Students to Attend Conference Addressing Teen-Girl Topics

About 150 seventh and eighth grade girls in the Schenectady City School District will be participating in a middle school girls’ conference that will address teen-girl topics including bullying and self-esteem.

The conference called “Breaking Barriers/Building Relationships” will be held on Wednesday, November 18 at Glen Sanders Mansion.  The program is sponsored by the Working Group on Girls (WGG) in collaboration with Schenectady City Schools and other community groups and members.

Students will select four workshops to attend during the day.   The long menu offers options that focus on an array of teen issues including strategies when dealing with bullies, empowerment and leadership, dealing with stress, healthy relationships, depression and friendship. 

The afternoon workshops offer exercises on creative expressions including visual arts, drumming, poetry, singing, drama and theater, yoga and step dance. 

Students who attend the conference will also participate in small group meetings held at their schools to reinforce the positive message of the conference.  Members of  WGG, community representatives, clinicians and conference participants will be involved in the follow-up.   

“I am thrilled to be working with a group of very caring and dynamic women to bring this day to our girls,” said Ebony Belmar, social worker at Mont Pleasant Middle School.  “I hope the girls walk away with a sense of hope and the knowledge that there are many people out there that care about them and are available to support them."  She added, "My only regret is that we are only able to serve 150 girls while there are so many that would like to be and should be involved.”   

The students attending are from Central Park International Magnet School, King Magnet School, Mont Pleasant Middle School and Oneida Middle School.