ESON February Meeting Recap

Thank you so much for joining us for the February ESON Network Meeting: Whole Hearts, Whole Minds: Building SEL & Wellbeing in OST Spaces. It was truly meaningful to spend time with such a dedicated group of elementary OST professionals who show up every day with care, patience, and commitment to young people.

Together, we explored how Social Emotional Learning and trauma-informed practices can support both youth and adults, and created space to reflect on the emotional labor of this work. Through Story Circles, participants shared powerful moments of connection and support, practiced active listening, and lifted up the strengths and compassion that exist across our OST community.

We also spent time reflecting on what fills and drains our cups, recognizing the experiences that energize us and the challenges that impact our capacity. These conversations highlighted the importance of noticing our own wellbeing, supporting one another, and identifying small, meaningful shifts that can help sustain us in our roles.

Finally, through the Pause. Feel. Respond. scenarios, we practiced responding to real-life OST situations with empathy, emotional safety, and thoughtful boundaries focusing on compassionate, realistic strategies that center regulation, relationships, and belonging.

Thank you again for your openness, participation, and the care you bring to this work. Your voices, insights, and shared experiences make these network spaces so powerful. We look forward to continuing to learn and grow together.

Attached you will find our SEL slide, SEL facilitator's guide,  and SEL activities. Please feel free you utilize these with your team!