IBSC Ideas Lab
Professional Conversations for Heads and Assistant Heads of Boys' Middle Schools
Starting November 7, 2024
IBSC Ideas Lab invites middle school heads and assistant heads of member schools to connect virtually using the free online tool Zoom. Limited to 14 participants plus the facilitator, this IBSC Ideas Lab includes three one-hour sessions for participants to discuss relevant topics.
Designed as an interactive exchange among colleagues, IBSC Ideas Lab engages dedicated educators who learn and grow together. Before each session, participants engage with relevant resources to provide a foundation for discussions. Together we surface fresh ideas and build mutual support structures and enduring professional friendships.
Available exclusively to IBSC member schools, first-time participants who can commit to joining all three sessions get preference in registration to support the success of each small group. No more than two participants from one school may register for an Ideas Lab.
In the spirit of open dialogue and collaboration, IBSC Ideas Labs are not recorded, allowing participants the freedom to express themselves openly and share their experiences candidly.
Who Should Attend?
Middle school heads and assistant heads of IBSC member schools
Format
IBSC Ideas Lab attendees participate in three scheduled one-hour calls using Zoom. Jay Greytok, head of middle school, The Haverford School (United States), facilitates each session.
Conversation Topics
Conversation 1
The Anxious Generation: Navigating the Digital Age with Middle School Boys
Thursday, November 7, 4:00 PM EST, 9:00 PM GMT, 11:00 PM SAST
Friday, November 8, 8:00 AM AEDT, 10:00 AM NZDT
Check the event time in your time zone.
Dive into the complexities of raising boys in a hyperconnected world. Examine the impact of smartphones and social media on adolescent development, exploring the challenges and opportunities these technologies present. Drawing on insights from The Anxious Generation and our experience in middle schools, discuss how screen time influences communication, social skills, and potentially even attention issues like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Most importantly, brainstorm practical strategies to encourage healthy tech habits, foster real-world connections, and empower our boys to thrive in the digital age.
Conversation 2
The Resilient Boy: Fostering Self-Reliance and Emotional Strength in a Changing World
Thursday, November 14, 4:00 PM EST, 9:00 PM GMT, 11:00 PM SAST
Friday, November 15, 8:00 AM AEDT, 10:00 AM NZDT
Check the event time in your time zone.
Examine the evolving emotional landscape of middle school boys as we rethink our approach to supporting their well-being. Are we equipping them with the tools to navigate challenges independently or are we inadvertently fostering dependence? Delve into the crucial balance between providing support and encouraging self-reliance, exploring practical strategies to help boys develop resilience, manage conflict effectively, and problem-solve with confidence. Discuss how to empower boys to face adversity head-on and emerge stronger, both within the classroom and beyond it.
Conversation 3
Empathy, Identity, and Adolescence: Guiding Middle School Boys Through Pivotal Years
Thursday, November 21, 4:00 PM EST, 9:00 PM GMT, 11:00 PM SAST
Friday, November 22, 8:00 AM AEDT, 10:00 AM NZDT
Check the event time in your time zone.
The middle school years represent a critical period for boys as they navigate the complexities of emerging identities and develop crucial social-emotional skills. Explore the interconnectedness of empathy, identity, and adolescent development and get insight into how we can best support boys during these transformative years. Delve into strategies that resonate with boys specifically, incorporating principles of social-emotional learning (SEL) to foster emotional intelligence, resilience, and genuine kindness. From tailored programming and leadership opportunities to the profound impact of positive role models, examine how to create an environment where boys can thrive both emotionally and academically. Discuss practical methodologies that empower boys to embrace their potential and contribute meaningfully to the world.
Registration
IBSC member rate: US $170
Refund Policy
IBSC will refund 90% of registration fees if a written request is received by October 24, 2024. No refunds will be made for cancellations received after this time. Schools seeking to register an alternate to replace a participant unable to attend should contact IBSC@theibsc.org.
Please note: Watch your email for login information for this Ideas Lab by October 31, 2024. If you registered for this IBSC Ideas Lab later than this date, watch for login information within 24 hours.
Participation certificates: Participants present for all three conversations will receive a certificate of participation within two weeks of the final session.
Facilitator
Jay Greytok
A 1983 graduate of The Haverford School (United States), Jay Greytok joined the middle school faculty at the school in the fall of 1988. He received his bachelor of science degree in biology from Syracuse University in 1987, his master’s in educational leadership from the University of Pennsylvania in 2009, his MBA from St. Joseph’s University in 2012, and his Ed. D. from St. Joseph’s University in 2019. Greytok taught physical science to eighth grade students for three years before moving to the upper school where he taught math, biology, chemistry, physics, animal behavior, and physiology. He became dean of the upper school in 1996, after four years of working as a form dean. In 1998, Greytok assumed the role of head of middle school.