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School Wellness Weekly
05.27.20
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Special Issue:
Meet the Big Apple Award Physical Education Finalists
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Physical and health education instruction is a meaningful part of each child's school experience, ensuring they have the skills they need to be physically literate and healthy throughout their lives. Physical and health educators play an invaluable role in supporting students and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this special issue, we focus on six physical education teachers that continue to elevate PE instruction and because of their dedication and high-quality teaching, have been selected as this year's
Big Apple Award
Physical Education finalists!
- Eric Banks, P.S. 398 Walter Weaver (17K398)
- Vanessa DiServio, Hudson High School of Learning and Technologies (02M437)
- Chris Esquierdo, P.S. 163 Flushing Heights (25Q163)
- Danielle Hnath, P.S. 193 Alfred J. Kennedy (25Q193)
- Ciara Morse, P.S. 94 David D. Porter (26Q094)
- Allison Trevaskis, Passages Academy, Horizon (79X695)
The Big Apple Awards is an annual Citywide recognition program that celebrates teachers who go above and beyond to serve our students and families. Read a detailed profile of each of the finalists, and find out why they love to teach PE and how they deliver high-quality lessons during remote learning. As always, log in to the DOE's
TeachHub
for lesson plans and curricular material updated each week to support your virtual classroom needs. Don't forget to use the
Physical Education
and
Health Education
Table of Contents to find what you need.
Want more? Read in
The Morning Bell
'
s #DOEconnected series
about Angelica Cassimiro, a PE teacher at P.S. 20, the Clinton Hill School, making PE instruction work during remote learning.
Photo:
2017 School Wellness Poster contest student winner, Siddharth Martis, Brooklyn Technical High School, 13K430
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Eric Banks, P.S. 398 Walter Weaver, 17K398, 4 years teaching PE
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— My advice to a NYC PE teacher: Make sure that planning, parent discussions, instructional time, assessments, and school functions are relevant and meet the needs of our students and communities.
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What do you love most about teaching PE?
I love that I have the greatest opportunity to reach each individual child holistically. I build the lessons with the intent to increase academic achievement and physical literacy. I believe that PE can serve as the heartbeat for student motivation. Students always look forward to participating in PE, and in return, increasing their motivation to learn.
What continues to inspire you?
Knowing that I am making a HUGE impact on my students who are our future leaders of tomorrow.
What’s your favorite resource?
What’s it like to teach physical education remotely in New York City?
Teaching remotely has been an experience to remember. It has been a process—including ups and downs, disrupted WiFi connections, countless amounts of emails, and multiple takes and bloopers of live class recordings. Overall, I am just grateful to remain connected to my students and school community during this challenging time.
Do you have any success moves or best practices to share?
A few of my best practices have been to use iMovie and Videoshop to edit my pre-recorded videos. Editing allows me to bring my videos to life and engage my students in a creative way. YouTube has served as a close friend. As a researching platform, it has opened the door to fun and meaningful resources for my students to meet their recommended daily physical activity. I have subscribed to many PE resources channels and I also used Google Forms to develop assessments in order to evaluate my students' learning.
What lessons have you learned or hurdles have you had to overcome?
One lesson I learned was the importance of self-care. At the beginning of the quarantine, my eating and sleeping habits were erratic, and it was a challenge the first few weeks. I realized that this was affecting my work production and my motivation to participate in regular activities. After speaking with a friend, I was reminded of the importance and value of time and productivity. Charles Darwin said, “A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.”
If you could give a tip or a word of advice to a NYC PE teacher, what would it be?
This remote learning process has shown me the difference between being productive and being busy. The first few weeks, I posted videos for my students but questioned if it was meaningful and intentional enough for their individual success. I came across a quote from Denzel Washington: “Just because you are doing a lot more doesn't mean you are getting a lot done; Don't confuse movement with progress!” My advice to a NYC PE teacher would be to make sure that planning, parent discussions, instructional time, assessments, and school functions, are relevant and meet the needs of our students and communities.
