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School Wellness Weekly
November 30, 2021
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December 1 is Worlds AIDS Day (opens in new window)—an opportunity for our school communities to show support for people living with HIV and commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. This year, as we simultaneously face the COVID-19 pandemic, World AIDS Day will highlight the courage, hope, and progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Observing this day is an opportunity to increase your students’ awareness and knowledge about the virus and encourage actions that will help end the epidemic.
Below are a few ideas to help you observe the day with your students:
Check out the resources below to learn more about HIV and AIDS:
Photo credit: 2021 National AIDS Trust
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We Need Your Help: Looking for Grades 6-8 Staff to Pilot the Middle School Referrals System
New York State laws exist to support minors’ rights to confidential reproductive and sexual health care. However, middle school students have access to fewer school-based sexual health services and referral opportunities compared to high school students—you can help us address this need. The Office of School Wellness Programs is developing a middle school referral system that aims to build the skills and capacity of middle school staff to provide referrals for sexual health services to students in grades 6-8. This fall, we are recruiting 30-35 DOE middle schools to pilot the middle school referral system before it is rolled out Citywide. With principal approval, staff interested in providing referrals at their middle school will:
- Watch a mandatory asynchronous kick-off webinar, which gives an overview of the Middle School Referral System Pilot
- Attend a mandatory 90-minute virtual Middle School Referrals training on Monday, December 13, 2021, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Refer students to sexual health services from January to June 2022
- Provide periodic feedback on the referral system from January to June 2022
Missed Our Teacher-Leader Editions of School Wellness Weekly?
If you are a PE teacher, you teach Health Education, or you are a school leader who wants to stay in the know about offerings for your staff, be sure you’re receiving our Teacher-Leader Edition for the latest access to professional learning opportunities throughout the school year. Scroll to the bottom of this email, click “Update Profile,” and follow the quick and easy directions so that we have your most-up-to-date details. If you know other DOE educators who would like to receive the Teacher-Leader Edition and our traditional School Wellness Weekly, please forward this issue to them, and be sure they subscribe (opens in new window)!
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Grades 6-12: Free Online Curriculum to Help Students Build Mental and Emotional Health Skills
- What is Mental Health?
- Managing Stress and Building Resilience
- Mental and Emotional Disorders
Lessonbee is a highly engaging, culturally responsive online curriculum (opens in new window) that uses interactive storytelling and relevant characters to build students’ ability to identify and manage their thoughts and feelings, as well as to advocate for their own mental health and the mental health of others.
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Closing Out 2021 with PE Basics Live Webinars in December
Stay tuned for PE Basics 1, 2, and 3 live webinars in December— registration links will be in next week’s Teacher-Leader Edition of School Wellness Weekly. In these sessions, participants explore the fitness education cycle, unit planning, and community building while discussing the importance of creating a culturally relevant Physical Education learning environment. Great for new PE teachers as well as experienced teachers who need a refresher after a year of remote teaching. Additional PE Basics webinar links will be coming in the new year.
Late-Breaking Opportunity for Elementary Teachers: Move-to-Improve Training Workshop Next Week
Move-to-Improve (opens in new window) is the DOE’s free, classroom-based activity program for grades K-5/6 that provides students the opportunity to engage in physical activity throughout their instructional day. Move-to-Improve All-Star schools may also use Move-to-Improve activities to supplement their PE program. Schools have until January 31 to become an All-Star school for the 2021-2022 school year.
The upcoming 60-minute online workshop is designed specifically for classroom teachers in the elementary grades who wish to be trained to use Move-to-Improve to enhance their lessons. Only staff who have registered for this webinar are permitted to attend. Stay tuned to next week’s School Wellness Weekly for additional sessions:
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Building the Wellness Community |
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Educators of English Language Learners: Free Webinar on Food Education and School Gardens
Gardens and kitchens are rich learning environments for all students—language learners can benefit from an accessible way to engage with classroom activities and to practice their vocabulary. Join Edible Schoolyard NYC teacher Paloma Jones for a Teaching Language Learners in the Garden and Kitchen Classroom webinar (opens in new window) tomorrow, December 1, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., as she shares her experiences using food education with English language learners. Learn what strategies, activities, and lessons have worked for her students, and bring your own ideas to share.
Win Up to $1,050 for Your School Wellness Council: 2022 Youth Garden Grant
School Wellness Councils can apply for a Youth Garden Grant (opens in new window) from KidsGardening.org to support school and youth educational garden projects that enhance the quality of life for their students and communities. Winners can receive a cash award of up to $1,050 and a variety of gardening tools and supplies. Any nonprofit organization, public or private school, or youth program in the United States or US Territories planning a new garden program or expanding an established one that serves at least 15 youth between the ages of 3 and 18 is eligible to apply. Previous Youth Garden Grant winners are not eligible. Apply by Friday, December 17, 2021. Questions? Contact KidsGardening Senior Education Specialist Sarah Pounders at sarahp@kidsgardening.org.
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