Rye City Educators Focus on Student Wellness and Learning at Superintendent’s Conference Day

Educators in the Rye City School District gathered on March 20 for the district’s Superintendent’s Conference Day, a professional learning initiative focused on strengthening support for students’ emotional and mental health.

Throughout the day, the teachers participated in a series of targeted workshops, including training in the Responsive Classroom approach, strategies for addressing mental health needs, and crisis prevention and intervention. The sessions were designed to further advance the district’s social-emotional learning (SEL) practices while also providing dedicated time for staff wellness and reflection.

“As a district, we have been intentionally building and strengthening our social-emotional learning initiatives across all grade levels,” Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Lauren Santabarbara said. “Our Superintendent’s Conference Day continued this important work by focusing on SEL instruction and practices, while also providing wellness opportunities for staff to support our own well-being.”

Santabarbara expressed appreciation for the educators who facilitated sessions, noting their role in creating meaningful and engaging professional learning experiences for colleagues. Offerings included workshops on mindfulness techniques to promote present-moment awareness, stress management, emotional regulation, and focus. Additional sessions encouraged creativity and collaboration through activities such as scenic chalk art, collage making, and team-building exercises. Staff also participated in recreational opportunities, including basketball and pickleball, and a culminating workshop that featured a collaborative rhythm exercise evolving into a live drum circle.

The conference highlighted the district’s ongoing commitment to supporting both the academic and social-emotional growth of students while fostering a healthy and supportive community for students and staff.