First graders at Bright School practice yoga. From left, Stewart Hartman, Jack Hunt, Kollin Klaridy, Kendall Rizer, Sophia Moses, and Nishka Shah.
The Bright School garnered the most votes in a Facebook voting competition sponsored by Yoga Recess. As a result, the school receives a $1,000 grant to help fund the integration of yoga into the classroom.
Yoga Recess is a nonprofit that exists to inspire teachers to practice yoga in schools. The organization’s mission is to foster health, happiness, creativity, compassion and integrity in students through yoga.
“At Bright School, teachers lead students in exciting and engaging activities every day,” said Denise Cooper, the first grade teacher who initiated the grant application and a certified children’s yoga instructor. “Yoga in the classroom is a great way to give students practice in the skills of unity, peace, focus and harmony.
The grant will fund a lending library for teachers, new yoga mats and yoga training for the school’s guidance counselor to become a children’s yoga instructor.
“We are pleased to be the recipients of this wonderful grant,” said Kim Brown, Bright School’s director of Advancement. “In addition to strong academic preparation, Bright School offers elementary school students a multitude of platforms that assist in their development. Yoga is a natural element to incorporate into the elementary school environment, and the children benefit immensely.”
Denise Cooper, center, first grade teacher at Bright School, leads students Acheson Graham (left) and Sophia Baleeiro in yoga exercises.