Curriculum and Instructional Services

WOMEN HELPING GIRLS WITH CHOICES

Rosemary Longo, Conference Coordinator 914 248-2357

The Women Helping Girls with Choices Conference is a one day event at which 5th and 6th grade girls from the Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES region come together to celebrate the fact that women can be included in any profession they so desire. One goal of the conference is to increase the self-esteem of youngsters, while at the same time inspiring them to become tomorrow’s leaders.

In the morning, the girls listen to a keynote speaker – a woman outstanding in her profession, and participate in an activity whereby small groups of girls read and discuss books with girl/woman centered themes led by a facilitator provided by P/NW BOCES. Several groups then join together, and each small group has an opportunity to act out their book to a larger audience. In the afternoon, the girls interview role models of successful women in small groups and learn the intricacies of preparing for a career in science, the arts, business, etc. The girls then present their role models to a larger group.

It is a positive, uplifting day that overflows to the home schools as the girls return to share their experience, where they are expected to present information from the conference to other students in their schools.