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Vanessa DiServio, Hudson High School of Learning and Technologies, 02M437, 16 years teaching PE
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— Our knowledge, expertise, passion, and innovation will impact students’ lives for years to come. The influence we have will shape their mindsets, attitudes, and behaviors toward physical activity.
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What do you love most about teaching PE?
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a Physical Education teacher is that it allows me to be creative in the most unique settings. Encouraging student input contributes to the synchronicity in the classroom. I strive to provide them with the social-emotional skills to be supportive teammates, strong leaders on and off the field, to be good decision makers, and have confidence in themselves. I love how they teach me new ways to do things, and I love watching them learn. I know that not everyone loves their career choice, but I am proud to say that after seventeen years in a sometimes challenging and difficult position, I still possess the same passion and dedication to my job today as I did when I first began.
What continues to inspire you?
All students deserve to have the best physical education experience. I am inspired by students who persevere through many obstacles they encounter every day. New York City students are resilient; they strive for greatness and are inquisitive, and for those and many other reasons, they deserve to have access to the highest level of physical education. I’ve committed my seventeen-year career to be that teacher for them.
What’s your favorite resource?
One resource I find invaluable is my instructional coach, Stacey Altruda. She has provided me with innovative, relevant, engaging instructional tools I use in my classroom. She informed me of
OPEN (Online Physical Education Network)
a resource I use quite often for lesson planning, rubrics, and instructional strategies, especially during remote learning.
What’s it like to teach physical education remotely in New York City?
Teaching PE remotely has its rewards and its challenges. With a total of 287 students, I face the challenge of student engagement, wondering if they have access to a device, a safe environment where they can be physically active, and strategizing ways to keep them all motivated during this tough time. Using the resources provided by OPEN and the Office of School Wellness Programs, I have been able to plan and develop lessons that are fun, educational, aligned with standards, student-driven and accessible.
Do you have any success moves or best practices to share?
I’ve created an educational Instagram and YouTube accounts for my lessons and activities. The feedback from parents and students has been very positive. Students enjoy and truly appreciate seeing a familiar face. I asked my students to look up free workout apps and YouTube channels and provide a review. After getting their input, I created a “Fitness Locker” where I made a list of the best, free resources for students and families so they can stay active at home.
What lessons have you learned or hurdles have you had to overcome?
During such an uncertain time, it is so important to reach out to your students to check in with them, and to find out the resources they have available. Be kind and understanding, and be clear with directions and expectations. Be flexible and open to alternative ways to present mastery. It’s also crucial to practice self-care daily.
If you could give a tip or a word of advice to a NYC PE teacher, what would it be?
As physical education teachers, we play an essential role in the health and well-being of our students. Our knowledge, expertise, passion, and innovation will impact students’ lives for years to come. The influence we have will shape their mindsets, attitudes, and behaviors toward physical activity. We have a responsibility to our future generation to provide them with the tools to be confident, resourceful, healthy, active, and lifelong learners.
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Chris Esquierdo, P.S. 163 Flushing Heights, 25Q163, 13 years teaching PE
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— Physically active, fit students are college and career ready.
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What do you love most about teaching PE?
I am excited to enter school every day because I love spending time with my students, and there is so much content to teach. It is rewarding watching my students learn and have fun during a lesson I created. I admire their exuberance, enthusiasm, and love for 25Q163. Teaching my students the knowledge and skills necessary to become physically literate individuals is an important task, and I feel personally responsible for changing sedentary lifestyles and motivating students to live physically active, healthy lives. Physically active, fit students are college and career ready.
What continues to inspire you?
I am inspired and motivated by my students. They bring out the best in me every day. The students always come first, and that drives my thought process and decision-making. I am also inspired by the school community of 25Q163. My principal, Mrs. Marsaggi, along with administrators, colleagues, PTA, and families always support PE and athletic programs.
What’s your favorite resource?
My favorite resource is the Instructional Coaching Cycle offered by the Office of School Wellness Programs. For the past three years, I have participated in coaching cycles with my instructional coach, Diana Stein. Diana has become a mentor, and someone who has elevated my teaching practice. The cycle gives me a different perspective and provides me with professional growth. I recommend that every teacher participate in a coaching cycle.
