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School Wellness Weekly

May 19, 2022
Young student wearing a tie-dyed face mask and students standing with their arms stretched out above their heads.
Acknowledging Educators and Their Continued Dedication to Our Students 
With June right around the corner, and many educators and school staff digging deep into their remaining energy reserves, we know that saying ‘thank you for all that you do’ is never overstated or too much. 

As our nation—especially Black communities—grapples with yet another racist act of “hate-filled domestic violence” (opens in new window) that occurred here in New York State, it’s important to acknowledge and remind ourselves of the positive role educators play in our students’ lives, especially now when healing from trauma must be an ongoing, collective effort.

Health Education and Physical Education teachers (opens in new window) and school wellness champions have been creative this school year, doing what they can to ensure their schools continue to prioritize students’ physical, mental, and social-emotional well-being. That means everything from ensuring high school students have access to sexual health resources in a safe, inclusive space (opens in new window), to keeping sports and physical activity at the forefront (opens in new window) as a way to give students healthy outlets for recovering from trauma and loss, and so much more. We’re humbled to share this resounding message with educators and all school communities: We hear you, we see you, and we value you. 

To be in community as we wrap up the school year, we’re again looking forward to our full-day virtual conference on Chancellor’s Conference Day on Thursday, June 9, to help educators and school staff learn from experts, get inspired, and have tools and resources to plan for 2022-2023. Over 1,000 colleagues have already registered to attend our online Professional Learning Opportunities for Physical Education, Health Education, and School Wellness! Many sessions are filled; so visit our Chancellor’s Conference Day page (opens in new window) to register for remaining slots using your DOE email. Attendees will receive 90 minutes of CTLE for each eligible session unless otherwise indicated. 
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Wellness Highlights
Young students sitting on the bleachers on an outdoor field.
Get Ready for the CHAMPS-Rising New York Road Runners Developmental Track and Field Series 
In partnership with New York Road Runners (NYRR) and the Office of School Wellness Programs, the CHAMPS-Rising NYRR Developmental Track and Field series is now underway! Returning after a three-year hiatus, track and field meets will occur in most boroughs, and will culminate with a free, final track and field meet on Saturday, June 4 at the Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island in Manhattan. The event will be open to the public to cheer on student-athletes. To ensure students who are participating can focus on getting their bodies moving in a safe, outdoor space, all timing and scoring aspects of the track and field events have been removed—making this a fun, high-energy event for students to be in community with each other. Participating schools must have enrolled in the Rising NYRR’s Running Program (opens in new window) this school year. Stay tuned to School Wellness Weekly for additional highlights from the meets and follow us on Twitter.

Photo: CHAMPS student-athletes and CHAMPS teacher-coaches, Sally Bojorquez and Angelina Peter from P.S. 159 Luis Muñoz Marin Biling, 10X159, during the Bronx CHAMPS-Rising New York Road Runners Developmental Track and Field meet. Photo courtesy: Felicita Saldaña-Wilson, Office of School Wellness Programs.
Getting to Know the Big Apple Physical Education Teacher Award Finalists 
Stay tuned to the next issue of School Wellness Weekly in early June for profiles of each of the Big Apple Physical Education Teacher Award finalists. Check out our Teacher Appreciation Week (opens in new window) issue of School Wellness Weekly for a list of the finalists. 
Building the Wellness Community
High School Students: Work Out for Free This Summer at Planet Fitness—and Get a Chance for a Scholarship!  
Planet Fitness is offering free summer memberships for high school students now through August 31. Any student age 14 to 19 can register in person or online, with parent/guardian consent for anyone under 18. Plus, students who sign up are entered into a $500 scholarship sweepstakes (one awarded per state) and chance to win a $5,000 grand prize scholarship. To sign up for the pass, visit the High School Summer Pass Program page (opens in new window).  

The program is intended to help students continue to focus on and improve both their physical and mental health while school is not in session. Trainers are readily available to give free pointers, and students can scan QR codes at every machine to access free videos on how to use equipment. 
New York Ranger FanZone. Stop by the corner of 34th street and 7th avenue on game days for a one-of-a-kind Rangers experience.
For Students and Families: Free, Outdoor FanZone Hockey Event with the NY Rangers on May 20 
The National Hockey League's NY Rangers invites students, teachers, and families to the NY Rangers FanZone, a free, outdoor event tomorrow, May 20, 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Manhattan. Activities include a Rangers alumni meet-and-greet, photo booth, face painting, Gaming Zone, Slapshot Shootout, and more to celebrate the upcoming playoffs. Visit the NY Rangers’ FanZone page (opens in new window) for details.  

Photo credit: New York Rangers