Empowerment day engages moms and daughters from across the district

Seven oaks empowerment They danced Hip Hop, discussed Internet safety and practicedsome basic self-defense. For more than 80 moms and daughters, it was a free dayof fun and motivation at the “Empowering Us” Mother/Daughter Conference hostedby Seven Oaks Elementary school last month.

 

“We know that middle school can be a really tough time forkids, especially girls,” said Seven Oaks principal Ron Sisson, who encouraged the development of the conference by Angie DeAguiar (Dean of Students) and Lynley Olson (School Counselor) as away to engage moms and daughters from across the district. They targeted 5ththrough 8th grade girls and designed the conference to help youngwomen build empowering life skills in specific areas of interest. Families fromat least 6 local schools participated.

 

One of the areas was STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering,Math) for girls. “Normally I’m afraid to use matches.  Miss Goin helped meget over that (through a science activity).  She told us the only way toaccomplish something is to jump in and do it,” said Seven Oaks 5thgrader Kayla. “Now I’ve thoughtabout becoming a teacher.  Watching Miss Goin teach encouraged me thatgirls can do and teach anything.”

 

Other highlights included an engaging keynote speaker; wholegroup sessions to build empowering skills to deal with bullying; a panel thataddressed what to expect in middle school and high school; and more break- outsessions such as hygiene and diet for preteen/teen girls, diversity, art,college preparation and non-violent communication.   Staff from localschool districts, local businesses and skilled volunteers from our communitygenerously helped make these sessions possible.

 

“It was so inspiring to see all these women and girlsengaging and relating to each other on a Saturday…just having fun and learningthings that will make them stronger and more confident,” said Meadows principalAli Shepard. “It was a wonderfulevent that I think will having lasting impact as these girls move on with theirlives.”