What’s it like to teach physical education remotely in New York City?
It has been an adventure. Through eight weeks of remote instruction, I have learned over ten different apps or platforms to develop and administer fun, engaging lessons that meet my students’ needs. My co-teacher and I have created over 55 activity videos and video tutorials for my YouTube channel. On May 8, 25Q163 hosted our first-ever Virtual Field Day for students and their families. It is important to stay organized, communicate with students and parents regularly, and not be afraid to try new things.
Do you have any success moves or best practices to share?
My PE program supports literacy and language acquisition through the use of task cards, word wall, and technology. I have created hundreds of task cards and visual aids that are useful supports for students with visual learning styles, and they are a great way to incorporate reading comprehension into PE class. When I have a lesson that involves skill stations, each station has a task card with name, skill(s), instructions, critical elements/instructional cues, and a diagram. I have become an avid grant writer because I want my students to participate in every single skill and concept listed in the
New York City K-5 Physical Education Scope and Sequence
. I acquire grants so I have the funding necessary for every student to have their own piece of equipment regardless of class size or unit.
What lessons have you learned or hurdles have you had to overcome?
Establish relationships as soon as possible. Rules without relationships equals rebellion. One way I build teacher-student relationships during PE is getting to know my students. It is also important to include students in the decision-making process. Lessons encourage student choice and students are able to challenge themselves through differentiated tasks throughout the class.
If you could give a tip or a word of advice to a NYC PE teacher, what would it be?
During Meet-The-Teacher and Parent-Teacher Conferences, set up your gymnasium with skill stations and/or activities. When students and families come to meet with you, they also have the chance to participate in the stations and exercise together. It is a great opportunity for students to show their parents what they are learning in PE. You will also have a visual reference for parents when you are in discussion.
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Danielle Hnath, P.S. 193 Alfred J. Kennedy, 25Q193, 5 years teaching PE
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— I believe right now, given our City’s current situation, it is so important to be flexible. Just reaching out to families to see if they are okay and letting them know they are doing a great job goes a long way.
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What do you love most about being a PE teacher?
I love all the daily challenges. I think every PE teacher in their building can agree that we are the school celebrity. Seeing how excited the kids get when they see me in the hallway makes my day. However, as an elementary PE teacher, what I really love is building lasting relationships with students and watching them grow each year.
What continues to inspire you?
My students. For me there is no greater joy than seeing my students smile and celebrate their success in class. I am inspired by their desire and willingness to learn.
What’s your favorite resource?
My favorite resource from the Office of School Wellness Programs is the
PE Professional Learning Community
. I look forward to attending the monthly meetings and having the opportunity to share and to learn from fellow PE teachers. I also enjoy attending and presenting at the Think-Move-Achieve conferences.
What’s it like to teach physical education remotely in New York City?
It has definitely been a learning experience. I learned to use iMovie and all new technology. I feel that learning new technology has improved my teacher practice, and I feel more confident with it. Students in my school community can participate in Mindfulness Monday, Tuesday at Home PE, and Fit Friday with Ms. Hnath. I plan Google Meet activity sessions for each class to participate in 20 minutes of movement using
Move-to-Improve activities
. At first, I was nervous to teach on Google Meet, but for me, it brings back a feeling of normalcy.
Do you have any success moves or best practices to share?
Early on in remote learning, I learned how important it was to create videos for students. During the first week, I posted a stretching video for the students. A parent messaged me saying how excited her son was to see me and hear my voice. I decided to continue making videos and created different themed days for students to participate in.
What lessons have you learned or hurdles have you had to overcome?
The first few weeks of remote learning were spent navigating resources and trying to figure out what works without stressing families. I believe right now, given our City’s current situation, it is so important to be flexible. Just reaching out to families to see if they are okay and letting them know they are doing a great job, goes a long way.
If you could give a tip or a word of advice to a NYC PE teacher, what would it be?
