Mondays with Mike: Preview of “A Candid Conversation on Teens and Cell Phones”

As we dive into the 3rd quarter, we’re grateful for how your kids and grandkids are flourishing—growing in faith, knowledge, strength, and skill.

This is week 3 of our 4-week podcast series on “Timely Talks: Equipping Families Today”, leading up to next week’s State of the School event (you are invited-see more below).

Here’s where we are on Timely Talks and where we’re going:

  1. Safety and Health at PCA – Insights from our Operations Officer and School Nurse on security and mental health. [Read/Listen Here]
  2. AI and Education – A thoughtful discussion with Dr. Connie Lawrence on how AI can enhance learning and how we can partner together.[Read/Listen Here]
  3. This Week: Teens and Cell Phones – Featuring Mrs. Susan Arico, PCA parent, author, and speaker. This podcast sets up Thursday’s live event (details below).
  4. Next Week: Maximizing Potential: Principals’ Mid-Year Update – A look at student growth and partnership opportunities with our three principals.

This leads us to: State of the School on Thursday, 3:45-4:30 PM, Troiano Hall. Aftercare provided via voucher for attendees.

We’re excited to connect with you throughout these opportunities!

Podcast Summary

Welcome back to another episode of our podcast, where today we sit down with Susan Arico, an accomplished author and speakers as well as a devoted PCA parent and a returning guest. Susan will be leading an important in-person discussion this Thursday, January 30th, at Troiano Hall. This event is a unique opportunity for our community to engage in a candid dialogue about smartphones, social media, and the internet’s role in our families’ lives. Susan, a passionate advocate for understanding technology’s effects, shares her personal insights and experiences as a mother of four teenagers attending PCA.

The event titled “Teens and Phones: A Candid Conversation” aims to delve deeper than the surface, focusing on how devices shape our behaviors and relationships. Susan doesn’t position herself as anti-technology, but rather as someone initiating a heartfelt discussion about integrating phones in our lives in a balanced manner. Drawing inspiration from Jonathan Haidt’s book “The Anxious Generation,” which aligns with a PCA middle school book club, the conversation will address both the resistance and willingness individuals feel towards technology engagement.

A woman stands by an open car door, wearing a scarf and jacket, smiling at the camera.

This in-person gathering encourages honesty and openness without fear of judgment, as we explore who we are as individuals and what causes us to thrive amidst the digital era. Participants can expect an engaging experience that shies away from a rigid presentation laden with data, fostering a space for meaningful exchanges about managing phone use in various spheres, including education and family life.

Whether you’re a parent exploring the intricacies of technology’s influence or a professional in a related field, this conversation promises to be enriching and enlightening. We hope you can join us for this analog evening focused on digital discussions, and if not, Susan is available for follow-up sessions to continue addressing these crucial topics.

PCA Parents: Join Us for Teens & Phones

Mark your calendar for Thursday, January 30th, at 6pm and join us in Troiano Hall for Teens and Phones: A Candid Conversation, an event designed to help our parents navigate the challenges of the digital world with their children. This event is open to all PCA families, regardless of the grade level of your child.

This discussion builds on the insights shared in this summer’s Mondays with Mike podcast with Susan Arico, Digital Wellness Leader and PCA parent, and will focus on fostering healthy digital habits within a Christ-centered framework.

At PCA, we value our partnership with parents in shaping students’ growth in life, faith, and character. This event is an opportunity to come together as a community to address the complexities of technology and its impact on our families.

Please Note: Due to the sensitive topics that may arise during this conversation, this is a parent/guardian-only event. We hope to see you there!

Smiling woman with long hair in front of text about digital wellness guiding and nonprofit work, with button labeled "Meet Susan.
Text description about Susan's beliefs and passion for helping women and advocating for human flourishing. She discusses the impact of digital habits on the soul.

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