The Newark Board of Education held its 3rd Annual Office of Student Life (OSL) Conference at St. Elizabeth University on March 5, 2024. The District's phenomenal support staff experienced a myriad of valuable workshops that offered effective strategies to support the positive development of students' social-emotional skills, while also learning ways to support their own personal well-being. This year's conference included presentations facilitated by prominent figures in the field of mental health, social services, and wellness education. During both the morning and afternoon sessions, participants were provided with valuable keynote insights from renowned authors. Sheila Robinson-Kiss, LCSW, the author of "JOY Shows Up" and the founder of Rebalancing America and Beyond, shared her expertise. Additionally, Marline Francios-Madden, LCSW, the author of "The State of Black Girls" and the CEO of Hearts Empowerment Counseling Center, also delivered a thought-provoking session. The keynote speakers addressed ways to combat emotional fatigue and burnout by incorporating tangible strategies to build capacity as helping professionals and enhance physical and mental well-being.
Some of the highlights of the conference included ways school counselors and social workers can maximize student support through legal and ethical school counseling, understanding the concepts of racial trauma, including groundbreaking insights that delved into ways to maintain a growth mindset. Sterling Woods, a Personal Development Coach & Trainer, emphasized the importance of honing skills that can foster resilience and motivation for ongoing personal and professional growth. As participants learned ways to help engage students in exciting real world experiences through career development and SEL strategies, they also experienced the ZEN DEN of holistic self-care practices facilitated by Brianna Pirro, Yoga and Reiki Expert and Founder #SelfLoveIs.