|
|
School Wellness Weekly
February 18, 2022
|
|
Honoring Audre Lorde's Call for Self-Preservation and Community |
|
February marks Black History Month, a nationwide acknowledgment of the contributions of Black Americans and a collective reminder for all Americans to celebrate Black lives and identity now and every day. This year’s theme, Black Health and Wellness, resonates deeply with the Office of School Wellness Programs, as we are a steadfast advocate for high-quality, inclusive Health Education and Physical Education that reflect and celebrate the multiple identities of our students. These subjects, and programs that support them, are a powerful driver of student well-being.
As we approach a much-deserved midwinter recess, we want to highlight the influence of Audre Lorde (1934-1992) (opens in new window), American educator, poet and autobiographer, who often described herself as a “Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet.” Lorde was also an advocate for self-care as a form of self-preservation: an idea that has deep connections to this year’s theme of Black Health and Wellness.
Our students, families, and educators have endured loss, pain, and trauma during the pandemic and have continued to face challenges this school year. Midwinter recess can be a time to find ourselves—especially reconnect with each other—and focus on our physical, mental, and social-emotional well-being. As Lorde proclaimed, self-care and self-advocacy are powerful tools for sustaining and uplifting our communities. We believe they are also a cornerstone of high-quality Health and Physical Education, which provide students with lifelong skills and the knowledge they need to heal, recover, and be more resilient.
Read this issue of School Wellness Weekly for:
- A highlight of a school in Queens that advocates for students’ diverse identities and cultures by embracing Respect for All Week.
- Resources and opportunities from our trusted partners to help schools achieve their sustainability goals and tips for February as National Children’s Dental Health Month.
Photo credit: Image of students wearing face masks: New York City Department of Education; Image of Audrey Lorde: The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library, photo by Robert Giard © Jonathan Silin; layout design: Office of School Wellness Programs
|
|
J.H.S. 202 Robert H. Goddard in Queens Embraces Respect for All Week
In this week’s issue of School Wellness Weekly, we highlight sixth grade guidance counselor Alexandra Lafroscia and the students at J.H.S. 202 Robert H. Goddard in Queens (27Q202). With the support of Principal William Fitzgerald and Assistant Principal Jason Lloyd, the school community continues to embrace Respect for All Week (opens in new window) year after year to promote inclusion and celebrate the diverse identities of all students. Diversity and inclusion remain grounded in the culture of the school, supported by ongoing SEL practices. This year, students get involved in scheduled themes throughout the week, including a door decorating contest where students collaborate to spread positive and inclusive messages throughout the school community.
Note: For the 2021-2022 school year, J.H.S. 202 agreed to partner with the Office of School Wellness Programs to receive dedicated, tailored support as one of the many schools in a NYC neighborhood hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Photo credits: Chris Semelrath
|
|
Health Education and Physical Education |
|
Missed Our School Wellness Weekly Highlighting Respect for All Week?
|
|
Building the Wellness Community |
|
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! |
National Children’ Dental Health Month focuses on preventing tooth decay and promoting the benefits of good oral health to children, parents and caregivers, and teachers.
The DOE, in partnership with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, offers no-cost dental services to students in schools—with parental consent—regardless of whether they have health insurance. See complete information about this free opportunity, plus resources and tips for the entire school community, in our issue of School Wellness Weekly on December 17, 2021 (opens in new window) (scroll down to “Building the Wellness Community”).
|
|
|
Families and caregivers, check out these flyers for lists of low-cost dental providers in each borough:
|
|
High School Educators: Join Green Teams During the Youth Climate Summit
Encourage your Green Team, class, or student club to attend the 4th Annual NYC DOE Youth Climate Summit kicking off on Thursday, March 10 during DOE Civics Week. This virtual summit has a local focus on climate change, featuring NYC-based youth organizations and school-based initiatives, and will explore Climate Action Planning. Visit the Eventbrite page (opens in new window) to register and for additional schedule details. Questions? Email sustainability@schools.nyc.gov (opens in email window).
School Wellness Council Opportunity: Annual GrowTogether Conference
The NYC Parks Department’s GreenThumb program is hosting community gardeners across New York City at its free 38th Annual GrowTogether Conference this spring, with the theme “Deeply Rooted: Growing Community Connections.” Join virtual panels and webinars starting this Saturday, February 19 through Friday, February 25 to learn about community gardens, compost systems, best practices to engage youth, and more. The second part of the conference will take place Wednesday, April 20 to Saturday, April 23 and offers hands-on workshops and activities in community gardens throughout New York City. Register (opens in new window) for part one today. Visit the GreenThumb GrowTogether Conference page (opens in new window) for additional information.
Family and Educator Opportunity: Free Child Nutrition Webinar Series
- Engaging Children in their own Nutritional Journey
- Smart Summer Shopping and Cooking
- Nutrition's Powerful Impact on Children's Physical and Mental Health
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
