The Laredo Independent School District (LISD) has introduced a new initiative, “Breathe for Change,” aimed at improving social-emotional learning and overall wellness for both students and staff. This program, spearheaded by certified district counselors trained in mindfulness practices, will be implemented across all grade levels, helping students develop essential skills for stress management and coping.
The initiative recently commenced at LISD, with Nixon High School senior Laisha Iranifrias participating in one of the district-wide yoga classes. “The yoga session was really relaxing and peaceful,” Iranifrias said. “You come out feeling confident after learning how to breathe and stay calm in tense moments. It helps you deal with difficult situations. My favorite position was Savasana.”
The “Breathe for Change” program is a 200-hour certification course that enables educators nationwide to share insights on integrating social-emotional learning strategies in the classroom. The training, primarily conducted via Zoom over 12 weeks, included practicing yoga sequences, developing implementation strategies, and leading sessions for peer feedback.
Five LISD administrators have become certified through this program: Monica Jackson, counselor at Nixon High School; Cindy Lopez, substance abuse coordinator; Teresa Gonzalez, counselor at Lara Academy; Lidia Oviedo, counselor at Daiches Elementary; and Anna Gomez, counselor at J.C. Martin Elementary.
Cindy Dominguez, director of Guidance and Counseling/At-Risk Population, emphasized the program’s transformative potential: “By incorporating mindfulness and yoga into our school environment, we are empowering our counselors to guide our students in managing stress and developing resilience, creating a culture of wellness that benefits the entire school community.”
Daiches Elementary counselor Lidia Oviedo also noted the program’s positive impact on both students and staff. “The goal is to use this with students and staff during Professional Learning Community meetings, staff development, or even small brain breaks,” she explained. “The kids love it. I’ve worked with students from kindergarten through fifth grade, and they enjoy coming to my office to focus and be mindful.”
Oviedo highlighted the importance of creating a calming space for students, acknowledging the stress they may feel due to academic pressures. “This program gives them moments to let go of stress and learn mindfulness techniques,” she said. “I’ve found that it benefits the teachers too, as they face daily challenges.”
The program also includes Chair Yoga, an accessible form of yoga that can be performed without getting on the floor. Oviedo has adapted sessions for her kindergarten students, incorporating fun and engaging movements. “Even though they were laughing during some of the movements, the kids felt relaxed afterward,” she noted.
With their certification, the five counselors are now registered yoga instructors, enabling them to teach not only within the district but also in the broader community. The long-term goal is to have a certified yoga instructor at every LISD campus, ensuring all students can benefit from this wellness initiative.
Currently, all district counselors have been trained in the Social Emotional Learning component, and certified counselors are sharing basic mindfulness activities with non-certified staff to promote stress relief among students.
“While we start with five certified counselors, this initiative marks the beginning of a future where yoga and mindfulness are integral to education, supporting the well-being of both students and educators,” a district spokesperson stated.
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