Join Our Monthly Meetings Third Thursday of every month • 6:30–8:00 PM Come as you are—whether you’re brand new to Pennridge Unplugged or part of our core planning team. Our monthly meetings are a chance to connect with other parents and community members, hear what’s happening, talk through local opportunities and challenges, and find ways to plug in. It’s a great place to get oriented, share ideas, be energized by others, and help shape the conversation around technology in our schools and homes. Bring a friend, a snack to share, or just yourself. We’d love to have you. Agendas are emailed out through our group listserv. To join that mailing list and get meeting location information, please complete the Google Form.

Loneliness is quietly becoming one of our biggest public health challenges — even as we stay more 'connected' than ever. Come hear Dr. Kate Storm explore why Good Neighbor Day matters, what's really driving isolation, and simple ways we can rebuild community. Registration for this event is appreciated but not required. This event is part of a larger series of events celebrating "Good Neighbor Week" in Stow, MA. See Randall Library website for more details. You do not need to be a Stow resident to participate.

We're going to the CPS Board of Education meeting, and we need you there. Our petition has real momentum, and now it's time to bring that parent voice into the room. We're asking the Board to support our petition language and to take up a resolution to consider a real, intentional technology policy for CPS. Our goal: 25 parents signed up to give public comment. That's a big number, and it's meant to be. When 25 parents stand up, one after another, and say the same thing in their own words, the Board cannot dismiss it as one or two loud voices. It becomes impossible to ignore. Can't imagine speaking in public? You can still make a huge difference just by showing up. We want as many observers in the room as possible. A packed room sends its own message, and it makes every speaker feel less alone at that podium. Two ways to be part of this: 🎤 Public Commenter (in-person or virtually) Sign up for a few minutes at the podium to share your perspective as a CPS parent. We'll give you a sample script to start from and you're welcome to make it your own. Real stories move boards more than statistics do. 🪑 Observer Come sit with us. Fill the seats. Your presence tells the Board this matters to the community, even if you never say a word. (Can't attend in person? Written comments are also accepted; ask us about the write-in option.) FOR THOSE THAT CAN ATTEND, here's what happens next: 1. We'll get in touch with you and have a preview meeting with all speakers. We can help answer your questions. 2. You'll need to formally sign up as a public speaker during the 24 hour sign up window (And we'll send you these instructions via email too) How to sign up for public comment at the board website: How to sign up for public comment at the board website: Registration opens: Tuesday, September 22 at 10:30 a.m. Registration closes: Wednesday, September 23 at 10:30 a.m. Anyone can sign up during this 24-hour window Selection is by lottery after registration closes (e.g., if 100 people register, the lottery might select 20 speakers) — this gives everyone a fair shot Register online (recommended): www.cpsboe.org Register by phone: (773) 553-1600 CPS BoE Meeting Details: https://www.cpsboe.org/meetings/details/5478 Questions? Message us here or reach out to schoolsbeyondscreens.cps@gmail.com. We'll walk you through everything, from signing up to what to expect once you're in the room. Let's fill that room.

A candid conversation bringing together the voices of a local teenager, a former internet-crimes prosecutor, a mental health therapist and educator, and one of the country’s leading digital-parenting experts about the realities of growing up online – and practical ways parents can help. Moderated by CNN Chief Domestic Correspondent and Anchor, Phil Mattingly. Space is limited - register now. Open to adults and teens. Business attire preferred.

Casual conversation about topics related to tech and childhood - e.g., tech inschool, AI, smartphones. Intended for parents/caregivers in Arlington but welcome to others locally.

Kids lead their own play: adults supervise but don't organize activities or resolve conflicts Builds resilience, collaboration, and problem-solving skills through real experience Prepares kids to grow into confident, empowered adults Bonus: grown-ups get social time too

BYO Breakfast & Yoga Mat (or towel) for a fun morning at the beach! Yoga kicks off at 9:00. All ages and yoga levels welcome!

Show your support-- visit our booth at Clarendon Day! We are looking for volunteers to help us man our booth! Please sign up for a slot at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050B4BACAE2BA3F58-65536644-clarendon. Kids welcome!

