Health & Physical Education

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Valerie Craig-Ndiaye
Supervisor of Health and Physical Education K-12
[email protected]
201-482-6435
 
Clerk l Elizabeth Perry l [email protected] l 201-633-7787
 
Department Overview
 
The Health and Physical Education Program of the Jersey City Public Schools fosters student success through a curriculum aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. These curricula are delivered by highly qualified teachers who integrate instruction with ongoing assessment and adhere to educational policies that enhance and support learning. Our classrooms and gyms have the technology and resources to ensure all students access high-quality, engaging health and physical education.
K-5 Curriculum
 
The Health and Physical Education curricula for grades K-5 help students build their physical, emotional, and social well-being. It focuses on basic skills like motor development, coordination, and fitness while teaching important health topics like nutrition, personal hygiene, and safety. The curricula encourage students to be active and learn why regular exercise and healthy choices matter. Lessons include physical activities, games, and discussions that promote teamwork, respect, and confidence. The goal is to create a positive environment where students develop lifelong healthy habits.
6-8 Curriculum
 
The 6-8 Health and Physical Education curricula builds on earlier grades, focusing on advanced physical fitness and health concepts. Students explore a wider range of activities, including team sports, individual challenges, and exercises to enhance endurance, strength, flexibility, and coordination. Health education covers nutrition, mental health, substance abuse prevention, and human development, including puberty and reproductive health. The curricula emphasizes personal responsibility, decision-making, and goal-setting for a healthy lifestyle, aiming to equip students with the skills for lifelong wellness.
High School Curriculum
 
The 9-12 Health and Physical Education curricula prepare students for lifelong health and fitness by covering advanced physical activities, wellness concepts, and personal health management. Physical education classes focus on sports, fitness, and recreational activities, emphasizing skill development, strategy, and teamwork. Health education addresses vital topics like mental health, nutrition, sexual health, substance abuse, and disease prevention, promoting informed decisions and responsible behavior. The curricula encourage setting personal fitness goals, understanding the benefits of an active lifestyle, and developing health-conscious habits for overall well-being.
District Approved Curriculum Resources
 

Website

Description

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Grades K-5:


THE GREAT BODY SHOP is aligned to state and national standards for health education as well as the Healthy People 2020 initiative. Our annual review process allows us to incorporate changes in state or district standards on an on-going basis. The GREAT BODY SHOP is a comprehensive health education curriculum that is sequential, developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive and medically accurate. 


For Families

  • Partnership in the teaching and learning process
  • Monthly Student Issues and Family Bulletins in four languages
  • Family activities, homework, and lesson extensions
  • Parent/teacher website
  • Theme-based music
  • The Family Connection Newsletter

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Grades K-12:

SPARK (Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids) is a research-based program designed to promote physical activity, fitness, and healthy lifestyles among children and youth. Originally developed with funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), SPARK provides evidence-based physical education (PE) curricula, resources, and professional development for teachers, schools, and community organizations. The program aims to improve the quantity and quality of physical activity in school and community settings by offering structured, inclusive, and engaging activities that cater to various skill levels and abilities. SPARK is widely recognized for its effectiveness in increasing physical activity, improving motor skills, and fostering positive attitudes toward health and fitness among children.

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Grades 6-8:

Goodheart-Willcox Middle School Comprehensive Health program offers a thorough and age-appropriate exploration of essential health topics tailored for middle school students. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed health decisions and develop lifelong healthy habits. It covers a wide range of subjects, including physical health, mental and emotional well-being, nutrition, personal safety, substance abuse prevention, and human development. The program emphasizes critical thinking, personal responsibility, and decision-making skills, encouraging students to apply what they learn to real-life situations. Interactive lessons, activities, and assessments are integrated to engage students and reinforce key concepts. Overall, Goodheart-Wilcox's program aims to provide a comprehensive and balanced approach to health education, helping middle school students navigate the challenges of adolescence with confidence and competence.


Students and parents may access this resource through the students’ CLEVER account. This resource includes a textbook and workbook which can be translated into Spanish.

