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School Wellness Weekly

Professional Learning Edition

September 19, 2024

Welcome Back!

In his address to new teachers in August, Chancellor David C. Banks shared words of appreciation for stepping into what he regards as “the most important profession in the entire world.” We couldn’t agree more! He emphasized that teachers build relationships with students by listening, getting to know them, and “showing them who you are.”

The Office of School Wellness Programs is here to support you in the collective work to empower young people to take care of their minds, bodies, and the people around them. This newsletter is an important way we do that—by sharing links to our free professional learning opportunities and instructional resources to help you plan your year.

Each month, you and all NYCPS PE and Health Education teachers and APs will receive two editions of School Wellness Weekly:

• the Professional Learning edition, with short registration links for professional learning for the upcoming month. (Occasionally, we’ll send an expanded issue like this one.)
• the general edition, with Citywide school wellness-related classroom resources, grants, educator spotlights, partner opportunities, and information for parents/families.

Bookmark our Professional Learning Catalog as a one-stop-shop for your professional learning needs—and be on the lookout for the full launch of our Fall professional learning next month! 

Note: All hyperlinks, including those above, open in a new tab.

Photo: Image created by Office of School Wellness Programs. Computer screen photo by Kirsten Luce.

Physical Education

Bookmark the Physical Education page in our catalog for quick access to instructional resources and professional learning opportunities. 

Professional Learning Communities: Join a community of NYCPS PE teachers for the first Physical Education Online Professional Learning Community (OPLC) of the year.

Grades K-12: Save the date! Monday, October 21; registration coming soon.

Self-Guided Courses: Enroll in these CTLE-eligible WeLearnNYC courses and complete when it's convenient for you. You may start, stop and finish anytime.

Grades K-12: Introduction to Physical Education Course. Explore the impact of Physical Education (PE) on student outcomes, the required components of PE in NYC, and where to find resources to support PE lesson planning. (CTLE: 45 minutes)

Grades K-12: Introduction to NYC FITNESSGRAM Course. Review how to administer NYC FITNESSGRAM assessments to students and how to access the NYC FITNESSGRAM application to record student data. (CTLE: 60 minutes)

NYC FITNESSGRAM: The 2024-2025 deadline to enter student data in the NYC FITNESSGRAM web-based application is Friday, March 28, 2025. 

• Access to NYC FITNESSGRAM App: New PE teachers must complete the self-guided WeLearnNYC course Introduction to NYC FITNESSGRAM Course (CTLE 60 minutes) to receive access to the NYC FITNESSGRAM app to enter data. Additional professional learning opportunities coming soon.

• Resources for NYC FITNESSGRAM
• NYC FITNESSGRAM Pacing Guides
• NYC FITNESSGRAM Support Center Resources

Physical Education Resources: Visit the instructional documents below for all your planning needs.

• New York City K-5 Physical Education Scope and Sequence 
• New York City 6-12 Physical Education Scope and Sequence 

Adapted Physical Education Support: Seeking support for Adapted Physical Education (APE) instruction and IEP requirements?

• Review this Adapted Physical Education Guidance document for more information, or email APE@schools.nyc.gov to schedule a 30-minute meeting with Office of School Wellness Programs content specialists. 

Move-to-Improve: New teachers, including new elementary PE teachers, should attend a Move-to-Improve Workshop for classroom teachers this fall. Visit the Move-to-Improve page in our catalog to access registration links and additional resources.

Health Education

All Educators

Self-Guided Courses: Enroll in CTLE-eligible WeLearnNYC courses and complete when it's convenient for you. You may start, stop and finish anytime.

Grades K-12: Check out new and updated courses in the Self-Guided Course page of our catalog.

LGBTQ+ Affirming Resources: Build the foundation for an inclusive classroom this year! Review the NYC Public Schools Guidelines on Gender and LGBTQ+ Supports webpages.

Grades K-12: Introduction to LGBTQ+ Concepts and Terminology Course. Examine concepts and terminology like sex assigned at birth, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and discuss creating an inclusive environment that benefits all students by promoting diversity. (CTLE: 60 minutes)

Move-to-Improve for All Elementary Teachers: Learn how to integrate physical activity into your daily lessons using Move-to-Improve. Review the Move-to-Improve Guidance document and the Move-to-Improve page in our catalog for more resources including posters, videos, and music. Register for one of the webinars below:

Grades K-5/6: Move-to-Improve Workshop (CTLE: 60 minutes)

• Monday, September 30, 2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. 
• Monday, October 7, 2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. 
• Tuesday, October 15, 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. 
• Monday, October 28, 2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. 
• Tuesday, November 19, 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. 

Student Leadership Opportunity for High Schools Students: Share this Student Wellness Advocates Flyer with students in grades 9-12 for more information on becoming part of a citywide Youth Leadership Council. Interested students must complete the Student Wellness Advocates Application by Monday, October 21.  

SAVE THE DATE! Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, is around the corner!  Stay tuned for details and registration information for online professional learning with our staff and trusted partners.