Lebo Parent University

 

Event flyer reads: Lebo University  Wednesday, March 25, 2026  6:00 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.  View courses and register at: https://mtle.bo/LeboU

 

On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, join Mt. Lebanon School District for Lebo University. This engaging event, held at Mt. Lebanon High School, 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 four 40-minute sessions.
    • Session 1: 6:00 - 6:40  p.m. 
    • Session 2: 6:50  - 7:30 p.m. 

    • Session 3: 7:40 -  8:20  p.m.

    • Session 4: 8:30 - 9:10 p.m.

  • A confirmation email will be sent before March 25 with your confirmed session schedule and room assignments. 

  • Please note that if fewer than 10 people sign up for a session, the session will not be offered.  

    RSVP is required by Friday, March 20, at 12:00 p.m.  

RSVP Here by Friday, March 20

Session Information

1. ALICE:  A Community Resource

  • Presenter: Officer Ryan Miller, Mt. Lebanon Police Department
  • Recommended Participant Student Grade Levels: K-12
  • This community training introduces ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) strategies to enhance safety during critical incidents. Participants will learn practical response options, decision-making skills, and communication techniques to improve preparedness, increase situational awareness, and support coordinated action in emergencies.

2. Anxiety and Grief: Standing with Them: Helping Youth Through Grief and Anxiety

  • Presenters: The Caring Place
  • Recommended Participant Student Grade Levels: K-12

  • Children and teens often experience grief and anxiety in ways that can be hard to recognize or understand. This session will help parents learn how these emotions may show up in young people and explore simple, supportive ways to respond when a child is struggling. We will also look at grief through a more modern, nuanced lens—moving beyond the traditional “five stages” model to better understand how grief can look different for each person. Parents will leave with practical tools and awareness of helpful resources that can support their child and family during difficult times.

3. Career Opportunities with the U.S. Army

  • Presenters: Andy B. Milford, MAJ, AR, PAARNG Commanding Officer, John Dowling, Recruiting Operations Officer, West Virginia University, and William Perez, Scholarship and Enrollment Officer, University of Pittsburgh ROTC  
  • Recommended Participant Student Grade Levels: 7-12
  • 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.

4. Opportunities with the U.S. Coast Guard

  • Presenter: Carly E. Tozer, YNC, MEPS Liaison 
  • Recommended Participant Student Grade Levels: 7-12
  • 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.

5. Career Opportunities with the U.S. Marines 

  • Presenter: Sgt. Hunter Sparkschance, Recruiter,
  • Recommended Participant Student Grade Levels: 7-12
  • 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. Marines. 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.

6. Career Opportunities with the U.S. Navy 

  • Presenter: Robert Rode, PO1, US Navy
  • Recommended Participant Student Grade Levels: 7-12
  • 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. Navy. 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.

7. College 101

  • Panelists: Daryl Burleigh, Pitt , Miguel Alvarez, CMU, Michael Rose, CCAC, Nathan Petrak, PPU, and Arthur McCray, 
    Admissions Officer and Athletic Recruiter, Penn State
  • Recommended Participant Student Grade Levels: 7-12
  • 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.

8. Cultivating Resilience & Emotional Agility

  • Presenters: Dr. Nicci Giehll, Principal Hoover Elementary School, and Marcia Warren, LCSW
  • Recommended Participant Student Grade Levels: K-12
  • “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.

9. District Supports & Student Success: How School Resources and Families Work Together

  • Presenters: Dr. Brett Bielewicz, Principal, Jefferson Elementary School, Ms. Shira Akamatsu, Jefferson Elementary School Counselor, and Amanda Cottrell, Student Assistance Program Liaison ACI 
  • Recommended Participant Student Grade Levels: K-12
  • Learn about district support systems available when students face challenges, including the SAP team, school counselors, and intervention services. Discover how these resources assist students academically, socially, and emotionally, and how parents can partner with schools to support progress well-being.

10. Drug Use Trends Among Teens – Insights and Prevention Strategies from a Police Officer

  • Presenter: Officer Jeff Bileck, Mt. Lebanon Police Department
  • Recommended Participant Student Grade Levels: K-12
  • 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.

11. ELA K-5 Curriculum: Into Reading Overview

  • Presenters: Mr. Matt Rizzutto, Principal, Howe Elementary School,  Mrs. Lindsay Gianoutsos, Reading Specialist, Hoover Elementary, and Mrs. Kathleen Herzog, Teacher, Foster Elementary 
  • Recommended Participant Student Grade Levels: K-5
  • This session will allow parents of students in grades K-5 the opportunity to learn about the District’s ELA curriculum implementation, the Into Reading/Wilson Reading Program resources, and grading practices.