Days can be hard and challenging, but always know you are impacting students’ lives. It’s definitely important to find your support system in your building. Find that group of teachers who are just as passionate about wellness, and build your
School Wellness Council
to support your mission.
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Ciara Morse, P.S. 94 David D. Porter, 26Q094, 4 years teaching PE
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— As President John F. Kennedy said: “Physical education is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.”
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What do you love most about teaching PE?
I am very proud to be a teacher in the DOE. I am just as excited now as I was when I applied to be a PE teacher almost four years ago. This connection underscores the joy I feel every day when I see the smiling faces of the children, families, and staff in my school. My greatest satisfaction is knowing that my efforts to promote an active and healthy lifestyle are making a difference. I am thrilled to see a student accomplish a personal physical goal, or a pair of students providing positive and constructive feedback to each other about a particular skill. Whether it’s a “high five” or a “thumbs up” in the hallway, an e-mail thank-you from a parent, or a hand-made drawing, I feel acknowledged, and that I have chosen the best career for myself.
What continues to inspire you?
The support I receive from the P.S. 94Q school community. They have embraced me, and appreciate my efforts to strengthen the students’ physical, social, emotional, and academic skills as well as their involvement in community service. I strive to create age-appropriate, enjoyable lessons and activities that are aligned to the learning standards as well as with students’ individual learning differences, cultural backgrounds, and personal interests. I am mindful of building a positive learning environment where students feel welcome, safe, valued, and engaged.
My involvement in extra-curricular activities also continues to inspire me. For the past four years, I have served as the advisor of the Student Council, promoting student leadership and participation in school and community service. My students participated in the NYC Department of Transportation Citywide video competition, “We’re Walking Here,” placing second in 2018. I am particularly proud that we have been a Move-to-Improve All-Star school for the past four years and participated in the
CHAMPS
BOKS program and CHAMPS developmental basketball before-and after-school programs.
What’s your favorite resource?
The monthly PE Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings and special professional development conferences offered by the Office of School Wellness Programs have enhanced my knowledge of teaching physical education. Attending PLC meetings for four years at P.S. 135 (Queens PLC site) allowed me to meet other PE teachers in multiple districts, acquire ideas for PE activities and events, and even make new friends in my field! I would like to give a shout-out to Kevin Nelmes and Dave Fannon for their continued hard work in planning and organizing the amazing monthly PLC meetings! I have also learned so much at the annual Election Day and Chancellor’s Day conferences. The workshops have augmented my teaching toolkit with new strategies and materials. I love the interactions and connections I have made with other physical education educators throughout the City.
What’s it like to teach physical education remotely in New York City?
Initially, I found teaching remotely to be challenging, as this was a completely new form of teaching for us. Fortunately, I am somewhat tech-savvy and I have been able to create my own videos that have been popular with the students in my school community. The students have gone on “virtual field trips” with professional athletes, and visits to sporting events. I have been able to address social-emotional learning in PE lessons through programs designed to facilitate a connection between physical activity, emotions, and inner thoughts. I have gained valuable insight about what it is like for my students to use distance learning, what their challenges may be at home, and how they feel about our current situation through written and video/audio student reflections.
Do you have any success moves or best practices to share?
Keeping connected to my students and their families as best as possible, every day. Our cluster teachers (PE, Art, Science) have weekly check-in meetings with students and families at each grade level. Students connect with one another through Google Meets, and we learn what challenges they are experiencing and what systems and schedules are working well for our students. I am also connecting with students by creating PE videos of myself to share with them so they can see me and follow my moves. I try my best to communicate regularly with them on Google Classroom. I convey and emphasize the importance of staying active during this time, while my number one goal is to maintain a genuine connection with students and families in order to ensure that everyone is coping physically, academically, socially, and emotionally.
What lessons have you learned or hurdles have you had to overcome?
We all know that human connection is essential for good health and overall well-being. I really miss being with my students daily. Technology cannot substitute for face-to-face communication nor can it replace physically being with students each day to watch them learn and grow, but it’s amazing to stay connected to students via Google Classroom, Google Meets, and videos. I am in awe of how teachers, students, and families have come together as a school community. They have “stepped up to the plate” to demonstrate love for our students, no matter where we are.
