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January 30, 2011 With Saint Paul Public Schools

Keep an eye on our website to see the showcasing of student success stories from The Lab.
www.thelabspps.com

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Click on the link below to find us!

http://on.fb.me/fEAqfa

Youth Poetry Sidebar

 REMEMBER,
by a HARDING POET:

I remember when I used to be
A kid that hates getting
the 3rd degree
When I lived, laughed and love
Daydream to the stars above
I had friends of many,
some smart, some dumb
Either way, we always had fun
Now every passing year,
my brain developed new
Like being marinated
in an open stew
All seemed wrong,
not what I wanted to be
Life is hard and rough
without a way to be free
As long as I can remember
to dream
As long as I continue to be positive
to the open seas
I’ll find a way to stay in touch
with the kid in me.

I AM,
by WASHINGTON POET:

I’m the realest that you’ll ever know
And I am a light,
I forever glow
I had to let you know
and when it comes to football,  
I always give a show
Touchdown, touchdown!
I either run or throw
I’m the quarterback,
that’s just how it goes

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For more information about
THE LAB email Mary Tinucci at Mary.Tinucci@spps.org

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Artist Spotlight: Noah Brandow

We are so lucky to have Noah Brandow, a local visual artist, spoken word poet and musician on-board at The Lab. Being able to feature local guest artists is so important to what we are trying to do at the Lab -- to inspire youth.  Noah B. does just that.  Each time he takes the stage, co-facilitates a small group, or sits down with a single young artist, he is all heart, and all talent.  He is all things hope .  When asked why he has decided to share his time, energy and gifts with students at The Lab, Noah replied, " I had my own mentors in my music and art life, and they helped put me on a right path, and now, I want to give back in this same way " .   Click the following link to hear one of Noah's songs called HOMETOWN. http://thelabspps.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Hometown-1.mp3

What's Happening @ The LAB?

We are off to the races with our "Second Session Services".   It's so exciting to see all of the students coming to The Lab to participate in such a variety and number of small groups and 1x1 mentorships each week.  Check out this summary of what's going on around The Lab this term.  In each of these experiences, we help youth explore/practice the use of creativity & experiential wellness activities as healthy coping strategies for life.

1. African Drumming with Jason and Guest Artist Marc Anderson (www.fathands.com) - St. Andrews young men's group

2. Poetry & Recording with Glo and Jordan - Highland young men's group

3. Writing, Art & Wellness with Melissa and Tess and 1000 Petals/Kathy Flaminio (www.1000-petals.com) - Highland young women's group

4. Visual Art groups with Kyle and Ginny - two River East classrooms

5. Animal Assisted Education Group with Kelly and Jennifer Troy of Paws for Learning (www.pawsforlearning.com) - Ramsey Jr. High

6. Yoga & Mindfulness with Jason & Faith McGown/wellness coach (www.WellWellWellcoach.com) - River East classroom

7. Visual Art Group with Kyle and local artist Matt Eckhard - Battle Creek Middle School

8. Poetry & Recording with Glo & Noah Brandow - Washington Middle School

9. 1x1 mentorships with 22 students coming from (RIver East, W. 7th, Ramsey, Central, Highland, Washington)

10. Monthly Enrichment Programming for 10 school programs.  Click the following link to read a Blog post from Tess, who describes what the world of Enrichments look and feel like at The Lab.   http://thelabspps.com/2011/01/another-lab-superstar-tess-pease/

Tess Pease Describes our Enrichment Program

Tess paints a great picture of our Enrichment Program. Click the link under her picture to read her blog. http://thelabspps.com/2011/01/another-lab-superstar-tess-pease/

Thanks Wet Paint!

Thanks to our wonderful local art supply store, Wet Paint, we garnered $700 worth of art supplies at the art-donation drive held at their store in December. Thanks to all of you who went to Wet Paint and purchased something for The Lab! It is already being put to good use in the three visual art groups with River East and Battle Creek students, as well as with 1x1 visual art mentorships.