2025 School Wellness Conference

The annual Creating Healthy Schools and Communities School Wellness Conference, held on March 12-13, 2025, at the Erie 1 BOCES education campus in West Seneca, was a success. This event brought together educators, school food professionals, administrators, and community partners from Western New York to share and explore innovative wellness strategies aimed at creating healthier school environments.

The conference featured a diverse range of presentations on topics such as indoor gardening, healthy celebrations, classroom physical activity, and the Farm to School movement. Attendees were inspired by the keynote speaker, Nick Kline, Director of Active Schools, who shared valuable insights on promoting physical activity and wellness in schools. Throughout the event, participants had the opportunity to hear from local schools about their innovative wellness initiatives and explore strategies for enhancing the well-being of students and staff alike.

One of the highlights of the conference was the emphasis on partnership and collaboration. The success of the event was a testament to the power of working together to create real change in school wellness. The presentations and discussions underscored the importance of community involvement and the collective effort required to foster a culture of health and wellness in schools.

The conference also provided a platform for networking and building connections among attendees. The healthy lunch included both days offered a chance for participants to engage in meaningful conversations and share their experiences and ideas. The breakout sessions covered a wide range of topics, from building a culture of wellness to reproductive health outreach and farm-to-school spotlights, ensuring that there was something for everyone.

Looking ahead, the Creating Healthy Schools and Communities team is excited to continue working together to implement and sustain innovative wellness strategies in schools across the region. The conference was a powerful reminder of the impact that can be achieved when we come together with a shared vision of creating healthier school environments for all.