Welcome to Atzmi’s “My Best Self” Project!

We are thrilled that you have chosen to partner with us in our mission to support the well-being of our girls. This welcome packet is designed to assist you in navigating our “My Best Self” Project. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Program Structure

Our program consists of:

  • Student Workshops

  • Parent Seminar

  • Teacher Training

We recommend conducting the parent and teacher seminars before the student workshops for optimal outcome. However, we understand the challenges of scheduling and know that this isn’t always possible.

1: Student Workshops - Girl’s Program

  • Duration: 4 weeks, one workshop per week. The workshops are designed to be done in 4 one-hour sessions. If your class periods are shorter than one hour, then it is recommended that the sessions be broken up into a maximum of 6 sessions.

    This program is empirically designed. While the girls may want to have more discussion, deviating from the prescribed time frame might result in different outcomes meaning that THE EFFICACY OF THE PROGRAM COULD BE COMPROMISED and as such, we can no longer guarantee the outcome.

  • Facilitator Qualifications: We prefer the workshops be led by a faculty member other than the regular classroom teacher. This person should have a strong rapport with the girls and should have a certain level of comfort with the topics presented. The goal of this is that the presenter is familiar with the school sensitivities and culture, that sessions be scheduled when most convenient, and that schools will not incur a cost to bring in an external facilitator.

    Ideally, the facilitator will have experience in the classroom setting AND has a mental health background as well. The workshops are clearly laid out and user- friendly still someone with the skill of sharing stories and thinking out-of-the-box is a bonus!

  • Curriculum and Training: The program requires use of a web browser or PowerPoint AND internet access in the classroom and projector.

    To gain access the curriculum, please email shirli@atzmi.org. This will give you access to all training materials and videos. We recommend you take notes while you watch the training videos and document any questions you would like answered. The PowerPoint presentations contain extensive facilitator notes which can be used for your benefit as well.
    If you would like to set up some time to meet with Dr. Forta to go over any questions you may have, please reach out to shirli@atzmi.org to set this up. The slides in the Atzmi portal are watermarked.

    • Once you have completed the training, and are ready to implement the program, you will need to set up a 15 minutes meeting with Dr. Forta. Use this link at least 3 days prior to your start date. Once this meeting is complete you will be given access to the PowerPoint slides without watermarks.

  • Journals/Supplies: Journals and supplies accompany the girls workshop and are needed for each student participating. Use the form below to order your journals (we will send between 1-3 extra, depending on the size of the order for lost ones), cost is $10 per student, plus the cost of shipping. Girls should be responsible to keep and bring their journals to each session.

  • Surveys: Surveys are to be distributed and directions explained to the girls before the first workshop and then again after the final workshop. We will provide specific directions in the box of journals and supplies. This will be for 10th and 12th grade only.

    It is important that the students understand that their responses are completely anonymous not only to Atzmi, but to the school as well. Ask students to answer as honestly as they can. The goal of the survey is to measure the program’s impact. We do not gain anything from “generous responses”.

    Surveys should be mailed back or scanned and emailed to shirli@atzmi.org

    Part of how this subsidized program works is by collecting the pre and post surveys. If a school opts not to participate or does not implement both pre and post surveys, the non-subsidized cost is required. (* See cost options  below)

    We are constantly working to improve our program and would love to hear the presenter’s feedback at the conclusion of the student workshops.

2: Parent Seminar

  • Duration: Approximately 45 minutes of speaking, plus ample time for questions.

  • Objective: Our parent workshop supports parents in understanding what body image is, how it is created, the role this can play in how our children feel about themselves, as well as what you can do today to help your daughter cultivate a more positive self image. Additionally, the workshop explains eating disorders and what to do if you suspect your child might be struggling with one.

  • In-person or virtual: This training can be hosted virtually, but it is advisable that it be done in person. The cost is $150 for a virtual seminar. 

    If schools prefer an in-person session, they will only cover all travel expenses for Dr. Forta.

3: Teacher Training

  • Duration: Approximately 45 minutes of speaking, plus ample time for questions.

  • Objective: This workshop is designed for teachers. It addressed how to identify and address weight bias and weight stigma, what eating disorders are, the signs and symptoms, and how to create a healthier classroom dynamic, as well as what to do if you suspect your student is struggling with an eating disorder.

  • In-person or virtual: This training can be hosted virtually, but it is advisable that it be done in person. The cost is $150 for a virtual seminar. 

    If schools prefer an in-person session, they will only cover all travel expenses for Dr. Forta.

Note:

  1. Many schools choose to have the parent and teacher workshop on the same day.

  2. It is recommended that the parent seminar and teacher training be done before the student workshops for maximum success.

  3. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.

    Thank you!

Thank you for your commitment to our girls! We look forward to partnering with you to help our girls!

All questions help us continue to make our program better.

CHECKLIST:

  • I ordered correct # of journals with a couple extras for each grade

  • I allowed minimally 2 weeks time to train in facilitating the workshop

  • I met with Dr. Forta upon completing training 

  • I requested final presentation slides 3 days prior to start of workshops

  • I implemented survey completion before start of first workshop

  • I implemented survey completion upon the end of last workshop