Henrico Schools to host 3-part stress-navigation series in March

Henrico County Public Schools’ Family Resource Center is inviting parents and educators to “Begin Raising Calm,” a practical, hands-on experience designed to help families and school staff navigate stress, urgency, and the constant noise of daily life.

The three-session series will be held March 2, 9 and 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Oak Avenue Complex, 15 South Oak Avenue in Highland Springs. Organizers describe the program as a response to the growing strain felt by both adults and children.

The series is described as “a practical experience for educators and parents navigating stress, urgency, and constant noise,” organizers wrote. “Children are absorbing adult stress and stimulation. Parents are tired. Educators are stretched. Nervous systems rarely reset.”

The program emphasizes that calm is not about silence for silence’s sake but about intentionally creating space before reacting.

According to organizers, Raising Calm is not another responsibility, curriculum or correction strategy but rather a way to model calm behavior and creating room to pause before responding, correcting or escalating situations. The experience centers on response over reaction, presence over pressure and clarity over chaos.

The featured facilitator is Rita Ricks, a transformation coach, keynote speaker and workshop facilitator. Ricks has practiced intentional silence daily since 2009 as a way of living. Her approach is described as grounded, lived and practical for today’s educators and families.

Registration is open online at tinyurl.com/frcrc26, and details about Ricks are available at www.RitaRicks.com.