In a remarkable shift away from traditional disciplinary methods, a school in Baltimore has replaced detention with a meditation initiative that’s proving beneficial for its students. The Robert W. Coleman School has implemented a meditation program designed to empower young minds and foster emotional resilience. One has to wonder, did detention ever truly help anyone?
Instead of sitting idle in silence, students now participate in the Holistic Me after-school program, where they engage in yoga, mindfulness, meditation, and breath work. This award-winning program not only includes extracurricular activities and academic support but also provides meals. According to the Open Society Institute-Baltimore, this approach equips children with vital skills for resolving conflicts peacefully, enhancing focus, and managing emotions. The positive impact is evident: the school has not issued a single suspension in the two years since launching the program.
“Children in under-resourced areas often face significant stress due to hunger or social stigma,” said program founder Jake Turner. “But students in private schools feel pressure too, whether from academic expectations or strained family dynamics. Regardless of the source, if kids don’t learn to cope, it can be damaging.” Turner, along with his brother, Max, and their friend, Carlos Rivera, founded Holistic Me to share their passion for mindfulness learned from their father, who instilled the practice in them from a young age.
Now in its 15th year, Holistic Me serves over 120 students across 13 schools. The program not only teaches mindfulness but also leadership, as students take turns leading yoga sessions with adult supervision. “It’s amazing to see the kids grow in confidence and develop their leadership skills,” Rivera noted.
Alongside yoga and meditation, students can participate in various activities, including art, sports, and STEM projects, with volunteers available for tutoring and homework assistance. The skills learned extend well beyond the program. “We provide our kids with tools to handle life’s challenges,” Turner explained. “They learn to find their inner peace, which is invaluable both now and in the future. We remind them that even when chaos surrounds them, they can always return to this place of calm within themselves.”
For more insights on similar positive initiatives, check out this blog post that explores the benefits of mindfulness in educational settings. Additionally, if you’re interested in home insemination options, a reputable online retailer of at-home insemination syringe kits can be found here. For comprehensive information on pregnancy, visit this excellent resource.
Summary
The Robert W. Coleman School in Baltimore has replaced detention with a meditation program called Holistic Me, focusing on mental and emotional well-being for students. The initiative has helped improve focus and conflict resolution, resulting in zero suspensions over the past two years. With a variety of activities and leadership opportunities, the program equips children with lifelong skills for managing stress and achieving inner peace.
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