View in browser

Missed an issue? Visit our archive website.

School Wellness Connection

Educator Edition



November 2026

Register for November professional learning opportunities and review essential information that physical education (PE) and health education teachers, coaches, and administrators need to plan and provide high-quality instruction. Reminder: Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, is a fully remote instructional day this year. 


Note: All hyperlinks open in a new tab.

Essential Links

🔗 Bookmark the hyperlinked tiles below for quick access to key links. 🔗
A calendar image with the text "OSWP Professional Learning Catalog"
A computer image and the text "self-guided courses"
Graphic showing a blue outlined envelope icon, representing email communication. Text below reads “Email the Office of School Wellness Programs.”
Instagram icon with the text "Follow us on Instagram"

All Educators

Build an Affirming Community with OUT for Safe Schools®

Register and attend the webinar below to learn about the policies and resources available to affirm LGBTQ+ identities, how to be a trusted ally, and how to maintain a safe and supportive environment for everyone in your school community. 


Grades K-12: Monday, November 2, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. (CTLE: 90 minutes)

Grades 9-12 School Staff: Condom Availability Program (CAP) Training  

CAP-trained staff operate Health Resource Rooms, which are safe, welcoming spaces where students in grades 9-12 can access health information and free condoms. Register for and complete the full-day, in-person training below to be eligible to support your school’s CAP. 


Grades 9-12: Wednesday, November 4, 8:30 a.m. – 2:50 p.m. (CTLE: 320 minutes) 

Location: 333 Seventh Ave., Manhattan  

Health Education

Monthly Tip


Just in Time for Halloween! Elementary and Middle School Oral Health Lessons


As we head into a sweets-filled season, ensure your students understand the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Tooth decay can cause pain, infection, difficulty eating and speaking, and lower self-esteem, all of which can lead to an increased risk of absenteeism.

  

Oral health education lessons are available on WeTeachNYC for Kindergarten, grade 3, and grades 6-8. Download these interactive lessons to provide students with knowledge and skills they need to practice dental hygiene habits that are hauntingly good! 
Photograph shows classroom presentation about assertive communication, with presenter addressing seated students.

(Photo: Still from “Understanding Sexual Health Education in Grades 6-8” video. Office of School Wellness Programs.)

Upcoming Health Education Professional Learning Opportunities

Not sure which health webinars or self-guided courses to take? Access this Support Center article: What is the recommended sequence of professional learning for health education teachers?


Professional Learning Communities: Join us each month to network, collaborate, and learn with your health education colleagues in grade level-specific breakout rooms.

November Topic: Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug-use prevention. 

Grades K-12: Monday, November 30, 2:45 – 3:45 p.m. (CTLE: 60 minutes)

 

Drug Awareness and Prevention Education: Tools, Trends, and Teaching Strategies 

Grades K-12: Monday November 9, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. (CTLE: 90 minutes) 


New Teacher Meet and Greet: New to teaching PE or health? Join our team for a welcoming virtual session to help you thrive in your new role, designed for new teachers with less than three years of experience.  

Grades K-12: Tuesday, November 17, 2:30 – 3:15 p.m. (not CTLE eligible)

 

HIV Education: Exploring Curriculum Concepts and Skills 

Grades K-12: Monday November 23, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. (CTLE: 90 minutes) 

Instructional Resources: Health Education

🔗 Colored buttons below are hyperlinks 🔗

Health Education - Scope and Sequences

Review the knowledge and skills that should be included in health education instruction at each grade level to meet local, state, and national requirements.
Grades K-5 Scope and Sequence
Grades 6-8 Scope and Sequence
Grades 9-12 Scope and Sequence

Health Education - Pacing Guides

Review the suggested sequence of units and lessons from recommended curricula for your grade level.
Elementary School Pacing Guide
Middle School Pacing Guide
High School Pacing Guide

HIV Education

New York State and New York City require HIV lessons for every student, every year in grades K-12. Access the required curriculum, including lesson plans, slides, teacher guidance, and family engagement materials in all NYCPS languages: 
Growing Up and Staying Safe: New York City K-12 HIV Education Curriculum

Essential Guidance
Health Education Support Center
Health Education InfoHub page

Physical Education

Monthly Tip


Create Inclusive Physical Education (PE) Experiences


Create an environment where every student can belong and succeed by planning your lessons with multiple ways for students to participate. Consider using activity accommodations, peer supports, visual cues, and various ways for students to demonstrate learning and skill development. Small adjustments to equipment, space, guidance, and instruction can remove barriers and help all students engage meaningfully in PE while fostering a positive and supportive learning environment for everyone. Want to learn more? 


  • Search “Students with Disabilities in PE” in the OSWP Professional Learning Catalog to find and register for professional learning opportunities that focus on strategies for inclusivity. 


Photograph shows a school activity with a student using a wheelchair about to throw a colorful beach ball over a volleyball net, while classmates and staff look on.

(Photo: Kirsten Luce.)

Upcoming PE Professional Learning Opportunities

Not sure which PE webinars or self-guided courses to take? Access this Support Center article: What is the recommended sequence of professional learning for physical education teachers?


Professional Learning Communities: Join us each month to network, collaborate, and learn with your colleagues.

Grades K-12: Monday, November 2, 2:45 – 3:45 p.m. (CTLE: 60 minutes)

 

Introduction to NYC FITNESSGRAM

Grades K-12: Monday, November 9, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. (CTLE: 90 minutes)

 

IEP Goals and Progress Monitoring for Students Receiving Adapted Physical Education (APE):                

Grades K-12: Tuesday, November 10, 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. (CTLE: 90 minutes) 


New Teacher Meet and Greet: New to teaching PE or health? Join our team for a welcoming virtual session to help you thrive in your new role, designed for new teachers with less than three years of experience.  

Grades K-12: Tuesday, November 17, 2:30 – 3:15 p.m. (not CTLE eligible)

 

Understanding Disabilities and Including ALL Students in PE: Supporting Students with Disabilities in PE 

Grades K-12: Tuesday, November 17, 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. (CTLE: 90 minutes) 

 

Literacy in Physical Education: Strategies for Supporting NYC Reads in PE 

Grades K-12: Monday, November 23, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. (CTLE: 90 minutes) 



Instructional Resources: Physical Education

🔗 Colored buttons below are hyperlinks 🔗

Physical Education - Scope & Sequences

Review the knowledge and skills that should be included in physical education instruction at each grade level to meet local, state, and national requirements.
Grades K-5 Scope and Sequence
Grades 6-8 Scope and Sequence

NYC FITNESSGRAM Resources
NYC FITNESSGRAM Pacing Guides
NYC FITNESSGRAM Support Center

Essential Guidance

Physical Education Support Center
Adapted PE (APE) Guidance
Physical Education InfoHub Page

Still have questions? Email the Office of School Wellness Programs.  

 

Physical Education | Health Education | Adapted PE | CHAMPS | Move-to-Improve

 Condom Availability Program | NYC FITNESSGRAM | School Wellness Councils

Professional Learning Catalog | Wellness Hub | NYCPS School Wellness Policy

NYCDOE Office of School Wellness Programs | 335 Adams Street | Brooklyn, NY 11201 US

Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice