Health and Physical Education
Being physically fit and healthy has a direct effect on the social, emotional, and mental well-being of a child. The Health and Physical Education Department provides students with 21st century Health and Physical Education that encompasses contemporary concepts and rich experiences in a collaborative environment.
Along with a strong core health and physical education curriculum, we also offer additional programming to support the physical and social-emotional wellness of our students, including:
- Adventure Education Programming: Hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, snowshoeing, and ropes courses funded by The Cummings Foundation. These courses focus on teamwork, persistence, and resilience.
- BOKS (Build Our Kids' Success): A before-school physical activity program at several district K-8 schools for students in kindergarten to 5th grade, but tailored to specific school needs.
- Nutrition Education Programming: Offered by UMass Extension
Supervisor of Health & Physical Education: Nicole Viele
Curriculum
Social Competency
Teaching socio-emotional skills promotes good development, a peaceful classroom, increases academic achievement, and improves future success. All Prekindergarten to grade 8 classrooms are adopting the Second Step program, with classroom teachers providing direct instruction in socio-emotional skills. Additionally, some schools like the Winter Hill Community Innovation School supplement this with the Responsive Classroom program.
Healthy Choices: Alcohol, Drug, and Violence Prevention
The Somerville Public Schools are committed to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment to maximize student learning. We support students effectively communicating their needs, interests, and opinions, making healthy choices, and respecting the needs, interests, and opinions of others.