Next week we will begin creating works in response to social issues the students identify and wish to talk about. and….Please enjoy these photos of our process and of the final murals we created!

This week, they had a chance to perform again at the Advocates for Achievement (AFA), an African/ African-American Employee Resource Group in Saint Paul Public Schools.  They had selected Glo to be honored for his contributions to SPPS and the African/African-American community.  He was recognized at their 3rd Annual Employee Recognition Program at Rondo Education Center on  Thursday, May 17, 2012.  It was very exciting & special for the students to be there to perform and support Glo!

On Wednesday, Master Gardener Lynda Anderson joined us and we tested various types of soil from different areas. We looked at the amount of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and the pH of the soil and talked about what is necessary for growing healthy plants. We also talked about what you can do to improve the health of soil for growing great plants! We’re looking forward to working with Lynda more over the next few weeks to keep learning about gardening as we move towards planting our own garden next fall.

This week, students were able to hear from two fantastic guest speakers- Annie Vann and Lynda Anderson. On Tuesday, Annie Vann joined us Tuesday from the Ramsey County Extension Office to talk about nutrition and physical activity. After getting a few minutes of physical activity in, Annie taught us about the importance of eating a healthy breakfast, the importance of getting 30-60 minutes of exercise each day, and gave us some easy ways to remember these key concepts. She also taught us how to make a quick fruit and yogurt parfait using plain yogurt mixed with a small amount of sugar free instant vanilla pudding mix (we all agreed it tasted like cake batter but was much, much healthier for us- and you can use almost any kind of pudding mix you like!). We added frozen strawberries that were slightly thawed and added in some low fat granola. It was a great treat for our class and a good example of how easy it can be to make a nutritious breakfast you can easily take with you on your way out the door.

And…..Coming Soon…..
Students in the Wellness Lab Pathway are busy brainstorming and planning for a service-learning project that will take place on TUESDAY, JUNE 5 from 12pm-2pm at Journeys Secondary School. The project will feature a fundraiser basketball tournament in which players will pay to enter and play. There will also be food for sale. Proceeds raised at the event will benefit an organization that works to bring an end to gun violence. Students are researching possible agencies who work on this issue.   Students in the wellness pathway collectively decided that the main purpose of the project was to raise awareness and money for such an organization because they want to bring an end to gun violence, and want to help an organization that has a strong mission t0 do this. We are looking forward to seeing how this project unfolds over the coming weeks and hope to see you at the event! 

The Lab offers a unique experience for AmeriCorps Promise Fellows to grow as leaders, developers, and organizers in a supportive work-environment and participate in the development and management of a creative arts organization in a public school setting during the 2012 – 2013 school year.

** Please Note these qualifications:

Requirements

• Must be 18 years old*
• U.S. Citizen or U.S. National or have status as a Lawful Permanent Resident Alien
• Please note that final candidates will be required to successfully pass a background check before being officially enrolled by the Minnesota Alliance With Youth.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in youth, service, education, and non-profit work
• Ability to work with at-risk youth/urban youth who have significant behavioral challenges
• Ability to work in an environment that is fast-paced
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Self-motivated, ability to takes initiative and able to work independently
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to present oneself in a highly professional manner and to be an ambassador of the program
• *****Promise Fellows may NOT be in school full-time and serve at the same time.
• Knowledge and competence in basic computer literacy (word, powerpoint, google etc…)

This position requires excellent oral & written communication skills, and proficiency in use of computers (Microsoft Office Word and Excel). Please note that The Lab uses Mac computers and programs.  The AmeriCorps Promise Fellow  will work collaboratively on the team in data collection and developing/utilizing organizational systems. The Promise Fellow will work with LAB staff to regularly evaluate and develop the program as it grows in its capacity to serve Journeys Secondary School.

Americorps Promise Fellow Position

This Promise Fellow will use the best local dropout prevention strategies and data to drive student goals and activities at The Lab. Additionally, they will engage students in civic engagement activities throughout the year, organize field trips, guest speakers and other special events to make learning and being at school more engaging and relevant to youth who are disengaged and at risk of dropping out.

This Promise Fellow will also assist with recruiting, hiring, training, and supporting volunteer artists and mentors; coordinate creative wellness activities for urban youth; manage and maintain organizational systems; and promote The Lab throughout the wider St. Paul Public Schools and Twin Cities communities.

For this position, The Lab is seeking someone with excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, as well as a willingness to work collaboratively and with a variety of people, including urban youth, school staff, artists, musicians, and community members.

