A yoga program at Petsworth Elementary School is growing in popularity among students and parents. The program, which is in its second year, teaches students yoga poses and breathing exercises as part of a larger “total wellness” plan.

As it stands, 30 students attend the Monday sessions before classes begin. Some parents and teachers have joined as well.

Volunteer Susie Dunaway leads the sessions. She is a registered yoga teacher and also leads classes at the Mathews Family YMCA.

The idea originated at a Family Fitness Night in 2017 and immediately saw a positive response. From there the Monday Morning Mindfulness yoga program began. At the beginning of this school year parents were quick to inquire about the program’s return.

Petsworth Community Engagement coordinator Cindy Thomas described the program as being beneficial to the students’ “stress reduction, focusing, handling anxiety and self-reflection.” “We have a lot of kids who come...