Parent Education

In partnership with ISD Family Partnership, Issaquah PTSA Council ParentWiser is continuing our Family Community Conversations around Jennifer Breheny Wallace’s book, Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—and What We Can Do About It.

As we begin the new school year, we will explore how families, schools, and our broader community can work together to help children feel valued, respected, and connected beyond their achievements.

Our upcoming conversation will focus on the theme of mattering—how we can recognize this shared human need and support children through consistent messages, relationships, and practices at home and at school.

Choose the Session That Works Best for You

Monday, October 5 | 1:00–2:30 PM
Tuesday, October 6 | 10:00–11:30 AM
Issaquah School District Administration Building
5150 220th Ave SE, Issaquah, WA 98029

Both sessions will cover the same theme and discussion questions.

New participants are warmly welcome! You do not need to have attended previous conversations or read the entire book to participate. If possible, please read Chapters 3 and 4 before attending.

 REGISTER HERE

What Will We Talk About?

Our discussion will explore questions such as:

• What messages do children receive about what makes them valuable or worthy of attention?
• What words, actions, and routines help children feel valued beyond grades, accomplishments, popularity, appearance, or behavior?
• How can we make appreciation feel more natural, specific, and sincere?
• How can we communicate unconditional worth while still holding children accountable for mistakes, effort, and responsibility?

We’ll also reflect on one small, repeatable action each of us can take to help a child—or another person—experience that they truly matter.

About the Book

Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—and What We Can Do About It by Jennifer Breheny Wallace explores how intense achievement culture can place pressure on children and families and affect anxiety, burnout, and self-worth. The book highlights the importance of helping children develop a sense of belonging and intrinsic value beyond their accomplishments while offering practical strategies to support resilience, confidence, and well-being.

Additional Resources

• Mattering in Early Childhood: Building a Strong Foundation for Life
• Dismantling Toxic Achievement Culture | Jennifer Breheny Wallace
• NAIS New View EDU Episode 83: Mattering with Jennifer Wallace

 Learn more about Never Enough

Questions? Email parentwiser@issaquahptsa.org

 REGISTER FOR THE FAMILY COMMUNITY CONVERSATION

Join us for a free community workshop for parents and caregivers. Learn : what opioids and fentanyl are and why they are dangerous?. How opioids and fentanyl affect young people and families? Warning signs of substance use and overdose? How to talk with your children about drug safety and prevention. Where to find local support and resources.

This event is presented in partnership with Influence the Choice and The Circle. Register HERE.

Free Narcan (naloxone) kits will be available for participants (you can pick it up at our office).

Issaquah PTSA Council ParentWiser is partnering with the King County Sheriff’s Office, Issaquah Police Department, and Issaquah School District Safety and Security Department to host an online workshop addressing important e-bike safety concerns for students and families.

October 20, 2026 | 6:30–8:30 PM | Zoom

Register HERE to receive the zoom link before the event.

This workshop will help parents and caregivers better understand e-bikes and the rules surrounding their use. Topics will include the different classes and types of e-bikes, which e-bikes are appropriate and legal for students to ride, and what parents need to know if a minor operates an e-bike illegally.

We will also discuss the new Washington State e-bike law that took effect on June 11 and what it means for young riders and their families. In addition, Issaquah School District will share rules and expectations regarding e-bike riding and use on school campuses.

Our speakers include:

• Detective Matt Martin, Community Engagement Officer, King County Sheriff’s Office
• Corporal Matthew Fulbright, Issaquah Police Department
• Dave Montalvo, Director of Safety and Security, Issaquah School District

Whether your student already rides an e-bike or your family is considering one, this workshop is a great opportunity to learn about safety, laws, responsibilities, and school expectations—and to have your questions answered by local experts.