On Wednesday, March 13, 2024, the Office of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics hosted a professional development opportunity named "Good Grief" for K-12th grade health and physical education teachers. The purpose of the workshop was to provide educators with the necessary tools and knowledge to address grief education in accordance with the state's new bill. This bill requires all public schools in New Jersey to offer instruction on the physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms of grief to students in grades 8 through 12.
The workshop took place at three different locations: Central, East Side, and Science Park high schools, with a total of 170 teachers in attendance. Throughout the sessions, participants engaged in discussions, learned effective strategies, and gained insights on how to incorporate grief education into their curriculum. The event stressed the significance of understanding and supporting students coping with grief, while also equipping educators with resources to facilitate meaningful conversations and provide appropriate assistance.