Parent Education Series

Family Education Night: Field • Play • Grow

Featuring Sensory Village & Play to Plate
 Presented by: Sensory Village & Play to Plate
 Format: In-Person at The Hillside School
 Date: Tuesday, January 27th        Time: 6:00pm-7:00pm

This interactive evening focuses on the connection between sensory development and learning. Families will explore:

• Hands-on sensory stations that encourage emotional regulation
• Activities that build core strength, balance, and motor planning
• Play-based strategies that help students stay focused and confident

Participants will leave with simple, doable, at-home ideas to support movement, sensory needs, and readiness to learn.

Hillside Family Wellness Night

February 2026 | The Hillside School, Macungie, PA
We are excited to host our first Hillside Family Wellness Night, an evening designed to support the well-being of our students and their families through connection, learning, and community resources. This event brings together local experts and organizations who specialize in supporting children’s physical, emotional, and mental wellness.
Families will have the opportunity to:

• Attend short, age-appropriate mini-sessions on wellness topics relevant to both K–5 and 6–8 students
• Learn practical strategies to support confidence, resilience, digital balance, stress management, and healthy habits at home
• Explore a hands-on resource fair featuring organizations from across the Macungie and Lehigh Valley community
• Connect with other Hillside families in a warm, supportive environment

This night is meant to be approachable, encouraging, and helpful — offering real tools families can use right away.

Local Community Partners Attending

We are proud to welcome a variety of community providers who support children and families in the Lehigh Valley region. Potential partners include:
Weller Health Education Center – Student wellness education & family workshops

• St. Luke’s Community Health – Healthy habits, mental wellness supports
• NAMI Lehigh Valley – Support & education for families navigating mental health
• Pinebrook Family Answers – Counseling and youth/family service supports
• Valley Youth House – Youth empowerment & connection resources
• Sensory Village (Alburtis) – Sensory development, play-based learning
• Play to Plate – Interactive, hands-on learning through healthy food exploration

Local pediatric therapists, counselors, and wellness providers
(Partners will vary; a full list will be shared prior to the event.)

Who Should Attend

All Hillside families are encouraged to join — students, parents, and caregivers.
Session content will be tailored to both elementary and middle school age groups.

Why This Matters

Supporting the whole child means supporting the whole family. Hillside Family Wellness Night is part of our commitment to helping students build confidence, strong coping skills, positive self-awareness, and healthy social connections — both in and out of the classroom.
 

Dyslexia Simulation Experience

Presented in partnership with: International Dyslexia Association (Pennsylvania Branch)
 Format: In-Person at The Hillside School
 Date: March 2026 (Final date to be announced)

This guided simulation experience allows parents to feel the challenges students with dyslexia encounter in reading, writing, and processing tasks. The session includes:

• Short, structured literacy simulations
• Reflection and discussion with trained facilitators
• Research-informed strategies for skill development, confidence, and support

The goal is to build shared understanding and strengthen home–school collaboration.

Digital Wellness & Online Safety

Presented by: Weller Health Education Center
 Format: Virtual Parent Night
 Date: Tuesday, May 5th at 6:30 PM

This session provides guidance for supporting children as they navigate technology. Topics include:

• Setting healthy screen time expectations
• Supporting safe communication and social media use
• Encouraging digital citizenship and respectful online behavior
• Establishing boundaries and routines that reduce conflict at home