April 25, 2005

Maria Sánchez Elementary School Announces Third Annual Health Fair
Health fair to focus on key health topics for children and their families

HARTFORD, Conn. – Maria Sánchez Elementary School will hold its third annual Health Fair, at the school, on May 6, 2005. The Health Fair includes a series of health related exhibits for all grades, and parents of every student. The Fair has a special focus on healthy living and safety at home. The event is held in the school’s gymnasium and consists of a collection of booths on these important health concerns.

“The positive impact the Health Fair can have on the children, their families and the community is significant,” states Dr. Delia Bello, Principal of Maria Sánchez. “We remain committed to supporting the development of our students in all aspects of their lives.”

Planning, coordination and implementation of the Health Fair activities is being supported by the Prasanthi Center of West Hartford. The Prasanthi Center began its support of Maria Sánchez by developing a deep understanding of unmet needs at the school. Over time, Prasanthi Center volunteers have developed an action oriented support strategy for the school.

“The Prasanthi Center is dedicated to the education and service needs of our society with the goal of uplifting humanity.” states Jatin DeSai, Executive Director of the Center. “We enjoy a strong relationship with the Sánchez Elementary School by offering meaningful support in helping the school meet its far reaching objectives.” Recently the Center sponsored Values workshops for teachers and administrators; and a two week, school-wide celebration of Universal Human Values.

Background Information on Maria Sánchez Elementary School and the Prasanthi Center Trust

Maria Sánchez Elementary School is located in Hartford CT and has an enrollment of approximately 600 students. The school has both bilingual and mainstream classes and has a computer lab of 20 computers in the media center with each classroom having an additional two computers for student and teacher use. Sánchez staff is very diverse and is a living model for respectful multiculturalism as student and staff languages and cultures are celebrated. The average number of years experience teaching in Connecticut is ten while nearly 80% of teachers hold a Master’s Degree or above. The school is focused on achieving the mission of the Hartford Public School System.

The Prasanthi Center Trust was incorporated in 1993 and it operates the Prasanthi Center located in West Hartford, Connecticut. It is a non-denominational, non-political, non-profit organization established and operated by trustees and members dedicated to the service and uplifting of humanity. The trustees and the members believe in the universal truth that all human beings must develop faith in themselves and in the Spirit within us; to follow the spiritual path of our choice and to render selfless service to mankind.