​â¶Ä‹SAN JOSE, CA – April 16-20, is set aside to honor volunteers in our Public Schools. This year, the º¬Ðß²ÝÉçÇø Board of Education (SCCBOE) will honor The Art of Yoga Project on Wednesday, April 18, during its regular board meeting.
"The Volunteer of the Year recognition program​ honors an individual or group that has volunteered their time, knowledge and skills, and provides an outstanding contribution to the County Office's student programs," says County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mary Ann Dewan.
The Art of Yoga Project is a 501(c)(3) which focuses on rehabilitating marginalized and justice-involved girls by preparing them for a positive future. Partnering with º¬Ðß²ÝÉçÇø Office of Education Court Schools Blue Ridge at William F. James Ranch and Osborne at the Juvenile Hall, this program leads at-risk, exploited and incarcerated girls toward accountability to self, others, and community by providing practical tools to effect behavioral change.
A student in the program says "a wish I have for myself is to be the independent woman I was raised to be."
Receiving the award will be Monique Wright, site director at Osborne and Serena Martinez-Coleman, site director at Blue Ridge.
The Art of Yoga Project provides a sincere, honest, grounded community to the students. Students find their grace and warmth while they explore the practice of yoga and art.
"Because of the program, students experience an increased sense of confidence, have found inner peace, and use meditative practices to reduce violence," adds Dewan.
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The Alternative Education Department (AED) provides educational services for students who have been unsuccessful in other educational settings for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to social, emotional, economic, and legal issues. The Alternative Education Department serves at-risk and incarcerated youth in two types of settings: (1) Juvenile Probation Department facilities – Juvenile Hall, Ranch facilities, and Alternative Collaborative Programs; and (2) Community Schools serving students released from their home districts. AED emphasizes improving students' literacy, numeracy, and social skills. AED also provides opportunities for preparation for future employment through job development, Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses and the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET). All students participate in the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). Our Course of Studies in the core subject areas address the California Academic Content Standards, and students actively earn credits toward graduation.
