ASAS DC is committed to supporting our staff and students. In September 2022, we began our mental wellness initiative to respond to the increased need for mental wellness support after the pandemic. We integrate social-emotional learning, a type of learning to help students understand and manage their emotions, while building empathy, in all our programs. Mental wellness is infused in several enrichment offerings: yoga, dance, mindfulness and self-expression, and visual and performing arts.
In addition, we promote mental wellness through our mentorship program and in collaboration with Minds in Motion Therapeutic Services (MIMTS). MIMTS is a group of former DCPS educators and licensed therapists, who lead monthly mental wellness circles at site, creating a safe place for students to process emotions and facilitate conversations on life challenges.
MIMTS works with the Youth Advisory Board (YAB), a group of ASAS student leaders, to understand which mental wellness topics are most relevant to kids their age. In addition, MIMTS leads training sessions for our staff and mentors on how to provide mental wellness support to youth in a culturally competent way. These trainings multiply the number of people in our schools who are able to provide this kind of support.
We are committed to uplifting our students, building their confidence, and fostering positive futures.