|
The LAB Launch! (October 1st)
Please join us for an exciting conversation about The Lab. Learn about our creative programming, hear the perspective and enjoy the spoken word poetry of the Youth Advisory Team, share resources to support urban youth, & learn how to get involved! Date: Monday, October 1st Time: 3-5pm Location:
West 7th PAS
1780 W. 7th Street,
St. Paul MN 55116 Please RSVP to Mallory.Haar@spps.org
Big ups & never-ending THANKS to Reid Piefer and Neil Fasen of Giant Squid Industries for providing pro-bono work (that means for FREE, folks!) in the development and creation of our new logo, our E-Newsletter and our new cool Web design. You guys are AMAZING! (www.giantsquidindustries.com)
For more information about
THE LAB email Mallory Haar at mallory.haar@spps.org
Do you know someone who might want to read this newsletter? You can easily
forward up to five copies at once. |
 |
What's Up in The LAB?
Hello!
Let us Re-introduce ourselves. We used to be known as The Poetry Lab, but with a bigger vision and hard work, comes tranformation and growth. We are now known as The LAB
and we are truly excited about the upcoming school year. This name change is representative of the program’s expansion to include three additional modalities. In addition to Poetry, we now offer Visual, Technology, and Wellness Labs. Carrying on The Poetry Lab’s emphasis on community building and creative self-expression as method of healing, these new modalities will encourage youth to find new and healthy ways to manage their lives and to express themselves. The diverse array of experiential learning opportunities offered by The Lab gives students the ability to develop important new skills in areas such as visual art, photography, website maintenance, sound and video recording/editing, and experiential wellness activities such as rock climbing, ropes courses, yoga and meditative practices. Check out our new website to learn more about The Lab!
Welcome VISTA! (Program Assistant)
The Lab is pleased to introduce the newest member of its staff: Mallory Haar. Mallory comes to The Lab as an Americorps*VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America). The VISTA program places volunteers within nonprofit community agencies to help boost their sustainability. A recent graduate from Hollins University, Mallory will be with The Lab for a year of service. She holds an undergraduate degree in English and women's studies, and has worked as a teacher and tutor for both college and high school students. This year, Mallory will be working on volunteer recruitment, program development and evaluation, and will be co-facilitating The Lab at Central High School.
Welcome Interns!
The Lab is welcoming three interns to the team this year. Interns play a critical role in the implementation of The Lab's mission. They work two days per week at one site, working directly with students individually and in small groups. They collaborate with site staff to support the emotional health and academic success of our students. This year especially, interns will be contributing their own creative skills and expertise to The Lab's expanded curriculum.
Shoshana Sagner...
is currently pursuing her Master's of Social Work (MSW) at the University of St. Thomas and the College of St. Catherine. She holds an undergraduate degree in creative non-fiction writing from Sarah Lawrence College, and comes to The Lab with interests in writing, photography, yoga and dancing. This year, she will be working at Highland Park Junior High PAS.
Patrick Cunningham...
is in his second year of pursing his MSW from the University of St. Thomas and the College of St. Catherine. He holds an undergraduate degree in Fine Art and Art History from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. Currently, he works for the Amherst Wilder Foundation with Project Kofi, a culturally specific school and home-based program that focuses on boosting the positive functioning of African American boys. He has been a Project Kofi Counselor for eight years. Patrick has special interest in using creative arts therapy to heal families and youth in need. This year, Patrick will be providing service at the West 7th PAS program.
Becca Merton...
comes to The Lab as an intern through the Writing for Social Change program, offered by Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs (HECUA). Currently, she is pursuing her Bachelor's at the University of Minnesota in English and Youth Studies. Becca has previously interned at The Utne Reader and the Plymouth Christian Youth Center in north Minneapolis, where she oversaw the creation of the school's yearbook. Becca brings to The Lab a particular interest in hip hop and graphic design. Becca will be working first semester at Central PAS.
Georgia Duncan, MA, LSW (School Social Worker)
Georgia has been a long-time school social worker in St. Paul Public Schools, and joined The Poetry Lab in the Fall of 2006. She holds a Masters Degree in Spirituality and Leadership and she is passionate about group work, community building and working with youth. Her contributions, particularly in the area of wellness and community building, have helped transform The Poetry Lab into The Lab.
Mary Tinucci, MSW, LICSW (Program Coordinator)
Mary has been a school social worker in St. Paul for 16 years. She created The Poetry Lab in March, 2004. She is thrilled to see the transformation and growth of creative and experiential therapuetic services being offered to youth in St. Paul Public Schools.
|