If you could give a tip or a word of advice to a NYC PE teacher, what would it be?
Constantly reflect on why you decided to become a NYC PE teacher, and be that person who makes a difference in the lives of students, their families, colleagues, and all members of the school community. Share the values of dedication, commitment, and sense of accomplishment by being an enthusiastic and positive role model.
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Allison Trevaskis, Passages Academy, Horizon, 79X695, 12 years teaching PE
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What do you love most about teaching PE?
I love guiding my students and witnessing them go from skeptical to fully invested in new sports, games, activities, and taking ownership of leading segments of our class. Observing my students growing in a social-emotional manner, becoming active with a purpose, and mastering skills that can keep them healthy over their lifetime indicates the value of PE programs for all children.
What continues to inspire you?
My students who are in a transition point in their lives inspire me. They often come to me at their lowest point and have not had the most positive school experiences in the past. They deserve and need caring, positive people who hold them to high expectations in order to get where they need to be educationally, which will ultimately set them up for success in today’s world. Their successes in being responsible, accountable, and holding themselves to high levels of engagement and learning, keep me motivated to continually respond to their interests and build learning opportunities with intention.
What’s your favorite resource?
I greatly appreciate the ongoing, high-quality professional development offered by the Office of School Wellness Programs during the Chancellor's Conference Days. The partnership with NYS AHPERD enhances our representation across the State, provides a multitude of resources available to our children, and recognizes their achievements.
What’s it like to teach physical education remotely in New York City?
It is a new kind of challenge, and challenges represent opportunities to grow in practice and skills. It is certainly more difficult connecting with students remotely, especially as I cannot have direct contact with them in the detention center (
Passages Academy
at Horizon in the Bronx, which provides academic instruction to students diverted from incarceration). Also, we are receiving new students whom I have never met. I only get a small glimpse of who they are by reading their electronic responses and emailing colleagues. I base so much of my work on personal interaction with my students. I left individual coursework for my students with their
NYC FITNESSGRAM
record, workouts for small spaces, and log forms for each student, to challenge them to be active. For the new students, I left an introduction letter and a similar set of workouts. I have continued to connect with our school counselors and partnering agency members to communicate and provide feedback to my students daily. Our PE department has been flexible in transitioning from the individual work to creating content for a website, which our students can access via a Chromebook. I cannot wait to get back to my children, in our gymnasium!
Do you have any success moves or best practices to share?
Keep it positive! Create opportunities for students to be successful in achieving the goals of our programs. For example, if they walk the dog daily, have them use their phone to track how far they traveled. Students need us now more than ever to remain consistent in our new routines and to be there whenever they come around. Continually invite your students to engage and be willing to listen. We rely on communication, collaboration, and coordination with other stakeholders in our children’s lives to support them in exceeding the goals during this unprecedented time. When students feel supported, they will want to engage more, and they learn from those people they have a connection with. I see success as making a connection with my students as people.
What lessons have you learned or hurdles have you had to overcome?
Set and stick to only attending to school-related business, issues, and emails during a set time each day.
If you could give a tip or a word of advice to a NYC PE teacher, what would it be?
We never fail a child by having high expectations. Identify opportunities to bridge gaps and extend our students’ knowledge and skills in order to build a lifelong commitment to movement with a purpose. For our practice, live each day as a new day, go slow to start, stay positive, and build off the successes of the previous day. You can do anything, in time.
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Building the Wellness Community
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For the Entire School Community: Free Events from the Office of Sustainability
Join the DOE Office of Sustainability for two virtual events:
- RFuture: A unique night of live performances by students and their activist music mentors on Thursday, May 28, at 6:00 p.m. Open to all. Register today and watch on Facebook live.
- Meet the Experts: Join experts this Friday, May 29, as they share their research stories on the Arctic, using drones to study volcanoes, and exploring the Earth's climate using drones. Open to teachers and students. Register today.
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