The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Mindfulness program debuts at Avon East
A new program at Avon East Elementary School encouraging students to be “mindful,” debuted on Jan. 8.
A new program at Avon East Elementary School encouraging students to be “mindful,” debuted on Jan. 8.
The “SOAR-STICE” initiative will last throughout the school year integrating mindfulness to students by including yoga and a number of classroom lessons focusing on happiness, self-compassion and loving yourself, according to a news release.
The Jan. 8 session included a number of different lessons, including “I like myself” and “I believe in myself” followed by a showing of the film “Inside Out” at the end of the day.
An evening program for parents will take place at 6:30 p.m., Jan. 16, at the school and will focus on sharing what the students are doing, as well as how to use the activities with the students at home over the next few months.
The program will follow up with students participating in a “mindful” event on the first Monday of every month in addition to the publication of a monthly “Mindful Monday” newsletter that will have parenting tips and a summary of the monthly lessons, according to the release.
Local businesses will participate in the program signified by displaying a SOAR-STICE Eagle, which will serve to remind students to spread kindness and discuss mindfulness behaviors, the release said.
Students also received sunshine bracelets from the business as a reminder to spread kindness.
The program is part of the mission of the Avon Local School District in striving to educate students on the importance of being good and respectful citizens, the release said.