Above: SCF supported a Neary School request to support teaching students how to use yoga to reduce stress. (contributed photos)
An elementary school Phys.Ed. teacher reached out with news out of Neary School. She asked me to share with readers news about a wellness program recently held thanks to funding by the Southborough Community Fund.
SCF awarded a mini-grant to support “Yoga to Prioritize Emotional and Physical Health” at Neary School. The program took place during NSBORO Schools’ “Wellness Week”.
Melissa Nash, Neary’s the 4th/5th grade PE teacher wrote that the program was also timed for students’ MCAS preparation. She explained:
Emma Bartolini (certified yoga instructor at Children’s Mindful Yoga) [led] yoga, meditation and mindfulness sessions during one of each Neary class’s PE periods. Classes happened [in early April] and included breathing exercises, as well as guided meditation & relaxation strategies to support students’ full mind and body wellness. We thought it would benefit students, particularly around this time of year when MCAS testing is happening. The hope is that they will start to independently use some of the strategies that they learned to lessen stress and anxiety.
Below are photos she shared from the classes:
For those unfamiliar, Southborough Community Fund was established in 2014 by local residents to promote “a spirit of philanthropic giving to enhance the quality of life for all residents.” Years ago, it merged with the Southborough Education Fund to include grants to the schools for educational programs as well. The fund is part of the 501(c)3 for the Community Foundation for MetroWest. You can learn more here.
