A letter from Valley Catholic Middle School Principal Dr. Jennifer Gfroerer
Dear VCMS Families,
The Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Foundation and Valley Catholic Middle School Host Successful Parent Information Night with Dr. Charles Fay
On March 6, VCS partnered with the SSMO Foundation’s Speaker Series to host a highly informative Parent Information Night with Dr. Charles Fay, a renowned expert from the Love and Logic Institute. The event, titled “Love and Logic: Raising Strong Kids Who Can Thrive in the Face of Challenges,” was attended by parents eager to learn strategies for helping their children navigate challenges and develop resilience.
During the session, Dr. Fay shared valuable insights on how to foster mental strength in children by emphasizing the importance of two key elements: struggle and support. He outlined practical approaches for parents to teach their children essential problem-solving skills, offering five actionable steps that can be integrated into everyday life. Dr. Fay also addressed crucial issues such as reducing anxiety and depression, and how parents can play a significant role in protecting their children from these mental health challenges.
The event was part of Valley Catholic’s ongoing commitment to partner with parents and provide opportunities for learning and growth. Dr. Fay’s session aligned with the school’s core philosophy, which integrates Love and Logic principles into the Middle School program. These principles are designed to help students develop into self-advocates by the time they graduate, preparing them to face life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.
This event followed a series of professional development opportunities for the school’s staff, including an in-person training session with Dr. Fay in November and a recent Love and Logic Facilitators Training in Denver. These training sessions have played a key role in refining the school’s practices and enhancing the overall learning environment for students.
Valley Catholic is committed to continuing the dialogue around teenage brain development and educational best practices. The school has invited parents to join in reading the same educational books as the staff, further reinforcing the partnership between school and home in supporting students’ academic and personal growth.
The Parent Information Night marked just the beginning of a series of opportunities for parents to engage with the school community and participate in important conversations about the future of education and student well-being. Valley Catholic looks forward to future events that will continue to focus on the latest research and best practices for raising mentally strong, resilient children.
For more information on upcoming events, stay tuned to announcements from Valley Catholic Middle School.
Dr. Jennifer Gfroerer
