Third grade teacher Kelly Mathis told the school board last week that third and fourth graders are participating in a study to test the benefits of yoga in the classroom. The study is being conducted through the University of Arkansas Department of Agriculture to observe effects of yoga on stress reduction and behavior in the classroom.
Mathis said yoga reportedly reduces anger and fatigue and improves cognitive function and attitude, so the study tests whether 15 minutes each day makes a difference. This program is being conducted at schools in 15 states, and parents gave permission for their kids to participate.
“I do it with them. I’m a believer,” Mathis said. “It started out goofy,” she said, but now they are halfway through the nine-week study, and students are more serious about it. “They are definitely focused, but it’s too early to see big changes.” Mathis said she adds a guided meditation at the end of the session in which she tells her students to “let your worries go out the top of your head.”
Elementary principal Clare Lesieur noted one classroom acts as a control group by not performing the yoga. Data on students in both classes were recorded before the study began and will be collected after the program for comparison. The control group will also have its turn at yoga once the first study is completed.
Mathis said she hopes to continue the yoga after the study.
Mold puts plans on hold
Supt. Bryan Pruitt announced the plan to have an after school program at the Community Center was put on hold because mold was discovered at the gymnasium. Instead, the program will temporarily be moved in the elementary school cafeteria. The extra traffic in the cafeteria will add to the janitorial duties there, but not for long. Larson said the Community Center Foundation is already working on mold remediation.
Final items
- The board approved purchase of a new school bus for $92,360 through a state-wide bus purchasing program. Pruitt urged the board to continue purchasing a new bus every year. Once four more are purchased, the district will be able to replace a bus once its warranty is up.
- The board also approved demolition of the old trades building on the Community Center property. Larson called the structure a “leaking money pit” and said the intent is to remove the structure but keep the slab and eventually construct a greenhouse on it.
- After an executive session, the board approved these actions:
- Bryan Pruitt’s contract was extended one year to June 2020;
- The resignations of Kathy Elmore (teacher) and John Cummings (food service) were accepted;
- John Cummings was hired as aide and Maria Ellis was hired for one extra period per day.
Next meeting will be Tuesday, April 11, at 5:30 p.m.