psychologist and author of Emotional Agility. Resilience is the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands. Learn how to cultivate the skills to develop resilience and emotional agility in yourself and your children.
Drug Use Trends Among Teens – Insights and Prevention Strategies from a Police Officer
Presented by: Officer Jeff Bileck, Mt. Lebanon Police School Resource Officer
Join us for an eye-opening session hosted by a local police officer, where we will explore the latest trends in drug use among teens and how these trends are impacting youth today. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the substances most commonly used by teens, the warning signs to look for, and how parents, educators, and community members can take proactive steps to prevent substance abuse.
Internet Safety & Cyberbullying
Presented By: Dr. Jason Ramsey, Principal Foster Elementary School and Coprl.Ty Kegarise, Mt. Lebanon Police Department
An in-depth look at internet safety, cyberbullying, digital footprint, and what apps/games parents should know about.
Presented by: Brett Bielewicz, Jefferson Middle School, Noelle Conover, Founder Matt's Makerspace, and Dr. Ginny Chambers, Interim Dean of the School of Education Point Park University
Overview of the "MakerSpace Movement" in the Elementary setting. Emphasizing the foundation and partnership with Matt's Maker Space, while focusing on the Maker Mindset and why Making Matters!
Office Of Vocational Rehabilitation: Helping Persons With Disabilities Prepare For, Obtain Or Maintain Employment.
Presented by: Samantha Sekanick , VR Counselor and Megan Nocera, Supervisor, James Lilley, Assistant District Administrator at Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Join us for an informative session on the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), where we will explore how this essential program helps individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain meaningful employment. The session will cover the range of services and resources available to support individuals in overcoming barriers to employment, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed in today’s workforce.
Opportunities with the U.S. Army Career
Presented by: Nathan Allen, SSG, USA Station Commander, U.S. Army, Andy B. Milford, MAJ, AR, PAARNG Commanding, and John Dowling, Recruiting Operations Officer, West Virginia University
If you're looking to pursue a career in the military after high school or as a post-secondary option, this session will guide you through the various opportunities available for continued education and career development within the U.S. Army. From earning a college degree while serving to exploring specialized military career fields, the session will highlight how military service can be a gateway to both academic and professional success.
Opportunities with the U.S. Coast Guard
Presented by: Nathon T. Mills, Chief, Recruiter, USCG Recruiting Office Pittsburgh
If you're looking to pursue a career in the military after high school or as a post-secondary option, this session will guide you through the various opportunities available for continued education and career development within the Coast Guard. From earning a college degree while serving to exploring specialized military career fields, the session will highlight how military service can be a gateway to both academic and professional success.
Overview of AI and Current Practices
Presented by: Dr. Joel Thompson, Principal Mt. Lebanon High School and Josh Bilak, Teacher Mt. Lebanon High School
This session will provide an overview of what Artificial Intelligence is and how it works, with a specific focus on Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs). Additionally, we will discuss current educational practices that leverage AI’s potential while highlighting both its benefits and potential challenges.
Parent Preview Of Into Reading
Presented by: HMH Representatives Nate Nesser and Kellee Joseph
This session will allow parents of students in grades K-5 the opportunity to learn about the Into Reading program that is projected to be implemented as our core English/Language Arts curriculum resource this fall.
Parenting Strategies: Supporting Students With Disabilities
Presented by: Dr. Jennifer Shuman, Director of Special Education and Student Services
Parenting a school-age child with disabilities comes with unique challenges and opportunities. This session will provide parents and caregivers with practical strategies to navigate the special education system, collaborate effectively with schools and community resources, and foster independence in their child. Topics will include understanding and advocating for IEPs and 504 Plans, building strong communication with teachers and support staff, supporting academic and social-emotional growth, and preparing children for long-term success. Participants will leave with actionable tools to enhance their child’s educational experience and development.
Parenting Strategies: Supporting Your Child's Emotional Well-Being
Presented by: Christina Sauers, LCSW Wellness Warriors
Parenting is one of the most important yet challenging jobs that exist. This seminar is designed for parents to help them learn specific tools and skills to support the emotional health of their children and adolescents. Goals of the seminar include:
- Understand the relationship between your emotional health and the emotional wellbeing of your children
- Learn ways to support your children when they experience emotional distress
- Learn ways to engage with and connect with your children in healthy ways
Parkway West CTE Program Overview
Presented by: Cynthia Hughes, Special Populations Coordinator Parkway West Career and Technical Center
Do you want to learn more about your students having a hands-on experience and gaining specialized skills while still in high school? This session will introduce you to the world of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, which provide students with the opportunity to explore various fields, gain certifications, and prepare for rewarding careers immediately after graduation.
Safe and Social!
Presented by: Chris Stengel, Director of Technology, Mt. Lebanon School District
This session will provide families with practical tips to monitor online activity, set healthy limits, and model responsible digital behavior. Learn how to navigate social media, gaming, and internet safety while fostering open conversations at home.
Social Media Ripple Effect: Supporting Students in a Connected World
Presented by: Jane Schuchert Walsh, PhD. Associate Professor of Sociology, Pennsylvania Western University-Clarion and Jeff Tienes, PhD. Assistant Professor at Clarion University of Pennsylvania
- RECOGNIZE how students are being influenced. This workshop aims to help parents, faculty, and administrators identify and decode elements in trending content, including algostrategies, false and misleading information, punchlines, and microaggressions.
- REPORT and/or take appropriate (in)action. Because cognitive skills related to perception, awareness, and empathy are still developing, teens frequently dismiss extremism as an inevitable part of viral participation. This workshop emphasizes teaching students to become active, as opposed to passive, consumers of social media.
- REDUCE exposure to extremism. With the influence and intention of social media algorithms, the concern is that viral trends may be an entry point into a meandering rabbit hole that leads toward more extremist content. This workshop helps participants assist students in reducing this exposure.
- We are a multidisciplinary and multiorganizational research team, funded by the Center for Applied Research and Targeted Violence (formerly the Collaboratory Against Hate Research and Action Center) in Pittsburgh, PA.
Supporting Kids with Anxiety
Presented by: Charles Lord, The Bradley Center
Recent studies show that school aged children are experiencing anxiety at an all time high. This presentation will discuss reasons for this trend and what support can be offered to help children dissipate their anxiety.
The Impact of Social Media and Body Image for Youth
Presented by: Tracy London, MeD, NCC and Logan Pieri, LSW Outreach Teen and Family Counselors
Research shows both the mental health and economic costs of poor body image among our teens, and that social media has a direct impact on body dissatisfaction and unhealthy social comparisons in youth. The statistics also show how widespread social media use is among teens and that our youth are starting to pick up their phones and start using social media at younger ages. Given how important this issue is in our society, and the high costs to our communities, this presentation will provide information to families to help them navigate the challenges of social media use among our children and teens
Understanding School District Finances
Presented by: Pat Connolly, Director of Operations Mt. Lebanon School District
School district finances involve a delicate balance of securing revenue, efficiently managing expenditures, and ensuring funds are used to provide the best possible education for students. This session will provide an overview of the annual budget process and how funds are allocated and managed to operate the school district. It involves understanding the sources of revenue, how funding is spent, and the financial structures in place to ensure our schools operate effectively.