12. FBI: Online Safety / Child Exploitation Awareness

  • Presenter: Lauren Scott, Special Agent, FBI 
  • Recommended Participant Student Grade Levels: K-12
  • The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is actively working to help protect children by providing age-appropriate online safety education in our schools. For elementary students, lessons focus on being kind online, protecting personal information, recognizing online strangers, thinking critically about what they see, and gaming safely. For middle and high school students, the FBI addresses more complex topics such as digital drama, sextortion awareness, AI-generated misinformation, digital footprints, cybersecurity skills, and the prevention of online exploitation, including child sexual exploitation.
  • This parent session is designed to inform you about what law enforcement is currently seeing in our community and online spaces, and to provide practical guidance on how you can better protect your children. By working together, families and schools can help create safer digital environments and empower students to make responsible choices online.

13. Fire Extinguisher Usage for Bystanders

  • Presenter: Lt. Kris Siegert, Mt. Lebanon Fire Department
  • Recommended Participant Student Grade Levels: Teens, Community Members, School Staff, and Caregivers
  • This hands-on class is designed for community members, school staff, and anyone who wants to be better prepared for fire-related incidents. The conclusion of the program will include using a fire extinguisher to put out a live fire using the fire department's extinguisher training prop.
     

14. Hands-Only CPR/Stop-the-Bleed/Heart Attack & Stroke Awareness

  • Presenter: Bill Sukitch, Lieutenant, MRTSA
  • Recommended Participant Student Grade Levels: K-12
  • This session teaches lifesaving basics, including Hands-Only CPR, Stop the Bleed techniques, and recognition of heart attack and stroke warning signs. Participants will practice simple response steps, build confidence in emergencies, and learn how quick action can save lives before professional help arrives.
     

15. Homeland Security: Human Trafficking and Online Safety/Child Exploitation

  • Presenter: Brittany Liptak, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • Recommended Participant Student Grade Levels: K-12
  • TBD

16. MTLSD Food Service Program

  • Presenter: Mr. John Saban, Food Service Director, Mt. Lebanon School District 
  • Recommended Participant Student Grade Levels: K-12
  • This session provides an overview of the Mt. Lebanon School District Food Service Program, including meal options, nutrition standards, and accommodations for dietary needs. Families will learn how the program supports student health, convenience, and access to balanced, appealing meals each school day.

17. Navigating the Middle School Transition: A Parent's Guide 

  • Presenter: Dr. Gina Mahouski, Principal, Mellon Middle School and Mr. Dan Ridge, Principal, Markham Elementary
  • Recommended Participant Student Grade Levels: 4-5
  • This session provides an overview of the transition from grade 5 to grade 6, highlighting academic expectations, scheduling changes, organization skills, and social adjustments. Families will learn how to support independence, build confidence, and help students successfully navigate the move to middle school.

18. NCAA and College Athletics Process

  • Presenters: Dr. Ron Davis, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education, Mt. Lebanon School District and Mr. Casey Bowles, Mt. Lebanon High School School Counselor
  • Recommended Participant Student Grade Levels: 7-12
  • This session explains the NCAA and college athletics process, including eligibility requirements, recruiting timelines, academic expectations, and communication guidelines. Families will gain insight into realistic pathways, preparation steps, and how to support student-athletes pursuing opportunities to compete at the collegiate level.

19. Office Of Vocational Rehabilitation: Helping Persons With Disabilities Prepare For, Obtain, Or Maintain Employment 

  • Presenter: James Lilley, Assistant District Administrator at Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Recommended Participant Student Grade Levels: 6-12
  • Join us for an informative session from 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.

20. Overview of AI and Current Practices at the High School 

  • Presenter: The Mt, Lebanon High School RAIL Team (Middle States: Responsible AI in Learning)
  • Recommended Participant Student Grade Levels: 6-12
  • This session provides Mt. Lebanon High School families and staff with an overview of artificial intelligence, current classroom and student use, ethical considerations, and district guidelines. Participants will gain practical insight into responsible AI use in learning, assessment, and college and career preparation. 