As summer winds down and a new school year begins, give your tween the opportunity to slow down, connect, and build confidence from the inside out. Join local mama Allison Gold Russell for an afternoon of yoga, creativity, and connection designed for tweens ages 8–12. Together, we'll explore movement, mindfulness, stress-management tools, and a hands-on craft that encourages self-expression, confidence, and self-love as participants navigate the emotions and transitions of the back-to-school season. The afternoon begins with conversation and community-building, flows into an energizing yoga practice, and concludes with a meaningful craft to take home. Caregivers are encouraged to enjoy a little time for themselves - stay nearby and explore all that downtown Ambler has to offer! The classroom experience will be for tweens only! No prior yoga experience is necessary. Please bring a yoga mat, water bottle, and a nut-free snack. Please note: To help everyone stay present and connected, this is a tech-free event. Please leave smartphones and smartwatches at home. Allison Gold Russell is a 200-hour certified yoga instructor with a 25-hour children's yoga certification from Next Generation Yoga. She is passionate about building children’s confidence, cultivating joy, and practicing mindfulness through yoga in a welcoming, supportive environment that equips them with the tools to thrive in today's world. Inspired by her experiences as a mother to two daughters, Eden + Ida, Allison is passionate about bringing yoga to this population through this offering. Cancellation Policy: No refunds 14 days prior to workshop.

This event is FREE and open to the public! We will have free pizza available for as long as supplies last. Drop in any time between 3 and 5 to learn about and test out various kid-safe, alternative devices. Kids and teens welcome!

This event is for parents and youth of all ages. In many high-performing communities, young people absorb a powerful—and often unintentional—message: that their worth is tied to grades, accolades, and productivity. The result is rising rates of anxiety, burnout, and disconnection, even among kids who are doing everything “right.” This event introduces the concept of mattering—the idea that young people thrive when they feel seen, valued, and connected, not just evaluated. Speaker Stephanie Malia Krauss is an educator and author of How We Thrive: Caring for Kids and Ourselves in a Changing World and Whole Child, Whole Life. Drawing on research and real-world experience, she offers parents, educators, and young people practical ways to push back against achievement culture and create conditions where youth—and the adults who support them—can truly flourish. Bring friends and family.

The Balance Project aims to bring modern childhood into balance, championing real-life experience, the freedom for kids to be kids, and mindful, intentional use of technology. Drop in anytime between 9:30 and 11 to meet us and learn more as we kickoff the Westfield chapter.

Stop by our table at Foundation Day! We'll have information for parents on coming together to delay smartphones and social media, plus some crafts and treats for the kids.

The Balance Project aims to bring modern childhood into balance, championing real-life experience, the freedom for kids to be kids, and mindful, intentional use of technology. Drop in anytime between 7 and 8:30 to meet us and learn more as we kickoff the Westfield chapter.

First meeting of the school year to talk about the future of EdTech and screens in our kids' schools in Boston. We want to begin conversations on strategizing to push for change and asking our city and school leaders to join the national movement to reform the way schools are using technology in k-12 education. This event will be hybrid. If you cannot attend in person, we will be providing a virtual link to all those who RSVP.

Join us for a follow-up Question and Answer session with Mike McLeod of GrowNow ADHD. This open conversation will explore what many children and teens are experiencing today at school, at home, in friendships and online. Mike will begin with a brief discussion about the internal skills children need to navigate daily challenges and build resilience. Then, the conversation is yours. Bring your parenting questions, challenging situations and concerns for practical guidance and support. Whether your child is struggling with focus, anxiety, emotional regulation, motivation or the transition between school and home, this session offers an opportunity to gain insight and strategies you can use right away. Expect honest discussion, practical tools and brain-based guidance designed to help families thrive. Mike McLeod is the founder of GrowNow ADHD, a small team of ADHD & Executive Function Specialists. Using a model of Internal Skills, he coaches kids, teens, and young adults, with parent training as the foundation. Learn more about Mike and GrowNow ADHD here: https://www.grownowadhd.com/

Let's catch up in person to talk intentional tech advocacy. Share your struggles, win, advice with other community leads in a supportive and welcome environment of smart and dedicated advocates. Come for 30 minutes or 2 hours. We'll be here from 10-12 so stop by whenever works for you. Adrienne Principe, Founder of TLO, and other TLO Board Members will be on hand to offer suggestions and gather feedback for future resources. See you there!

We’re partnering with Dr. Carrie Mackensen to answer your questions about parenting in the digital age, and how screen time and ed tech are impacting our kids. Join us! About Dr. Carrie Mackensen: Dr. Carrie (@successful_parent) holds a PhD in Individual, Family, and Child Psychology and has over 25 years of experience studying child development and relationships. She believes that by understanding the science behind digital media and child development, parents can create a family environment where kids feel secure, regulated, and deeply connected. Her forthcoming book, "Digitally Dysregulated: How Screens Hijack Kids' Brains and What Parents Can Do About It," will be published in September 2026. About Schools Beyond Screens PVPUSD: We are a group of parents and community members advocating for evidence-based tech policies in PV schools.