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School Wellness Connection

Educator Edition



September 2026

Welcome back!

This School Wellness Connection Educator Edition newsletter is published monthly to share essential information that physical education (PE) and health education teachers, coaches, and administrators need to plan and provide high-quality instruction. 


All NYC Public Schools (NYCPS) teachers who are programmed to teach PE and health education are automatically subscribed. Note: All hyperlinks open in a new tab. 

Essential Links

🔗 Bookmark the hyperlinked tiles below for quick access to key links. 🔗
A calendar image with the text "OSWP Professional Learning Catalog"
A computer image and the text "self-guided courses"
Email image with the text "email your borough team"
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All Educators

Create an Environment of Safety and Belonging:

LGBTQ+ Affirming Resources 

Complete the trainings below to learn about the policies and resources available to affirm LGBTQ+ identities and maintain a safe and supportive environment for everyone in your school community. Explore NYC Public Schools’ Guidelines on Gender and LGBTQ+ Supports to learn more.


Self-Guided Course: Complete at your own pace.

Grades K-12: Introduction to LGBTQ+ Concept and Terminology (CTLE: 45 minutes)


Live Webinar: Build an Affirming Community with OUT for Safe Schools® 

Grades K-12: Monday, September 28, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. (CTLE: 90 minutes)

Grades K-12: Tuesday, October 6, 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. (CTLE: 90 minutes)



High School Staff: Condom Availability Program (CAP) Training  

CAP-trained staff operate Health Resource Rooms, which are safe, welcoming spaces where students in grades 9-12 can access health information and free condoms. Register for and complete all three sessions below to be eligible to support your school’s CAP. 

Grades 9-12:

Health Education

Monthly tip


Watch and share this video of NYC students discussing the challenges they face and how skills-based health education helps them: Health Education: Essential Instruction for Healthy Students.


Hear from NYC students and health teachers about their personal experiences, review requirements for all NYCPS students, and understand how quality health instruction helps students, schools, and families build healthier communities. 
A picture of an eductaor in front of a classroom with their hand over their chest

Video: "Health Education: Essential Instruction for Healthy Students." Office of School Wellness Programs.

Upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities

Not sure which webinars or self-guided courses to take? Access this Support Center article: What is the recommended sequence of professional learning for health education teachers?


New Teacher Meet and Greet: New to teaching PE or health? Join our team for a welcoming virtual session to help you thrive in your new role, designed for new teachers with less than three years of experience. 


Grades K-12: Tuesday, September 22, 2:30 – 3:15 p.m. (not CTLE eligible)


Professional Learning Communities: Join us online each month to network, collaborate, and learn with your colleagues. October Topic: Community Building (how to build community with your colleagues and in the classroom) 


Grades K-12: Monday, October 19, 2:45 – 3:45 p.m. (CTLE: 60 minutes) 


Introduction to Health Education: Strategies for Skills-Based Instruction: Teachers can request free curriculum after they complete this webinar.  


Grades K-12: Tuesday, September 29, 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. (CTLE: 90 minutes)  

Grades K-12: Monday October 5, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. (CTLE: 90 minutes) 

Instructional Resources: Health Education

🔗 Colored buttons below are hyperlinks 🔗

Health Education - Scope and Sequences

Review the knowledge and skills that should be included in health education instruction at each grade level to meet local, state, and national requirements.
Grades K-5 Scope and Sequence
Grades 6-8 Scope and Sequence
Grades 9-12 Scope and Sequence

Health Education - Pacing Guides

Review the suggested sequence of units and lessons from recommended curricula for your grade level.
Elementary School Pacing Guide
Middle School Pacing Guide
High School Pacing Guide

HIV Education

New York State and New York City require HIV lessons for every student, every year in grades K-12. Access the required curriculum, including lesson plans, slides, teacher guidance, and family engagement materials in all NYCPS languages: 
Growing Up and Staying Safe: New York City K-12 HIV Education Curriculum

Essential Guidance
Health Education Support Center
Health Education InfoHub page

Physical Education

Monthly tip


NYC FITNESSGRAM Assessments: Start Now with Training, Resources, and Support 


NYC FITNESSGRAM is New York City’s annual health-related fitness assessment for all K-12 students. PE teachers use the assessment results to help students self-reflect and understand how the different components of fitness contribute to their health, and for goal-setting activities.


The deadline to enter scores in the NYC FITNESSGRAM web-based application is Friday, March 26, 2027–but don’t wait! PE teachers are encouraged to assess students in the fall and incorporate activities that support learning fitness concepts throughout the year.  
Students playing basketball in uniforms in a gymnasium

Upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities

Not sure which webinars or self-guided courses to take? Access this Support Center article: What is the recommended sequence of professional learning for physical education teachers?


New Teacher Meet and Greet: New to teaching PE or health? Join our team for a welcoming virtual session to help you thrive in your new role, designed for new teachers with less than three years of experience. 


Grades K-12: Tuesday, September 22, 2:30 – 3:15 p.m.  (not CTLE eligible)


Professional Learning Communities: Join us online each month to network, collaborate, and learn with your colleagues. 


Grades K-12: Monday, October 5, 2:45 – 3:45 p.m. (CTLE: 60 minutes) 


Introduction to NYC FITNESSGRAM: New K-12 PE teachers have two options to gain access to the NYC FITNESSGRAM application.  


Self-Guided Course: Complete at your own pace.  

Grades K-12: Introduction to NYC FITNESSGRAM Course (CTLE: 60 minutes)  


Live Webinar: Complete the webinar, which includes time for Q&A. 

Grades K-12: Thursday, October 1, 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. (CTLE: 90 minutes) 

Grades K-12: Friday, October 2, 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. (CTLE: 90 minutes) 



Strategies for Curriculum Mapping in PE 



Grades K-5: Tuesday, September 15, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. (CTLE: 90 minutes) 

Grades 6-12: Wednesday, September 16, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. (CTLE: 90 minutes) 


Strategies for Community Building in PE: Behavior Management and Ensuring Student Safety 



Grades K-12: Monday, September 28, 7:00 – 8:00 a.m. (CTLE: 60 minutes) 

Grades K-12: Monday, September 28, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. (CTLE: 60 minutes) 

Instructional Resources: Physical Education

🔗 Colored buttons below are hyperlinks 🔗

Physical Education - Scope & Sequences

Review the knowledge and skills that should be included in physical education instruction at each grade level to meet local, state, and national requirements.
Grades K-5 Scope and Sequence
Grades 6-8 Scope and Sequence

NYC FITNESSGRAM Resources

Visit the instructional documents and links below for all your planning needs.
NYC FITNESSGRAM Pacing Guides
NYC FITNESSGRAM Support Center

Essential Guidance

Physical Education Support Center
Adapted PE (APE) Guidance
Physical Education InfoHub Page

Still have questions? Email your Office of School Wellness programs borough team.

 

Physical Education | Health Education | Adapted PE | CHAMPS | Move-to-Improve

 Condom Availability Program | NYC FITNESSGRAM | School Wellness Councils

Professional Learning Catalog | Wellness Hub | NYCPS School Wellness Policy

NYCDOE Office of School Wellness Programs | 335 Adams Street | Brooklyn, NY 11201 US

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