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School Wellness Weekly
December 14, 2023
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Happy and Healthy Holidays! Thank You For Leading Boldly in 2023 |
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As the largest school district in the country, New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) thinks and leads boldly when it comes to student wellness–and Fall 2023 was no exception. Schools are strengthening literacy, welcoming our newest New Yorkers, tackling youth vaping with prevention lessons, embracing a new HIV curriculum, getting students moving with Move-to-Improve and CHAMPS, taking action to address climate change, incorporating food education, and much more. But remember: It's a marathon, not a sprint!
Over the break, take time to slow down, spend time with loved ones, and acknowledge gratitude. We are grateful to NYCPS educators and staff for making the NYCPS Citywide Wellness Policy (opens in new window) more than just an idea during the first half of the 2023-2024 school year. You brought it to life by programming and teaching PE and Health Education, encouraging physical activity, and creating health-promoting learning environments in schools.
Read a few select highlights from Fall 2023:
- On November 7, Election Day, more than 2,000 educators, trusted partner organizations, and content experts across NYC came together virtually to learn during our Online Professional Learning Opportunities for PE, Health Ed, and School Wellness event.
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In November, several New York City educators were recognized with awards at the 2023 New York State AHPERD (opens in new window) 85th Annual Conference in Verona, New York:
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“Section Amazing People” awards:
- Equity, Diversion & Inclusiveness: Amy Dawson
- Elementary Physical Education: Alexander Duque
- Technology: Kevin Lau
- Aquatics: Sheldon Sucre
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NYS AHPERD Foundation Grants
- Gregory Laneri
- Steven Orozco
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CHAMPS (opens in new window) Winter Season started, and there are 273 programs running with students from K-8 and District 75 Citywide. Read below about the 2nd Annual CHAMPS Unified Bocce Ball Opening Ceremony in Queens.
School Wellness Weekly will resume at the start of 2024 with more resources and opportunities. Have a joyous holiday, safe New Year, and don’t forget to prioritize your wellness!
Photo Credit: Image: Priyanka Puvvada, Unsplash. Graphic: Office of School Wellness Programs.
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Save the Date! January 29, 2024
Professional Development Day for Grades 9-12 and 6-12 Schools
Secondary teachers, mark your calendars and plan to join the Office of School Wellness Programs on High School Professional Development Day, Monday, January 29. We will offer 90-minute webinar sessions designed to improve instruction in Physical Education and Health Education, and student well-being.
Look for registration links in the January issues of School Wellness Weekly.
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Know an Awesome PE Teacher? Nominate Them for a 2023-2024 Big Apple Award
The Big Apple Awards (opens in new window) nomination process is open until Friday, January 19, 2024. This is an annual Citywide recognition program that celebrates teachers who go above and beyond to serve our students and families. Each year an outstanding Physical Education (PE) teacher is selected through a multi-step process to receive a Big Apple Award.
Students, families, administrators, and community members can all nominate any public-school teacher. Nominate a deserving PE teacher by completing this form (opens in new window).
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Physical Activity Powers Inclusive Schools: 2nd Annual Bocce Ball Opening Ceremony in Queens
Physical activity and sports have the unique power to bring students together and build more inclusive school communities. On December 7, during inclusive schools week (opens in new window), the CHAMPS Unified Bocce Ball Opening Ceremony inaugurated the second year of our partnership with Special Olympics NY to bring bocce to students of all abilities.
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Reminder To High School Students: School Wellness Advocates Applications Due December 31
Do you know a high school student who’s interested in health, wellness, school food, climate change, and how to make schools healthier and more sustainable? Encourage them to apply (opens in new window) by Sunday, December 31 to be a 2023-2024 Student Wellness Advocate (opens in new window). Be sure to check the box next to “NYC Public Schools / Student Wellness Advocates.”
Graphic: Office of School Wellness Programs.
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K-12 PE Teachers: Register for Inclusive PE Live Webinar on January 4
Last week, the celebration of inclusive schools week (opens in new window) reminded us that there are many ways we can bring students together to incorporate inclusion within our NYC school communities. One of those practices is through the power of physical activity and sports.
Continue the conversation with us after Winter Break! Explore strategies to include everyone in Physical Education class. Join us Thursday, January 4, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and earn 90 minutes of CTLE credit. Register:
Ideas for Movement and Happy Holiday Celebrations
SHAPE America offers teachers tools to bring more physical activity to students during December holidays and throughout the year:
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Display Menstrual Product Availability Posters in K-12 Schools
To support equitable access to menstrual products for students, since 2016 New York City has required menstrual product dispensers and free products in all public schools serving grades 6-12. This Fall, recognizing that students can menstruate earlier than grade 6, NYCPS expanded the availability of free menstrual products, including pads and tampons, to K–5 schools.
Educators and school staff: Help ensure NYC students know that free menstrual products are available at school, and where they can access them. Print and post the notices below:
Teachers:
The required Health Education (opens in new window) course for grades 4-12 includes information about puberty and menstruation. The following resources are also available to support teachers providing health education:
Principals and School Staff:
Questions about Health Education?
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Building the Wellness Community |
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Reduce Absenteeism, Increase Physical Activity: Walking School Bus Program Available for NYC Schools
Students are chronically absent (opens in new window) from school for many reasons, one being that their parent or guardian cannot walk their child to school. In these instances, school staff have found that if students can be brought to school by another adult, the child will attend school and not miss out on valuable instruction.
Walking School Bus (opens in new window) is one option to reduce absenteeism due to these circumstances. Students can meet volunteer school staff members at a designated location near the students’ home and walk with them to school on days that families need extra support.
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Summer Job Opportunity for High School Students: Become a Paid NYC Lifeguard
Lifeguards work five to six days each week and first-year lifeguards earn a minimum of $16 an hour. To qualify, individuals must be at least 16 years of age by the start of employment.
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Tips for Staying Healthy in Mind and Body During the Holidays
As the holidays approach, prioritize self-care and keep the fun in the festivities by keeping holiday-related stress at bay:
Photo credits: Image 1: Suzi Kim on Unsplash. Image 2: NYC Parks. Image 3: Graphic by Office of School Wellness Programs.
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Reminder: Apply for Grow With Us Grant by January 19
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Health Corner: Hand Washing
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The holidays bring us all close together in spaces with family, friends, neighbors—and germs! Protect yourself and your loved ones: Proper hand washing with soap and warm water is one of the most effective ways to combat the flu and other prevalent viruses within our NYC communities. Share these tips and resources:
Photo credit: CDC
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