No Name-Calling Week took place last week, January 21 st – 25 th . GLSEN (the Gay, Lesbian, Straight, Education Network) created No Name-Calling Week as a way to launch on-going dialogues in schools about name-calling of all kinds and provide schools with the tools and inspiration to do so. A national survey conducted by GLSEN in January, 2012 showed that “School climate and victimization can affect student educational outcomes and personal development at every grade level.” Some results from the survey are as follows. The percentages refer to the amount of students and teachers who heard this language regularly*: ·         Most common forms of biased language  in elementary schools, heard regularly by both students and teachers, are: The use of the word “gay” in a negative way, such as “that’s so gay” - Students: 45%; Teachers: 49% Comments like “spaz” or “retard” - Students: 51%; Teachers: 45%  Homophobic comments; using offensive terms for the word “gay” or “lesbian

ECA started the new year off with a collaboration project.  The students painted their hands and then spent a significant amount of time carefully making handprints to form this large piece art.  ECB & ECC also started the new year off with a collaboration . They first discussed the different biomes - ocean, jungle, and forest.  They talked about which animals live there and which plants grow there.  Then they split up into three groups and began by drawing the waves for the ocean, and the ground, sky and trees for the forest and the jungle.  They added more plants, animals, insects, and other things they would find in that habitat.  They were very creative and elaborate with their drawings! During the 3rd quarter, LE will be exploring different mediums in painting.  They started by exploring watercolor through creating winter trees.  This project was a great review of the elements of design. They first drew a tree using short and long lines to break up the space.  

The quality of life is in proportion, always, to the capacity for delight. The capacity for delight is the gift of paying attention .   Mary Sarton I believe it true that yoga is meditation in motion. As of late, our young yogis have been taking that motion into the woods of Abintra. Our walks through the woods exercise the body, and also provide opportunities for mindfulness activities. Walking slowly and quietly, we pay close attention to the muscles of the legs and feet, how we place our feet upon the ground, and how we keep our balance. We try to be aware of the things we might otherwise miss: the sound of the wind in the trees, the sight of woodpeckers and robins flitting from branch to branch, the textures and colors upon the rocks along the path. Occasionally, when available, we sit in a sunny spot just to pay attention to the sensation of warmth upon our faces. Our mindfulness hikes are certainly an enjoyable way to promote greater health and well being. -- By John Toomey