Presidential Priorities Speaker Series

Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World
February 26, 2025, 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Community Center
Devorah Heitner, PhD

Between social media, constant connection, and addictive tech and smartphones, the boundaries of privacy are stretched thin. We can track our kids' every move with apps, see their grades within minutes of being posted, and fixate on their digital footprint, anxious that a misstep could cause them to be "canceled" or even jeopardize their admission to college. Join us to learn:

• How parents can mentor children as they grow up on Instagram, TikTok, Discord, and other social media platforms.
• How parents can help kids be thoughtful about their digital footprint.
• Strategies for teaching tweens and teens to recognize how social media affects their mood and mental health and when to take a break.
• How we can help our kids not get too focused on appearance and body image when they are constantly being photographed?
• How to work on sleep habits to balance screen time and getting enough rest.
• Supporting our kids in staying true to themselves as they grow up "in public" on social media apps.

RSVP by February 24 

State of the School Address
March 3, 2025, 5:30-7 p.m. in the Community Center
Iswari Natarajan, President & Head of School

SMA President & Head of School Iswari Natarajan invites all parents and caregivers, faculty and staff, Middle School students, and High School students to our annual State of the School Address on March 3, from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Community Center, Duncan Commons. 

As we move through the 2024-25 academic year, we have made significant progress in our Presidential Priorities areas and empowering powerful agents of change.

The State of the School will address these priority areas:

- Celebrating 160 Years of Educating Denver
-Revitalizing Arts, Athletics, and Activities, highlighting our students' achievements and showcasing how we're strengthening these vital programs
- Leading with Technology Wellness, including practical recommendations for families to implement healthy tech practices at home
- Integrating Neuroscience into the Classroom
- Launching the Strategic Planning process, our planning partner, Bloom Planning, will facilitate an interactive workshop showing the process and exploring our strategic planning pathways

President Natarajan will also share important operational updates as we continue to strengthen and grow St. Mary’s Academy. 

We look forward to seeing you at the State of the School as we expand on these points and share more about how we are fulfilling our mission. 

RSVP by February 27

AI In Education
April 9, 2025, 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Community Center
Erik Born, IT Director
A recording of the session will be available.

Artificial intelligence technology has lept forward in the last few years, presenting educational challenges and opportunities. From ensuring students can take advantage of these new tools to maintaining the high standards of traditional education that set St. Mary's Academy's education apart, educators across the Academy are learning and experimenting with how to best work with and around AI tools. Join us to discuss how SMA is adjusting to this new technology frontier.

RSVP by April 7

Nutrition 101: The Need-to-Know Basics for Scholar Athletes
September 9, 2024, 6:45-8 p.m. in the High School Forum
Elizabeth McNear MS, RD, CSSD, METS 1

The Athletics Department is thrilled to introduce our partnership Elizabeth McNear MS, RD, CSSD, METS 1. Elizabeth is the President and CEO of Transitional Nutrition. This session for Middle and High School parents and students will explore the basics of nutrition needs for student athletes. The series will continue throughout the year with High School students only. 

Nurturing the Middle School Mind: Strategies for Success
October 9, 2024, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Dr. Andy Aldrich, Middle School Principal

Dive into the complex world of the adolescent brain and discover effective strategies to support middle school students' unique developmental needs. This session explores the cognitive and emotional changes that define the middle school years, shedding light on how these transformations impact learning, social dynamics, and decision-making.

Watch the session recording

Screens, Stress, and Socializing: Setting up for Success
October 22, 2024, 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Community Center
Lisa Damour, Ph.D.

Recognizing that the start of a new school year offers a prime opportunity to reset habits and revisit key areas of student life, Dr. Lisa Damour presents "Screens, Strees, and Socializing: Setting up for Success." This event for parents/caregivers and eductors will explore evidence-based strategies to leverage the fresh start for sustainable, positive changes. Dr. Damour will guide attendees through the complex landscape of adolescent social dynamics, offering practical tips to ease school-related anxiety and build resilience. Learn how to foster mindful and age-appropriate use of technology and set healthy boundaries without stifling growth. Discover the often-overlooked power of sleep and consistent routines in boosting in academic performance and emotional well-being. Join us for an event that will set the stage for your child's most fulfilling school year yet!