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Lonnie Jackson students lead mindfulness "Be Aware" ambassador program; school reports drop in referrals
Summary
Lonnie Jackson Academy presented a student-led social-emotional learning program, Be Aware Ambassadors, adapted from the Just Breathe for Kids curriculum; school leaders reported discipline referrals fell from about 128 to 25 and said continued funding is uncertain.
Lonnie Jackson Academy principal Candace Lockhart told the Muscogee County School District board on May 12 that the school’s student-led Be Aware Ambassador program, adapted from the Just Breathe for Kids curriculum, has produced measurable behavior changes since it launched in January.
The program trains fourth graders in brief breathing exercises, mindful movement and a “mindful minute” that students use to calm themselves and support classmates. Lockhart said the school began a full partnership with Just Breathe midyear and created the ambassador leadership model in January so students could sustain the work when outside partners are not onsite.
"We started last year, but did not get to to have the full school year. We found out about Just breathe midyear," Lockhart said. She told the board that the school’s discipline referrals "decreased, actually, from 128 to 25 in the past year." The ambassadors visit younger grade levels to lead short mindfulness exercises.
Jami Castano, identified as the school’s partner in education with Just Breathe, described the program components and said the curriculum has three parts: breathing skills, mindful movement and a visualized stillness practice. Fourth-grade students Kania Brumfield, Christian Brumfield, Krish Brumfield and Ria Jones introduced themselves as Be Aware ambassadors and briefly demonstrated techniques for board members.
Board member Janice Chambers praised the leadership element and asked how the three-day-per-week program fits the school schedule. Lockhart said sessions are scheduled through the specials rotation and that ambassador sessions run about 50 minutes during the specials block so teachers retain planning and collaborative time.
School leaders told the board the program is federally funded but that future federal and state funding is uncertain. When asked about sustainability, Lockhart said, "At this time, we are not we will not, but, we are looking to work to try to get our, get this program and some of the important techniques to continue." Castano and school staff said they are seeking additional funding to continue the program beyond the current grant period.
Board members and staff asked for follow-up information about funding sources and program scale; Miss Chambers noted longitudinal academic effects take more time to measure and urged the district to seek sustainable funding if early results persist.
Lockhart closed by thanking the board and the Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation for recognition of district teachers and for supporting partnerships with community providers. The presentation included student demonstrations and a request for help finding ongoing funding.
