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Bayshore Middle School presents Student Conference Day focused on wellness and social‑emotional skills
Summary
Bayshore Middle School told the board its Nov. 7 Student Conference Day used three 40‑minute rotations, keynote speakers and peer leaders to promote social‑emotional wellness under the district mission 'children will achieve optimal wellness within a healthy learning environment.'
Bayshore Middle School staff described Student Conference Day — held on Nov. 7 — as a concerted effort to support students' social and emotional development.
At a board work session, a school representative emphasized the district mission, saying that one of the key goals is that "children will achieve optimal wellness within a healthy learning environment." Lauren Leggeo, who organized the day's schedule, told the board the event ran on a rotational plan that let students move through three 40‑minute sessions and included two keynote speakers from BOCES and the YES program.
Leggeo said the schedule was created with an administrative team so transitions would be smooth and so staff (including custodial, technology and food‑service teams) could support presenters and students. "This rotational schedule allows the students to flow through 3 40 minute periods or sessions," she said, describing planning and staff roles.
Speakers and activities were chosen to address issues common in the middle years: bullying, navigating friendships and social media, and asking for help when students need it. Presenters highlighted by staff included Gio Ramos of Box Out Bullying, who focused on equipping bystanders with intervention strategies; Michael Sweetney, a former NBA player who spoke about mental‑health awareness and seeking help; and Shadrach Bokey, an actor‑director whose resilience‑focused presentation used storytelling and audience interaction.
Seventh‑grade student Sebastian Mora described Bokey's presentation as especially powerful. "He was the best 1 I've ever seen. Most motivation I've ever had in my life," Sebastian said, praising the presenter's interactive style and the way students were engaged.
Staff also highlighted student leadership roles: Bayshore High School peer support and honor society members greeted presenters and helped run sessions, providing real‑world leadership opportunities for older students while giving middle‑school students relatable role models.
The presenters thanked the board and district administrators for supporting the program and invited them to attend next year's event.
The board did not take action on the presentation; presenters sought to inform trustees about the program's structure and impact.
