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School Wellness Weekly
June 4, 2024
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June Happenings: PRIDE, Juneteenth, Chancellor's Day Conference |
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In the month of June, New York City Public Schools celebrates New York City students’ cultures and unique identities with events, recommended readings, curricular resources, and much more. Check out these pages for an informative, inspiring dive into history and activism—and learn how you can contribute to safe, supportive, inclusive school environments that help all NYC students thrive.
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Juneteenth (opens in new tab), on June 19, honors the end to legal slavery in the United States and celebrates the cultural legacy of Black people in America. It’s a time to acknowledge and reflect on the ongoing injustices that Black communities continue to face.
New York City Public Schools supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ+) students, families, and staff across the five boroughs through a variety of policies and programs.
Students, parents, and caregivers:
Educators:
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Familiarize yourself with the LGBTQ+ Supports (opens in new tab) page on the NYCPS InfoHub, with links to policy, curricular resources, events, and other resources to support inclusive instruction and safe, supportive school environments.
Photo: Kirsten Luce
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Last Chance to Sign Up for Chancellor’s Conference Day, Thursday, June 6!
Our annual day of professional learning on Chancellor’s Conference Day kicks off at 9:00 a.m. on June 6. NYCPS teachers can register for up to three, 90-minute webinars on dozens of topics including aquatics, dangers of fentanyl, mindfulness in PE, building affirming communities, social emotional learning, nutrition, flag football, and many more!
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Registration is first-come, first-served, and space is limited—so be sure to secure your spot for webinars with available tickets as soon as possible.
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Continue your Professional Learning on Friday, June 7, Clerical Day
Health Education: K-8 Health Education Teachers: The Journey of Our Food: Skills for Healthy Digestion
Physical Education: K-12 Physical Education Teachers: Strategies for Curriculum Mapping in Physical Education
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The Big Apple Physical Education Teacher Award is a NYC Public Schools Big Apple Award (opens in new tab) and is sponsored by New York Road Runners (opens in new tab). Big Apple Awards recognize and celebrate teachers who go above and beyond to serve students and families. On Thursday, May 30, Deputy Chancellor Danika Rux and District 27 leaders presented the 2024 Big Apple PE Award to Jennifer Harjus of P.S. 100 Glen Morris in Queens. Congratulations to Ms. Harjus and the 2024 Big Apple Physical Education Teacher Award finalists, profiled below.
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“Make connections with your students! The relationships and connections that we make with our students are just as important as what we are trying to teach them in Physical Education. As P.E. teachers, we share a part of ourselves with our students and watch them grow from year to year thus building trust, respect, and teacher-student relationships which are vital for creating a safe and respectful environment for students.”
- Jennifer Harjus
P.S. 100 Glen Morris (27Q100), Queens
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Ms. Harjus serves as an intervisitation site for a cohort of teachers in District 27, where she can highlight specific practices, inspiring and guiding her fellow educators to take those strategies back to their schools. Her willingness to share her expertise through intervisitation sessions within the district impacts the professional growth and development of her peers. She seeks to continue to lead and grow as an educator, and the Big Apple Fellowship will provide that forum for her to serve our students and fellow teachers on a citywide level. |
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Carla Baena, P.S. 958 Sunset Park (15K958), Brooklyn |
“Always remember your reason why you became a physical educator. It won't be easy; not all students will love PE like you did, but being the best educator you can be can make a difference. PE is a class where students learn through play; there is not just one way of learning or creating a safe space that encourages participation and motivation to work to be their best self.”
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Adam Cohen, PS 390Q The CIVIC School of Bayside Hills (26Q390), Queens |
“Physical Education is not just about physical activity; it plays a significant role in supporting students' academic achievement. It serves as a platform that helps to create the most dynamic and diverse setting within a school building. Voices are heard, social emotional needs are met, and students are set up for success regardless of their levels.”
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Thomas (TJ) Fama, P.S. Q224 (75Q224), Queens |
“My advice to a fellow NYCPS Physical Education teacher would be to take the time to get to know your students. It’s important to incorporate various activities and games that cater to the different interests and abilities. This will help keep them engaged and motivated to participate in PE.”
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Andy Fernandez, I.S. 232 The Alexander Macomb School (09X232), Bronx
"Physical Education can contribute to academic success and allow for a holistic approach to nurturing both the mind and body....I would like to implement a unit that would blend Physical Education with global mindfulness techniques and traditional movement practices.... This unit would not only introduce students to diverse physical activities but also emphasize mental well-being, cultural appreciation, and holistic health.”
