Successful School Wellness Conference Empowers Educators to Prioritize Student Well-being 

Over 70 educators representing more than 24 school districts converged at Erie 1 BOCES on March 14th and 15th for a dynamic School Wellness Conference. Hosted by Creating Healthy Schools and Communities, this two-day event served as a platform for attendees to delve into crucial topics pertaining to student wellness and exchange valuable insights.

Attendees were treated to a lineup of engaging speakers who addressed various aspects of student well-being. Sessions covered a wide spectrum of subjects, including the importance of adequate sleep, the promotion of bike-to-school initiatives, enhancing outdoor physical activities, and maximizing opportunities for play and movement during the school day. Additionally, speakers shed light on the pressing issue of the current vaping epidemic and shared success stories of how one district improved its nutrition environment.

On Day 2, the conference continued its momentum with a True Colors workshop, designed to enhance participants' understanding of their own communication styles and those of their colleagues. This interactive session aimed to foster stronger team dynamics and communication within school districts.

Moreover, attendees had the opportunity to explore wellness data collection tools, gaining valuable insights into monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of wellness initiatives in their districts. The highlight of the day was the collaborative creation of wellness action plans tailored to the unique needs of each district, ensuring a tangible path forward for prioritizing student wellness.

The School Wellness Conference not only provided a platform for learning and professional development but also facilitated networking and knowledge-sharing among educators and administrators. By empowering attendees with practical strategies and resources, the conference has undoubtedly bolstered efforts to create healthier and more supportive school environments for students across the region.

Erie 1 BOCES extends its gratitude to all participants for their enthusiastic engagement and commitment to fostering student well-being. With continued collaboration and dedication, the collective efforts of educators will undoubtedly yield positive outcomes for the holistic development of students in our communities.

Presentations from the conference can be found in the conferences section below.