Canton Yoga Loft launches ‘Yoga in Schools’ program

CANTON — The Canton Yoga Loft has launched the “Yoga in the Schools” program collaborating with Canton, Potsdam and Edwards-Knox school districts.

Funding for these programs has been made available through the Canton Community Fund, Clarkson’s Lewis School of Health Sciences, and the Northern New York Community Foundation / John and Dorotha Van Ness Family Fund.

The goal of “Yoga in the Schools” is to provide group yoga classes as part of the physical education program and has gained support from school administrators, counselors, Positivity Project Advisors, and teachers, according to Jane Lammers of the Canton Yoga Loft.

This past fall 40 classes were led by yoga loft teacher Lori Dye, in grades 4–12, with over 300 students participating at both Edwards-Knox and at Potsdam schools.

In January & February, a new pilot program for high school students will be available at Potsdam Central High School, taught by Lori Dye; and an extensive series of group yoga classes at Canton Central will be taught by Yoga Loft instructor Sarah Scafidi-McGuire.

Scafidi-McGuire will teach classes for grades 3 – 8, as proposed by the Canton Central staff.

The Canton Yoga Loft’s “Yoga in the Schools” Coordinator Jane Lammers states, “The enthusiastic response from the larger community & individual schools has been terrific. With the skilled & energetic Yoga Loft teachers, Sarah Scafidi-McGuire & Lori Dye, we are able to respond to this interest with great pleasure! Congratulations to everyone involved in this innovative program, which extends the type & magnitude of the Yoga Loft’s long tradition of community service.”

“Yoga for student athletes is a good cross training activity and can help to prevent injuries,” she said. “Introducing young people to this beneficial practice is a great way to encourage a lifetime of fitness and wellness.

Funding organizations have been quite enthusiastic about the new Multi-District “Yoga in the Schools” program. …