Join members of the Breck community for focused conversations on specific topics. If any of the event descriptions strike a chord with you, we encourage you to register and attend these programs. Advance registration is required.
Monday, February 3, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.: Raising Healthy Boys with Dr. Michael Thompson
“What's the matter with my son?” “Why is he an underachiever in school?” “Why won't boys talk to adults?” Educators and parents in the United States are engaged in an important debate about the way we raise and educate boys. In early adolescence, most boys begin to attach their sense of status to mastery and achievement. They are subjected to a powerful “culture of cruelty” which may require boys to adhere to a narrow ideology of masculinity: avoidance of feeling, avoidance of the perception of anything feminine, or fear of personal weakness. In this talk, Dr. Thompson gives suggestions to teachers and parents about how to support boys in the early years of school and how to help them remain emotionally open in adolescence. Open to parents with children of all ages!
Spotlight Series Registration
To provide a sense of the range of content provided, see a list of past sessions below:
The Science of Literacy and Writing
This evening event is geared towards parents considering Breck for Preschool through 4th grade. Katie Mahoney, Head of Breck's Lower School, will provide an overview of Breck's approach to literacy and writing. Complementing Ms. Mahoney, Sarah Flotten, Director the Peter Clark Center for Mind, Brain, and Education, will provide further insight into the science behind our teaching methodologies in early literacy. Parents will have the opportunity to meet in smaller discussion groups to further explore information shared in this event. Please note, this event is for both current Breck families and prospective parents and is part of Breck's PEAK (Parent Education About Kids) fall programing.
Emotional Lives of Teenagers
Breck is pleased to welcome Dr. Lisa Damour for this evening presentation most suited to families of Middle and Upper School students. Dr. Damour is the author of three New York Times best sellers: Untangled, Under Pressure, and The Emotional Lives of Teenagers. She co-hosts the Ask Lisa podcast, works in collaboration with UNICEF, and is recognized as a thought leader by the American Psychological Association. Dr. Damour is a regular contributor to The New York Times and CBS News and the creator of Untangling 10to20, a digital library of premium content to support teens and those who care for them. Please note, this event is for both current Breck families and prospective parents and is part of Breck's PEAK (Parent Education About Kids) fall programing.
Breck's Culture and Community for Students of Color
There are many assumptions about Independent schools within the United States — questions about privilege, power, and belonging. For historically marginalized groups, navigating independent school culture can be complex. Different schools have different histories, missions, and values that shape the current lived experiences of students of color. Join Dr. Chéleah Googe, Director of the Melrose Center for Leadership and Equity, for a conversation on Why Breck? You’ll have an opportunity to learn more about the school and hear from current families and faculty about how Breck could be the space for you and your child(ren). Dinner will be served and childcare is available for children ages 3 and up.
Leveraging Breck's Athletic Opportunities
For families considering Breck's Middle and Upper School, athletics are one of many areas where students can learn and grow outside the classroom. Brett Bergene, Director of Athletics, will be joined by coaches and current student athletes who will provide their thoughts on the benefits of engaging in our athletic program. Learn about the range of opportunities and the resources Breck provides to support student athletes.
