Parents’ Independent School Network

The Parents’ Independent School Network, Inc. (PIN) is a volunteer group of parents with children who are students at New England area independent elementary and secondary schools. PIN was formed to help parents share ideas and promote worthy programs at these independent schools.

One or two parent representatives from each member school attend six meetings each year. These PIN reps serve as the conduit between the diverse school communities. At PIN meetings, reps gather to share information about topics relating to non-academic issues, listening to speakers and panels and participating in discussion groups. Thanks to Janet Cox P’12 for serving as this year’s BUA PIN representative.

PIN is run by a governing body of volunteer directors, PIN Inc., and is divided into two divisions, with BU Academy belonging to the Upper School division representing grades 9-12. Groups typically meet every other month by division and come together once a year for the Annual Meeting, where an informative and  much anticipated “Heads of School” panel discussion takes place.  Each year at the Annual Meeting, a set of local Heads of School are invited to make presentations and to answer questions on a topic of current interest.

CommunityConnect Webinar Program

New this year, PIN is offering a pilot program of 8 webinars for school communities.  All Academy parents are invited to join in on this year’s webinars, which will cover a range of topics once-monthly. Click on the expandable topic headings below to learn more about the information that will be presented.

Date and Time Topic
Monday, Oct. 3
8 PM
Teens and Alcohol Use: Implications on Mind and Body
What are the long-term psychological and physiological ramifications of adolescent alcohol use? How can one accurately assess the current teen drinking climate? In this session, top scientific and medical experts delve deep into the adolescent brain, illustrating motivations and circumstances that put them most at risk. Our panel expounds the consequences of alcohol consumption for students through the latest images of damaged brains and cells, providing a clear picture of the negative effects. Leave armed with the tools needed to intervene on personal and communal levels.
Content
Tuesday, Nov. 8
8 PM
Sugar and Spice vs Puppy Dog Tails: How Boys and Girls Learn Differently
Are boys and girls genetically predestined to excel in distinct fields? How does biology factor into the gendered-learning equation? Science indicates neurological dichotomies exist between male and female brains. Our panel interprets the data to reveal how these biological variations affect learning. Gain proven strategies for assisting children in overcoming brain barriers and learning differences through tactics designed to work with the natural physiology of the gendered brain. Unlock hidden potentials once thought to be unattainable.
Content
Wednesday, Dec. 7
9 PM
Students in the Digital Age: How Technology Influences the Developing Brain
Today’s youth are bombarded with vibrant graphics, endless activities and nonstop social connections. How does technology use affect socialization and prefrontal cortex development? Can digital interactions undermine language acquisition and processing in the child brain’s dominant hemisphere? Our experts diagram and discuss the pubescent brain through cutting-edge research to illustrate the potential for detriment or benefit. Leave armed with proactive tips to mitigate the negative implications of technology’s offerings for children and teenagers.
Content
Wednesday, Jan. 7
9 PM
From Ginger to Gay: Ad Hominem Attacks Do Break Bones
Phoebe Prince, Tyler Clementi and Megan Meier: teens who were gone too fast due to society’s scrutiny. Could a child you know believe existing in the headlights of harsh peer review constitutes a life not worth living? Join our experts for an exposition of the ways in which adult bystanders can assist in prevention and awareness to reduce incidence. Penetrate the mindset of the bully and the bullied. Explore recently proposed cyber-bullying legislation. Better understand how communities can curtail nefarious behavior and instill empathy in students.
Content
Wednesday, Feb. 8
9 PM
Mollifying Video Game Ingestion: To Combat Obesity and Diet Crises
What disappears more quickly: two bags of chips or the enemy avatar in battle on your child’s screen? What are the causal factors for obesity and overweight kids? Cast your vote: genetics, hectic schedules, changes in meal structure, parental example, technology, grab-and-go food options, or genetically altered food. Our panel of nutrition and fitness experts expounds the most current research regarding youth obesity and lethargy. Attain invaluable insight into the ideal food and exercise equation for promoting everyday nourishment and mobility habits.
Content
Wednesday, Mar. 7
9 PM
Learning Styles and Perceptual Pathways: Tapping in to Neurological Proclivities
Kinesthetic, auditory or visual? Student learning styles are by no means consistent. Tailored teaching techniques and personalized study habits promote success in academics. What are the seven perceptual pathways and how can understanding each unlock inherent potential? How do multiple intelligences and hemispheric dominance influence a student’s ability to retain and reproduce data? Connect with leading neuroscientists to discover how students can maximize recollection and enhance academic performance with science-steeped methods.
Content
Wednesday, Apr. 4
9 PM
Who am I? Media's Influence on Relationship Development
Sexting has become commonplace in elementary schools and Congress alike. Teens scrutinize how what their Facebook friends do and say in this public forum. Identity formation is the hallmark of childhood and adolescence, and stereotypes concerning gender roles and sexuality proliferate. How does media and technology influence budding, often fragile, pubescent interpersonal and romantic relationships? Examine the power of external influences on the current youth generation.
Content
Wednesday, May 9
9 PM
Productive Parenting: Giving Your Child the Rudder and the Oars
From best buds to dictators: myriad parenting styles abound. Many over-parent to show how much they care. Can allowing your child to fall down also be an act of love? How does promoting independence aid in a more positive transition to young adulthood? Learn the specific ways in which parental control and authoritarianism affect children. Master methods designed to instill confidence and autonomy in youth. Acquire successful strategies for raising resilient children who are able to direct their own destinies and weather storms unaided.
Content

How to login to CommunityConnect

To login to Community Connect:
1. Go to http://dragonflylearning.org/transactions/SelfRegister.aspx
2. Complete the form with the following information and select “Register”
User type — Parent
Enter your information
Select “Parents’ Independent School Network” from the Institution list
Use the SVC code 3LTLK5BH
3. Click “Continue…” to login