Salisbury Academy, in partnership with the Salisbury Community Foundation, invites the community to attend an education event featuring Michelle Icard – a nationally recognized author, educator and social leadership strategist.

“Times are changing quickly. Parents and children are often overwhelmed with choices both positive and negative,” said Amy Goodnight, admissions director. “Successful middle school years are crucial to success in high school and beyond. We often talk about early childhood building blocks and then jump to college preparation, overlooking the essential nature of what happens in the middle.”

“Unfortunately, middle school can be a crucial tipping point in the way kids perceive themselves, their relations with others and where they ‘fit’ most comfortably and safely in the world,” Icard shares on her website. “We often spend much of our lives stretching, challenging and redefining this view that is developed at such a young age.”

Icard is an author, educator and program founder who helps children, parents and teachers navigate the tricky social landscape of middle school. She is the author of “Middle School Makeover: Improving the Way You and Your Child Experience the Middle School Years.” She also created the social leadership curriculum Athena’s Path and Hero’s Pursuit used in schools across the country.

Icard has spoken at regional and national conferences and engagements including the N.C. Association of Independent Schools Conference, Leadership Charlotte, Girl Scouts of the Carolinas Annual Meeting and Novant Healthcare Physicians Forum. Her work has also been featured on Parents.com, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, Charlotte Today Show and Huffington Post.

“We feel it is important to shine a spotlight on this pivotal developmental stage and are grateful to the Salisbury Community Foundation for partnering with us in bringing this nationally recognized speaker to Salisbury,” Goodnight said. “We welcome parents, youth leaders, coaches, and anyone with middle school students in their lives to come and hear Michelle Icard’s message,” Goodnight said.

Members of the community are invited to this event to be held March 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the Salisbury Academy gym, 2210 Jake Alexander Boulevard. Attendees are asked to RSVP to Amy Goodnight at agoodnight@salisburyacademy.org or 704-636-3002.

Salisbury Academy is hosting an educators’ forum earlier that day, where Icard will also speak. Educators who are interested may contact Goodnight.