21. Parenting from Strength: Navigating Stress and Anxiety While Raising a Child with Unique Needs

  • Presenter: Emma Neel, MSCP, NCC, Outreach Teen and Family Services, Inc.  
  • Recommended Participant Student Grade Levels: K-12
  • This presentation will explore the stress and anxiety that can accompany parenthood when raising a child with unique needs. It will examine the emotional and psychological challenges parents often face while navigating medical, educational, and mental health services.  Additionally, the presentation will highlight the impact these stressors can have on family dynamics, mental health, and overall well-being. Finally, it will discuss coping strategies, support systems, and pathways toward resiliency and empowerment for parents.

22. Parkway West CTE Program 

  • Presenter: Ms. Cynthia Hughes, Special Populations Coordinator, Parkway West Career and Technical Center
  • Recommended Participant Student Grade Levels: 7-10
  • 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.

23. Preparing for the College Application Process 

  • Presenters: Mrs. Tara Leja and Ms. Katie Siefert, Mt. Lebanon High School School Counselors
  • Recommended Participant Student Grade Levels: 8-12
  • This session guides families through preparing for the college application process, including timelines, course selection, testing, activities, essays, and recommendation letters. Participants will learn how to stay organized, reduce stress, and support students in presenting their strengths and goals effectively.

24. Science K-5 Curriculum: Amplify

  • Presenters: Dr. Jason Ramsey, Principal of Foster Elementary, and Mrs. Margaret Satersmoen 
  • Recommended Participant Student Grade Levels: K-5
  • This session will allow parents of students in grades K-5 the opportunity to learn about the District’s science curriculum implementation, the Amplify resource, and grading practices.

25. Skills for Effective Educational Advocacy:  Parent Advocacy for Students with IEP‘s, 504, GIEPs

  • Presenters: Parent Education & Advocacy Leadership (PEAL) Center
  • Recommended Participant Student Grade Levels: K-12
  • Explore the core principles of advocacy, learn how to identify and clarify key issues, understand the educational advocacy process and effective strategies, and review available dispute resolution options to support students and families in navigating educational systems confidently and effectively.

26. Stop The Judgment Project

  • Presenter: Thonas Bott and Dr. C. Thomas Brophy, DO
  • Recommended Participant Student Grade Levels: K-12

  • Stop The Judgment Project’s (STJP) mission is to bring awareness to the stigma and judgment associated with mental health disorders and substance use disorders in adolescents and young adults.  STJP believes that candid and open lines of communication and increased societal openness to judgment-free conversations on the topics of mental health and substance use disorders significantly reduce the stigma attached to these issues.  Reducing the stigma allows those affected to speak openly about their struggles and empowers them to seek the care and treatment they need.  

  • STJP launched its educational workshop initiative last year in partnership with the Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Chill Project and with the financial support of The PNC Charitable Trusts. STJP’s educational workshops are conducted by its co-founder, Tom Bott, in collaboration with Dr. C. Thomas Brophy, Medical Director of the Ellen O’Brien Gaiser Center in Butler, PA and a physician board certified in both emergency medicine and addiction medicine and an expert on the neuroscience of addiction.  STJP's educational workshops are offered to high schools and middle schools, free of charge, and provide firsthand storytelling to the students from two valuable perspectives. First, students hear from the emotional perspective of a grieving father (Tom Bott). Tom candidly discusses everything from his daughter Siena’s struggles with mental health and substance use disorders throughout middle school and high school to a thoughtful discussion of what his family wonders they could have done differently to help Siena.  After Tom’s presentation, Dr. Brophy presents a straightforward and in-depth discussion about the neuroscience of addiction and the effects that drugs and alcohol have on the brain. STJP's hope for these workshops is that students are able to connect with this difficult topic in different ways, according to their own needs and experiences with substance use and mental health disorders, helping them to better communicate with their friends, families, teachers and other students, and, if they are struggling with these issues, to seek the care and treatment they need.

27. Understanding School District Finances

  • Presenters: Pat Connolly, Director of Operations, Mt. Lebanon School District
  • Recommended Participant Student Grade Levels: K-12
  • 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.

28. Ways for Students to Get Involved at the High School

  • Presenter: Brittany Tonkavich, Activities Director, Mt. Lebanon High School 
  • Recommended Participant Student Grade Levels: 8-12
  • This session highlights the many ways students can get involved at the high school, including clubs, athletics, arts, leadership opportunities, and service activities. Participants will learn how involvement builds connections, strengthens skills, and enhances school pride, belonging, and overall student success.