AASD Elementary School Counselors are using a resource this year called Sources of Strength as they teach Lifelong Skills lessons in the classroom. This resource will help students think about, develop, and practice positive social and emotional skills to identify and grow strengths in their lives. The resource is research-informed and is modeled after the evidence-based Sources of Strength program that has been in middle and high schools for decades.

The focus of Sources of Strength is to develop a school wellness model centered on building community, strength, resilience, and belonging for individuals and communities. At the core of the resource are eight Strengths: Family Support, Positive Friends, Mentors, Healthy Activities, Generosity, Spirituality, Physical Health, and Mental Health. Each lesson invites students to explore these Strengths in their own lives and empowers them to grow their Strengths. By doing so, students build resilience and promote health and wellness for themselves and others.

AASD families play an important role in helping their learners truly apply these Strengths in their lives. You are encouraged to ask your student what they have learned during the Sources of Strength lessons and how they are applying it in their own life. We invite you to join them in this learning process by naming Strengths that you feel strong in and the people, places and activities you use to navigate life’s ups and downs. You can find more information about the Sources of Strength Wheel at this link. Please do not hesitate to reach out to AASD Student Services with any questions.