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Patrick McCauley, Fort Greene Preparatory Academy (13K691), Brooklyn |
“With pickleball's ever-growing popularity, I would like to introduce it next year. This sport promotes physical fitness and hand-eye coordination and encourages social interaction and teamwork, making it an ideal addition to my curriculum. Every day will present a new challenge or adventure. There will be peaks and valleys along the way. My advice to teachers is, don't get too high or too low! Remember, teaching is like riding a roller coaster. Enjoy the ride!”
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Kenya Wade, The Brooklyn School for Social Justice (32K549), Brooklyn |
“PE helps students achieve by allowing them to use critical thinking skills in order to be successful in a sport or activity. It allows the students to analyze the situation or information, come up with alternative solutions if necessary and make the best decision under pressure, which could apply in the classroom as well.”
All Big Apple photos: Courtesy of the finalists.
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Wellness Highlight: New York Road Runners June 1 Track and Field Culminating Event |
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Nearly 1,000 NYCPS students from 32 schools across the City participated in the New York Road Runners (NYRR) culminating track and field event on Saturday, June 1, at Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island. Students competed in dashes, relay, shot put, and long jump events, showcasing the skills and sportsmanship they practiced during the year. Congratulations, students, and thank you to NYRR (opens in new tab) and all the teachers, coaches, and school staff who make running programs possible in our schools!
Photo: Office of School Wellness Programs
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Strong and Fit: In-Person Workshop for PE Instruction in Weight Rooms and Fitness Centers
Secondary PE teachers: Register for this full day, in-person workshop and learn high-quality instructional approaches for providing safe, effective Physical Education in weight rooms and fitness centers.
Grades 6-12 PE teachers: Register for one of the following:
Strong and Fit at Eagle Academy II (23K644)
Strong and Fit at Stuyvesant High School (02M475)
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NYC FITNESSGRAM Reminder: Enter Assessments by June 14 (Deadline Extended)
Physical Education teachers: Enter all assessments by June 14 in the NYC FITNESSGRAM web application (opens in new tab). Schools must complete height and weight assessments for 100% of students in all grades, and the additional fitness assessments for at least 85% of students in grades 4-12.
Teachers can complete the 3-hour CTLE eligible, self-guided Fitness Education and NYC FITNESSGRAM (opens in new tab) course on WeLearnNYC anytime. This course provides additional information on fitness education, helpful strategies and tips for administering assessments, and access to the web application upon completion.
Photo: Kirsten Luce
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Building the Wellness Community |
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Celebrate Safe and Inclusive School Communities: PRIDE Events Citywide
NYC Public Schools will participate in Pride month celebrations this June in solidarity with and honor of LGBTQ+ students, staff, and family members. All are welcome to join the festivities!
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Friday, June 7: The Family Pride Picnic at Alice Austen House on Staten Island will offer a day of fun-filled activities for K-5 students and families of New York City Public Schools. Register (opens in new tab).
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Saturday, June 8: Brooklyn Pride (opens in new tab): NYCPS will be marching in the Brooklyn Pride Parade during the evening in Park Slope.
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Friday, June 21: The Read with Pride Summer Book Swap at Queens Community House is open to youth ages 9 to15 and their caregivers. Register (opens in new tab).
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Sunday, June 30: NYC Pride march in Manhattan: Registration (opens in new tab) is currently open for NYCPS Central staff.
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Schools: Apply for Open Streets Program for 2024-2025
To apply for the 2024–2025 school year, complete the Open Streets application (opens in new tab). Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis until Fall 2024. Each application requires a minimum of 90 days of review before NYC Department of Transportation approves or rejects an application.
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AHPERD NYC Zone Back-to-School Conference: September 7, 2024
The NYC Zone chapter of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (NYS AHPERD) will hold a full-day back-to-school conference on Saturday, September 7 at Manhattan College in Riverdale. Keynote speaker Aaron Hart of OPEN Physical Education joins a full roster of presenters. CTLE certificates will be provided to all attendees who use the NYS AHPERD Event App to track sessions.
For questions about the NYC Zone Conference, contact Orlando Cordero at ocordero@schools.nyc.gov.
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New NYCPS Food Education Grants for 2024-2025: Apply by June 21
Schools with a high percentage of students in temporary housing and a high Economic Need Index score will be given priority for these grant awards. Grant funds must be used in the following ways:
- Partner with a local CBO/service provider that can help advance a specific Food Education goal or project; and
- Per session for school staff to support this work after the school day and/or for attendance at required events and professional learning opportunities.
Photos: Kirsten Luce
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