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Grades 9-12:

Goodheart-Willcox High School Comprehensive Health program is an in-depth curriculum designed to provide high school students with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead healthy, balanced lives. The program covers a broad spectrum of health topics, including physical fitness, nutrition, mental and emotional health, human sexuality, substance abuse prevention, disease prevention, and personal safety. It emphasizes the development of critical thinking, decision-making, and self-management skills, empowering students to make informed choices about their health and well-being. The curriculum also addresses contemporary health issues, such as mental health awareness, digital citizenship, and the impact of social media on health. With a focus on both individual and community health, the program prepares students to understand and navigate the complex health challenges they may face during adolescence and beyond. Through engaging lessons, interactive activities, and real-world applications, Goodheart-Willcox's High School Comprehensive Health program aims to cultivate a holistic understanding of health, promoting lifelong wellness and responsible decision-making.


Students and parents may access this resource through the students’ CLEVER account. This resource includes a textbook and workbook which can be translated into Spanish.

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Grades K-12:

The Open Physical Education Curriculum, often referred to as OPEN, is an online resource that provides a wide range of physical education (PE) lesson plans, activities, and assessments designed to enhance physical education programs. Developed by physical education professionals and supported by the non-profit organization US Games, OPEN offers a comprehensive, standards-based curriculum that is accessible to all educators. The curriculum includes resources for various grade levels, from elementary to high school, and covers multiple aspects of physical education, such as fitness, motor skills development, sportsmanship, and social-emotional learning.

OPEN's goal is to ensure that all students, regardless of background or ability, have access to high-quality physical education that promotes lifelong physical activity and health. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing educators to adapt it to their specific teaching environments and student needs. 

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Grades 4-12

The American Red Cross Learn-to-Swim program aims to teach people of all ages and abilities how to swim and be safe in and around water. The program consists of multiple levels, each focusing on specific skills and techniques, starting from basic water safety and comfort in the water to advanced stroke development and endurance. It includes teaching basic swimming skills such as floating, kicking, and arm movements for students, and progresses to more advanced skills like different swimming strokes, treading water, and diving techniques. The program also emphasizes water safety education taught by certified Red Cross instructors, with the ultimate goal of promoting lifelong water safety and helping individuals become confident, competent swimmers.

***This program is voluntary and counts towards the students' physical education requirements.

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Grades 9-12:


NAF’s Health Sciences curricula provide a rigorous and comprehensive program of study designed to prepare learners with the content knowledge and transferable competencies necessary for success in college and career.





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Grade 11 


The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJ MVC) Driver's Manual is a vital resource for 11th-grade students in Jersey City Public Schools, offering essential knowledge on driving laws, traffic regulations, road safety, and vehicle operation. It prepares students for the written driver’s knowledge test, promoting independence, responsibility, and practical understanding of state laws. By integrating the manual into the curriculum, educators can enhance civics education and road safety awareness through interactive activities like mock tests and discussions on driving scenarios, helping students connect classroom learning to real-world applications and fostering responsible citizenship.

 
 

Initiative

Description

 

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Grade 3:


KidsFit is a nutrition education program developed by  RWJBarnabas Health Registered Dietitians, the nutrition experts.The health education program inspires lifelong healthy eating  habits with interactive lessons that meet NJ learning standards.  RWJBarnabas Health has collaborated with the NJ Institute for  Food Nutrition and Health at Rutgers University to improve the well-being of students and their families across NJ.


Students in Grade 3 participate in a 5 week program learn valuable lessons about nutrition health and then provided an assembly by trained dietitians where they are exposed to various ways to try fruits and vegetables. A pre and post test is provided to access knowledge gained through this initiative 

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Grades K-12:


Finn's mission focuses on promoting the life-saving importance of hands-only CPR. By teaching people how to perform this simple yet effective technique, Finn aims to empower individuals to act quickly in emergencies, improving the chances of survival for those experiencing cardiac arrest. Hands-only CPR, which involves just chest compressions without mouth-to-mouth breaths, is easy to learn and can be performed by anyone, making it a crucial skill in communities everywhere. This initiative involves all students in grades K-12.