Every Monday after school at Academy the gym is transformed into a yoga studio, with colorful mats covering the floor as children move into positions like 'eagle pose.'

Ellen Vlachos heads up Academy Street PTA's Enrichment Committee- the group focuses on developing fun and educational programs for the students. Yoga classes have been given for the past two years as part of Academy's enrichment services. Vlachos said yoga began in November and runs for six weeks.

When yoga instructor Jennifer Orobello first started the classes, there were just a handful of kids, now the class is maxed out at 25 children.

“Children use their natural abilities to do yoga and they find a joy in it," Orobello said." They also like the poses that incorporate some movement the best.”

After class, eight-year-old Riley Clare was demonstrating his favorite pose, and said he's discovered that yoga is helpful in other parts of his life. 

“I like doing 'warrior two' because you bend your knees. I am use to bending my knees in football," he said. "I like taking the classes.”

Vlachos said there are other classes kids can take besides yoga- they usually offer several options.

"Our PTA offers many enrichment opportunities throughout the year, we currently have a chess program and a science program," she said. "In the spring we have art and gardening. I am hopeful that a new scrapbooking program will be offered too.”

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With a PTA for every school in the Bayport-Blue Point School District, it can be tough to keep track of all the events. Take a look at what's scheduled in the upcoming weeks.

Important Dates to remember:

• Dec. 2 – End of First Trimester for Grades K-5
• Dec. 5 - Chamber Tree Lighting at Bayport-Blue Point High School 7 p.m.
• Dec. 15 & 16 – 11:30 a.m. Dismissal for All Elementary Schools Parent-Teacher Conferences
• There are No PTA Meetings in December

Academy Street Elementary School

Dec. 8 – Winter Concert at High School Auditorium 7 p.m.

Dec. 9 – Holiday Fair

Blue Point Elementary School

Dec. 7 – Holiday Boutique

Dec. 8 – Holiday Boutique

Dec. 14 – Winter Concert at Middle School Auditorium 7 p.m.

Sylvan Avenue Elementary School

Sylvan Avenue PTA is on Facebook – please “like” them

Family Fun Night Ticket Presale – Purchase tickets before Dec. 6 for The Space Road Show on Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m.  Discount is $2 per person or $8 per family.  Questions contact Melissa Entwhistle at Melissa.Entwistle@yahoo.com

Dec. 7 – Winter Concert at High School Auditorium 7 p.m.

Dec. 8 – Holiday Fair

Dec. 9 – Holiday Fair, Spirit Day and Family Fun Night - The Space Road Show at 7:30 p.m.

James Wilson Young Middle School

Dec. 12 – Winter Concert for grade 8, 7 p.m. at High School Auditorium

Dec. 13 – Winter Concert for grade 6, 7 p.m. at High School Auditorium

Dec. 15 – Winter Concert for grade 7, 7 p.m. at High School Auditorium

Dec. 19 – Picture Retakes and Club Photos

Bayport-Blue Point High School 

Dec. 3 -  SAT I & II

Dec. 20 – Winter Concert for Orchestra and Concert Band at 7 p.m.

Dec. 21 – Winter Concert for Chorus and Symphonic Band at 7 p.m.

Jan. 6 - An Evening with Psychic Jeffrey Wands at Bayport-Blue Point High School 7:30 p.m.  Adult Audience Only.  Purchase tickets at BrownPaperTickets.com $35 each.  More info Christine 631-804-9805 or 631-921-2017