McDonough Fdn. Grant to FDPS Supports Yoga in Schools
DUBUQUE, IOWA--The James B. and Melita A. McDonough Foundation recently granted $20,000 to the Foundation for Dubuque Public Schools (FDPS) in support of a classroom yoga pilot program at four Dubuque Community School District elementary schools.
Challenge to Change Inc., a local studio that specializes in yoga for children, is partnering with FDPS and the Dubuque Community School District to implement yoga and mindfulness practices in the classrooms at Fulton, Lincoln, Sageville, and Kennedy elementary schools. Throughout the 2017-2018 school year, these four schools will receive teacher education, support tools, and classroom teaching strategies to help students self-regulate and practice the art of mindfulness.
Studies of mindfulness programs in schools have found that regular practice — even just a few minutes per day — can improve student self-control, increase classroom focus, participation, respect for others, happiness, optimism, and self-acceptance levels. These improvements lead to stronger student connections with their schools, teachers, and peers, which also helps to reduce absenteeism and disciplinary issues.
In addition to the pilot program, the McDonough grant provides funding for up to 23 scholarships for teachers to enroll in classroom mindfulness and yoga training through the Keystone Area Education Agency. The classes will be led by Molly Schreiber and Challenge to Change staff. All Dubuque Community School District certified teachers and school counselors are eligible to apply for the scholarships through the Foundation for Dubuque Public Schools at www.dbqfoundation.org/FDPS. Applications will be open on Friday, September 8th.
For more information, contact Jennifer Klinkhammer, FDPS executive director, at Jennifer@dbqfoundation.org or 563.588.2700 or visit www.dbqfoundation.org/FDPS.
The Foundation for Dubuque Public Schools (FDPS) promotes the importance of public education by increasing community investment for the enhancement of student achievement in the Dubuque Public Schools. FDPS board members and staff fulfill this mission by securing financial gifts and grants for school programs and projects that are not currently supported by public tax dollars. Learn more at www.dbqfoundation.org/FDPS
The James B. and Melita A. McDonough Foundation promotes charitable, educational and health related activities and opportunities to children and families in Eastern Iowa. The Foundation offers support to local non-profit organizations that provide educational opportunities, human and social services, and health care for children and their families. Learn more at www. http://mcdonoughcharitablefoundation.org