Marlboro Middle School is seeking to empower young girls through the launch of a new program called Beautiful Me. Spearheaded by Academic Intervention Services Reading teacher Megan Kalmes, Family and Consumer Sciences teacher Carolyn Roeder, and Speech Language Pathologist Emma Albarino, the program focuses on increasing confidence and self-esteem among the school’s female students.
After receiving training on the curriculum—which was developed by the non-profit organization Self-Esteem Rising—staff members spent the morning of May 30 leading Grade 7 girls in interactive workshops designed to emphasize different aspects of self-confidence and self-care. Some of the lessons involved learning how to accept compliments, developing coping mechanisms to turn negative thoughts or qualities into positive ones, and utilizing various tools to become more independent and confident in one’s abilities. The goal, Albarino said, is to improve the girls’ relationships with themselves and with others.
“The program will hopefully help create a greater sense of community, connection, and belonging among our female population and throughout the entire school,” she said.