Each day, Notre Dame Elementary School begins and ends the day in prayerful reflection. As a Catholic school, prayer and reflection are not foreign concepts, but a cornerstone of our Catholic faith. So, when the Mindful Classroom was introduced, its philosophy naturally complemented Notre Dame Elementary Schools’ mission, vision and core values.
The Mindful Classroom, developed by Mr. James Butler, is a program that uses 5 minute daily practices that empower teachers to help students focus on the present moment. Through yoga poses and breathing exercises, specifically designed for classrooms, students become aware of their bodies and surroundings; and develop a life-long capacity for self-awareness and stress management.
Each grade employs mindfulness in many different ways. In preschool, yoga is integrated into the core curriculum with students taking part in yoga classes each week. At the elementary, Mrs. Rachel Gardner’s 1st-grade class and Miss Julie Amantea’s 2nd-grade class, begin their daily math and reading lessons with yoga poses and breathing exercises. Before students settle into their desks, you will find them on the floor, legs crossed, eyes closed, deeply breathing and in the moment!
“I find the children are more focused on their lessons after a mindful moment”, shares Miss Julie Amantea.
“The exercises are fun and the children really look forward to these mindful moments each day”, states Mrs. Rachel Gardner.
In today’s rapidly changing world, children face unique social and emotional challenges. NDES understands and is responding by empowering our children with self-awareness tools they can use to develop resilience, confidence and faith on life’s journey.
First Lego Robot Mania
On Saturday, November 11th, all four Notre Dame Elementary School First Lego League (FLL) Robotics teams tested their Lego Robotics knowledge and skills at a scrimmage held at Willoughby School of Innovation.
“This was a tremendous learning opportunity. Our students learned from other students as well as began to understand the competition process,” shares Mrs. Halle Davis, Notre Dame Elementary School STEM teacher. “We have much work to complete for the December competition, but we are on target for a first-year team.”
In addition to the after school FLL Robotics teams, Notre Dame Elementary School offers STEM enrichment classes and integrates STEM content and techniques within the core curriculum. In December, students will be competing in the FLL Regional Tournament held at Avon Middle School. We wish them luck!
About Notre Dame Schools
Notre Dame Schools (NDES and NDCL) are located at 13000 Auburn Road in Munson Township. Notre Dame Schools engage students from preschool through high school in an exceptional Catholic education, focused on loving, respecting, and educating all to discover and develop their God-given talents.
Pictured In Cover Photo: Notre Dame Elementary School 1st grade students Emily Boehnlein (Novelty), Landon Beach-Stuart (Middlefield), Joshua Kalman (Hiram) practice Mindfulness.