Application Process

Apply to become an AmeriCorps Promise Fellow by E-MAILING your cover letter and resume to:

Mary Tinucci, LICSW, MSW
mary.tinucci@spps.org

Program Coordinator
The Lab @ Journeys Secondary School
St. Paul Public Schools
90 S. Western Avenue
St. Paul, MN  55102
www.thelabspps.com(651) 983-8159 (cell)

The Lab will accept applications beginning Wednesday, May 16th, 2012, and we will accept applications until Monday,June 4, 2012.
Priority will be given to early applicants.

No applications will be accepted after June 4, 2012.

Here is the link to the article.  Enjoy!

http://www.communityreporter.org/SCHOOL180#journeys

On Monday, students planted several seeds. Over the next 9 weeks, students will take care of these seedlings and track their growth until they eventually transplant them outside in our new school garden later this month.  Student will work with a team from Home Depot to design, build and plant our Journeys Community  Garden this spring as a part of the Wellness Pathway.

On Tuesday, students had the chance to participate in AnimalAssisted Education with Ms. Michelle and her three pups, Ranger, Luna and Dusty. The group talked about responsible pet ownership and how petting a dog can be so calming and can actually lower our blood pressure!

On Wednesday, we did Bike Spinning and “Spartacus” workout in the gym and are learning what their target heart rate during exercise is and how they can measure that. After that, students dissected a bean seed with Ms. Megan and learned what all of the parts of a seed are and how they contribute to the plant’s growth. They also learned about the other factors that contribute to solid plant growth. At the end of class, they began several experiments based on the things they learned to see if the hypothesis they made would actually happen.

On Thursday, students prepared a meal of tacos and smoothies to share as a group. They also discussed the culture of food and how it influences their lives and the lives of those around them.

Today (Friday), we will be doing Improv theater games, and talking about self-expression.  

When you think of writing in the sense of poetry and/or rapping, it’s real easy to just look at it as something fun to do, a nice hobby; it’s entertainment aspect. What is often neglected by the listener is the absolute release the poet / performer gets from being able to sit down with themselves, and if they are willing, really tell their story. Share their feelings. Expose their lives; the good and bad.  This is what The Poetry LAB is all about — self expression that serves the emotional health and sense of pride for our youth.

Here is one of the written pieces we wanted to share with you….

It’s hard out here trying to make a dime
Walking these streets, gun sounds going through my mind
I’ve been shot before but I ain’t really mind
because my brother and my sister was always on my mind
I stay away from jail and coffins
and I’m at peace.

~ D

What you are about to hear is a sample of just SOME of what was recorded in our studio. This is our first recording and there is so much more they want to do with this song but if you listen, you’ll hear the sincerity and genuine relief of being able to express in a positive  way and more importantly, to be heard.

Click the arrow below to hear a recorded piece completed this week.

Here is a link to Walker West to learn more about this great music school:  http://www.walkerwestmusicacademy.org/HOME_.html

We are fundraising this effort via Donors Choose, and hope to (need to) raise the money by April 6th, so that we can offer this opportunity 4th quarter.

Here is the donors choose link: http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/proposal.html?id=758847&sharebar=true&utm_source=dc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=proposal_approve#materials

Please, can you help us fundraise for this project?  Spread the word and give a small something as you are able!

and, of course…..Please share this link  widely!

Onward.
Let’s Make Some Noise!

My position as an AmeriCorps Promise Fellow at The Lab started in August 2011. I am so excited to be adding this blog to the long  list of things I get to be a part of here at The Lab!

As an AmeriCorps Promise Fellow, I serve with the MN Alliance with Youth and am hosted by The Lab at Journeys Secondary School. My job here is to ensure all youth achieve success in school, work, and life. Promise Fellows focus on four strategies: 1) strengthening youth success in school and learning, 2) increasing youth contribution through service & leadership opportunities, 3) developing and magnifying youth voice, and 4) promoting collaboration and innovation. Our goal is to ensure every young person graduates school ready for college, work, and life and has a vision for their future.

So far this year, I’ve spent a lot of time working with 8th graders doing 1×1 mentorships, being a part of small group experiences, supporting classroom teachers, developing a system to track student academic, behavior, and attendance data and generally having a good time getting to know and support the kids. From October to December, I spent a portion of my time talking to 8th graders about global and local hunger issues and taking them on a field trip to pack meals at Feed My Starving Children. The kids helped to pack enough meals to feed 70 children for a year!

When I’m not busy hanging out with the 8th graders, I’ve also been developing and implementing plans for The Lab @ Journey’s Urban Community Garden and a Health and Wellness Fair! I’m looking forward to getting these projects going and continuing to work closely with the 8th graders in the coming months.

I can’t wait to share tons of great stories with you!
That’s all for now!

Erin