Originally published on ABC New Channel 20 on Sept. 19, 2024

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS) — Anassociate professor in the School of Education at the University of Illinois Springfield, is partnering with Springfield Public Schools District 186 to integrate yoga and social-emotional learning (SEL) into the curriculum.

Jennifer Martinrecently led a project combining a memoir-writing group with SEL and yoga workshops at Douglas Alternative School.

This initiative involved ninth-grade students, who created their own memoirs and engaged in yoga, breathing techniques and SEL practices. Feedback indicated that students found the breathing exercises effective for managing stress and improving emotional well-being.

Martin is also starting a yoga club at Hazel Dell Elementary School, targeting fifth-grade students during the Boys and Girls Club after-school program.This program aims to introduce younger students to yoga and SEL practices to support their physical, emotional and mental development.

Martin’s project aligns with new Illinois legislation, effective Jan. 1, 2025, which requires 20 minutes of yoga or meditation in schools. This new law, championed by State Senator Rachel Ventura, emphasizes the role of these practices in supporting student health and learning.

JOLIET — State Senator Rachel Ventura announced that over a dozen school districts across the area will receive over $5.6 million in additional funding to help address the financial challenges of recent years.

“The evidence-based funding formula has continually invested in classrooms across the state and has a proven track record of helping schools that need it most,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Regardless of ZIP code or financial status, Illinois remains committed to providing the best high equality education for students.”

JOLIET – State Senator Rachel Ventura joined the Office of the State Fire Marshal in announcing applications are now being accepted for the Small Equipment Grant Program.

“Our first responders are essential to keeping our communities safe, and without the proper gear they need they could be putting themselves and their communities in danger,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “I highly encourage fire departments and nonprofit ambulance services in the 43^rd District to apply to this grant program so that they will be protected while on the job and be able to help better protect residents.”

JOLIET – Following  a federal judge’s ruling that the Illinois Department of Corrections must move most of the incarcerated individuals out of the Stateville Correctional Center by the end of September, State Senator Rachel Ventura (D-Joliet) released the following statement:

“After working intimately with system impacted individuals at Stateville, I recognize how important educational programs are at the facility. As the state transitions individuals out of Stateville, I am advocating for them to be placed in facilities that meet their needs, including those pertaining to education, accessibility and workforce and restorative justice programming.

“I encourage the Department of Corrections to work with all stakeholders, including AFSCME, universities, families and restorative justice programs to make sure the transition fulfills the needs of those impacted.

“We must keep stakeholders, families and employees in mind during this transition and be cognizant of their limitations and financial barriers when it comes to transporting these individuals and job relocation. I will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure all parties are given full transparency.”