Community Learning Series
At Riverbend, we believe that education is a collaborative effort that extends beyond classroom walls, and we know the critical role parents play in their child’s academic journey and overall development. To foster a stronger partnership between our school, our parents, and the greater Natick community, we are excited to present our Community Learning Series designed to provide valuable insights, resources, and strategies to support your child’s personal growth.
Community Learning Series Schedule
These hour-long workshops are FREE to Riverbend families and the greater MetroWest community. For our in-person events, we’re delighted to offer free childcare with pizza dinner exclusively for Riverbend families.
Montessori Masterclass: Montessori in the Home with Danielle Leary-Jakes
Date: November 6, 2025 | 5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
Description: In this session, Toddler and Primary parents will learn how to integrate Montessori principles and philosophy into their home. We will discuss ways in which parents can prepare their home environment to encourage order, independence, and self-motivation at home.
Appropriate for: Parents/caregivers of Toddler and Primary students
Important details: Virtual
Why Montessori Is Great for the Adolescent Experience with Liz Lapon
Date: November 17, 2025 | 5:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Description: This session will help parents know what to expect before it hits you head-on. Learn about the changing bodies and brains of adolescents and how you can best partner with school to meet their needs.
Appropriate for: Parents/caregivers of children of all ages
Important details: In-person, free care and pizza dinner for Riverbend children
Understanding What to Expect from Adolescence and When to Be Concerned with Alayna McGarty and Sara Skonieczny
Date: December 4, 2025 | 5:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Description: Join us for a down-to-earth conversation about the emotional ups and downs of the preteen years. We’ll cover what typical behavior looks like as kids approach adolescence—and how to spot when something might need more support. This talk is designed to help you feel more confident navigating big feelings, shifting moods, and new social dynamics. You’ll walk away with insight, practical tools, and reassurance that you’re not alone in the uncertainty.
Appropriate for: Parents/caregivers of children in Upper Elementary and Middle School
Important details: In-person, free care and pizza dinner for Riverbend children
Montessori Masterclass: The Prepared Environment with Danielle Leary-Jakes
Date: January 8, 2026 | 5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
Description: Toddler and Primary parents can take a deeper look into the Montessori classroom. In this parent education session, we discuss the prepared environment of a Montessori classroom, the importance of order within the Montessori classroom, explore the areas of the classroom, discuss the role of the teacher, and how the Montessori environment facilitates concentration.
Appropriate for: Parents/caregivers of Toddler and Primary students
Important details: Virtual
A Child’s Transformation in the Montessori Learning Environment with METTC
Date: February 2, 2026 | 5:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Description: Details coming soon.
Appropriate for: Parents/caregivers of children of all ages
Important details: In-person, free care and pizza dinner for Riverbend children
Montessori Masterclass: Freedom Within Limits with Danielle Leary-Jakes
Date: February 12, 2026 | 5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
Description: What is freedom with limits? In this parent education session we discuss types of freedom in the Montessori environment, the limits of a Montessori classroom, and how children benefit from freedom within limits. This session is useful for Toddler and Primary parents.
Appropriate for: Parents/caregivers of Toddler and Primary students
Important details: Virtual
Montessori Masterclass: Social Emotional Learning with Danielle Leary-Jakes
Date: March 12, 2026 | 5:30 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
Description: This masterclass for Toddler and Primary parents delves into the social emotional learning in Montessori Education. Tips and tricks to help your child learn how to develop healthy relationships with their peers and empower themselves.
Appropriate for: Parents/caregivers of Toddler and Primary students
Important details: Virtual
Understanding Youth Mental Health and Substance Use with Natick 180
Date: March 23, 2026 | 5:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Description: During this one-hour session led by staff from Natick 180, participants will learn about the signs and symptoms of youth mental health challenges, how to support those who experience mental health challenges, and what mental health resources exist in the community. Participants will also learn about the signs of substance misuse, with an emphasis on how to promote prevention amongst young people and encourage harm reduction for those who use substances.
Appropriate for: Parents/caregivers of Upper School students
Important details: In-person, free care and pizza dinner for Riverbend children
Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine with Katey McPherson
Date: April 6, 2026 | 5:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Description: Details coming soon
Appropriate for: Parents/caregivers of students of all ages
Important details: In-person, free care and pizza dinner for Riverbend children
Previous Events
Risky Play: Why It Is Safe but Essential for Healthy Development with Dr. Erin Tanzer
Date: October 14, 2025 | 5:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Description: Join us for a thought-provoking and engaging session on the value of risky play in childhood. Discover how climbing higher, running faster, and exploring the unknown can actually build your child’s confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills. Learn why calculated risks in play are not only safe but essential for healthy development—and how you can support this kind of learning at home and in the community. Let’s rethink “Be careful!” and celebrate curiosity, courage, and growth.
Appropriate for: Parents/caregivers of children of all ages
Important details: In-person, free care and pizza dinner for Riverbend children
Raising Awe Seekers: How the Science of Wonder Helps Our Kids Thrive with Deborah Farmer Kris
Date: October 21, 2025 | 5:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.
Description: What if helping boost kids’ mental and emotional well-being, strengthen their social ties, and support their curiosity and internal motivation were as simple as rediscovering awe? In Raising Awe Seekers, author and Riverbend parent/board member Deborah Farmer Kris explores how awe and wonder can and should be a part of every childhood, and how becoming an awe-seeker can change your life and your parenting in profound and concrete ways.
Appropriate for: Parents/caregivers of children of all ages
Important details: In-person, free care and pizza dinner for Riverbend children