Health and Wellness


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A Focus on Health and Wellness

Dear Families and Colleagues,

We just returned from Mid-Winter Break, and true to its name, the week was bitterly cold and windy—so it feels like an especially important time to focus on health and wellness.

At New York City Public Schools, our approach to health and well-being is comprehensive and innovative. Did you know, for instance, that through our Office of School Health, formed in partnership with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, we offer child dental care and vision screenings? And that in addition to our mental health work with over 130 community-based organizations, we support approximately 215 school-based mental health clinics—and are opening 20 new ones this year? Students also have access to school nurses or school-based health centers; you can learn more about the terrific work of our school nurses in our Chancellor’s Spotlight below.

In order for students to learn, they need to be physically and emotionally well. I've observed this firsthand, beginning when I was a teacher and principal and now as a New York City Public Schools parent. I encourage you to check out our website for tips on staying healthy this season, and as we move from winter into spring, let's keep health and wellness top-of-mind.

In partnership,
Melissa Aviles-Ramos
Chancellor

The Chancellor’s Spotlight:
For the last seven years, Dinah Henry has worked as a school nurse at PS 184 in Brooklyn. She is passionate about teaching healthy habits and supporting students who have chronic health conditions, especially so they can spend more time in school. “The most rewarding part,” she explained, “is seeing a child go from having excessive school absences, emergency room visits, and/or hospitalizations...to receiving a perfect attendance award.” This season, her advice to students and families is to wash their hands often—it's “the most important step to fight everyday germs.”
Nominate a person or program for The Chancellor’s Spotlight here.

Our Highlight Video:

Watch Video

For translations, please visit our YouTube page.

NYCPS News and Resources:



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