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Whether you’re a teacher just starting with New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) or a veteran educator, new to New York City or a longtime school community member, you play a vital role in empowering young people to take care of their minds, their bodies, and their relationships with others.
This newsletter shares information about free resources, training, and events from the Office of School Wellness Programs and trusted partners to help ensure all students have access to high-quality health education and physical education (PE) that meet New York State standards and requirements, and to programs that contribute to their health and well-being.
(Photo: Kirsten Luce. Design by Office of School Wellness Programs.)
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Promote Students’ Health, Well-Being, and Academic Success: Share the NYCPS School Wellness Policy
Empowering Strong and Healthy Students: The NYCPS School Wellness Policy, helps support all NYC public schools to build a strong foundation for students’ physical, mental, and social-emotional health. Research shows that healthy students who feel safe and supported in school do better academically and are less likely to be chronically absent.
Additional links for school leaders and school staff:
(Image: Cover of Empowering Strong and Healthy Students: The NYCPS School Wellness Policy. Office of School Wellness Programs.)
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Teachers and Administrators: Essential PE and Health Education Information
The Office of School Wellness Programs provides support to physical education and health education teachers across all five boroughs via professional learning opportunities and instructional resources like our updated Scope and Sequences, pacing guides, and much more. NYCPS educators, visit and bookmark these NYCPS InfoHub pages for quick access to requirements, helpful links, and how to contact us:
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(Video: CHAMPS physical activity at 10X279. Office of School Wellness Programs.)
Student Attendance: The Physical Activity Connection
In New York City Public Schools, every day matters for student attendance! Before- and after-school activities like the CHAMPS Sports and Fitness Program can support better attendance by giving students a reason to feel they belong and can provide an alternative to risky behaviors such as tobacco and other substance use.
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Access this video to learn how one school used CHAMPS programming to improve attendance and enrich students’ experiences.
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Share with families: Learn how regular attendance helps students stay connected to their teachers, classmates, and school community so they can make the most of every opportunity.
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School Staff: Access Family Engagement Toolkits and Videos for Health Education
Use the free Health Education Family Engagement Toolkits developed by the Office of School Wellness Programs to help bridge the gap between health education in the classroom and conversations at home. Each toolkit contains resources that health teachers and school staff can share with families about the Growth and Development units (for grades K-5) and Sexual Health units (for grades 6-12). Family-facing materials are available in all NYCPS languages.
School staff, for questions or support, email the Office of School Wellness Programs.
(Image: Family Engagement Toolkit covers. Office of School Wellness Programs.)
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School Staff: Create an Environment of Safety and Belonging with OUT for Safe Schools®
OUT for Safe Schools® is a national initiative that helps school staff build safer, more inclusive and welcoming school environments for LGBTQ+ students. Complete the trainings below to learn how to bring OUT for Safe Schools® to your school, and about the policies and resources available to affirm LGBTQ+ identities, including the NYCPS’ Guidelines on Gender and LGBTQ+ Supports.
(Image: NYCPS Office of School Wellness Programs.)
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(Photo: Kirsten Luce.)
Physical education (PE) teaches students the skills to be physically literate and participate in lifelong, health-enhancing physical activity.
Did you know? PE is…
- an academic subject required by the New York State Education Department and must be accessible to all students.
- not just sports! In PE class, students learn to work with others, develop healthy personal fitness habits, and set fitness goals now and throughout their lives.
- not recess, or a before- or after-school sports club.
Essential Information to Share With Families
Elementary PE Teachers: U.S. Soccer: New Training and Curriculum for Grades K-5
Join the U.S. Soccer Federation as they kick-off an in-person workshop introducing the free Soccer at Schools platform. This hands-on event will explore new U.S. Soccer lesson plans for grades K-5 aligned to SHAPE America Learning Standards. Lunch provided.
PE Teachers and Administrators: NYC FITNESSGRAM Planning for the School Year
NYC FITNESSGRAM is an annual required health-related fitness assessment completed in physical education class in grades K-12 to promote health and wellness through fitness education. This school year the deadline to enter scores is Thursday, March 25, 2027.
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(Video: Move-to-Improve "True and False." Office of School Wellness Programs.)
Elementary Teachers: Support Active Learning in the Classroom with Move-to-Improve
Move to Improve (MTI), NYCPS’s classroom-based physical activity program for grades K–5 (and grade 6 in K-6, K-8 and K-12 schools), helps get students out of their seats and moving more during the school day. Teachers use MTI to enhance their lessons by integrating physical activity into academic instruction.
- New elementary teachers: Sign up for an upcoming webinar:
Monday, October 26, 2:45 - 3:45 p.m. (CTLE: 60 minutes)
Monday, November 2, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. (CTLE: 60 minutes)
Monday, November 9, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. (CTLE: 60 minutes)
Monday, November 16, 2:45 - 3:45 p.m. (CTLE: 60 minutes)
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(Photo: Krisanne Johnson.)
Health education teaches students the skills to make physical, emotional, and mental health choices that support their safety, well-being, and academic success.
Did you know? Health education is...
- an academic subject required by the New York State Education Department and must include mental health lessons and HIV education and AIDS prevention lessons at all grade levels.
- not just anatomy! In health class, students learn decision-making, goal setting, communication, and other important skills.
- relevant to students now, because it addresses issues like mental health, bullying, vaping, consent, digital well-being, and much more.
Essential Information to Share With Families
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Grades 9-12 School Staff: Get Trained to Support Your Condom Availability Program
The NYCPS Condom Availability Program (CAP) is required in all schools serving grades 9-12 and provides access to age-appropriate health information, resources, and referrals to students by trained, trusted school staff.
Interested in supporting CAP and your school’s Health Resource room? Register for the next series:
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Health Education Teachers: Online Professional Learning Communities (OPLC)
Join the Office of School Wellness Programs each month at the health education Online Professional Learning Community to connect with colleagues, share instructional practices, and explore strategies that support high-quality health education instruction.
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Free “Know Your Period” Guide for Students Available in All NYCPS Languages
New York City was the first place in the United States to provide free menstrual products in public and charter schools. Students in grades 4 and up can get period products for free in designated restrooms so they have products when they need them—privately, without having to ask anyone.
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Teachers can use the guide as a supplement to puberty lessons taught in their health education classes.
(Image: Cover of Know Your Period: The NYC Student Guide. Design by NYC Commission on Gender Equity.)
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PE and Health Education Teachers: SHAPE America Opportunities
Visit SHAPE America (Society of Health and Physical Educators) resources for opportunities such as grants, scholarships, awards, and recognition for health education and PE professionals. Explore ways to support your instruction and make a positive impact on student health and wellness.
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October is National Bullying Prevention Month: Access Respect for All Materials
NYCPS's Respect for All (RFA) program supports schools in creating safe, inclusive, and welcoming learning environments. Explore RFA resources for families, students, and allies to help promote kindness, strengthen school climate, and prevent bullying.
Educators: Visit the Respect for All InfoHub page for school staff resources and guidance.
(Image: New York City Public Schools.)
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Teachers and School Staff: Climate Action Days Are Back for the 2026-27 School Year!
NYCPS Climate Action Days provide opportunities for students to explore sustainability through hands-on learning and school-based activities connected to real-world environmental issues.
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Visit the Sustainability Hub for dates and information on all four 2026-27 Climate Action Days.
- Save the date for April 14, 2027, Health, Wellness, and Green Space, highlighting the connection to sustainable, resilient environments that support health and well-being.
(Image: NYCPS Office of Energy & Sustainability.)
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