That’s one of the ideas behind MDI’s new Parent University, a monthly series beginning next week with a conversation about technology habits and families.

Carrie Jones

Sep 12, 2026

MOUNT DESERT ISLAND REGION—At its core, the goal of the new monthly Parents University on MDI is simple: connecting with community in all different ways.

The launching of the university wasn’t just a school initiative, Julie Keblinsky, director of teaching and learning for grades 7-12, said. It was developed after work meant to figure out new and evolving ways of partnering with parents in the Mount Desert Island Regional School System (MDIRSS).

The MDIRSS has a strategic plan and The Vision of Our Graduates, which was created through feedback by the school community, including students and parents in the 2024-25 school year. While talking about that, staff also became interested in a Parent University that exists in Portland, Maine public schools.

That Vision of Our Graduates is meant to be the guiding framework for the school community.

It envisions graduates as originators, solution architects, truth seekers, bridge builders, pathfinders, community contributors, and flourishing humans.

Parent University and its free presentations is part of that effort as it connects parents to other members of the school community. Resources and tools will be shared as the school partners with parents.

“It’s just about inviting people to learn and grapple with the things we’re learning and grappling with,” Keblinsky said. “We can all learn together.”

There’s another aspect to it, too.

“It’s simple: Let’s have human encounters again,” she said. “It’s just simple “

Bridge building and being deliberate, Keblinsky said, it doesn’t just happen.

“You have to make an effort,” she explained.

Part of that is demystifying schools and how they work.

“We want to do real work with each other,” Keblinksy said.

Each monthly presentation will last 90 minutes and focus on something new each time. They’ll happen at MDI High School library from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Childcare is provided. Students in grades 5-12 are encouraged to attend with their parents.

According to the website, “At AOS 91, we believe preparing young people to thrive in a rapidly changing world is a shared responsibility. Our Vision of Our Graduates reflects the qualities and skills we hope to nurture in every learner. Bringing that vision to life takes partnership among students, families, educators, and our community.

“Parent University strengthens that partnership by connecting families with practical tools, timely information, and opportunities to learn alongside district educators and community experts.”

The September 17 event focuses on technology habits for families. October is about navigating challenging behaviors. November focuses on artificial intelligence in schools (AI). The sessions continue through May and will likely begin again in the following school year.

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LINKS TO LEARN MORE

Parent University Schedule

Vision of our Graduates

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