The overall goal of the Health Education Curriculum at Ardsley Middle School is for students to gain a greater awareness about what constitutes their physical, mental/emotional and social well-being.  The mission is to provide the knowledge and skills that will enable students to make responsible decisions and maintain a healthy lifestyle, which benefits adolescents in all aspects of their growth and learning.

Students attend health class for one academic quarter per grade level.  The curriculum spirals through each grade level (that is, it builds on previous instruction) with a variety of age-appropriate topics that correlate with the New York State and National Standards for Health Education while also addressing specific needs of the Ardsley community.

Functional Knowledge in Health Education:

• Physical Activity & Nutrition
• Tobacco
• Alcohol & Other Drugs
• Family Life/Sexual Health
• Sexual Risk
• HIV/AIDS
• Unintentional Injury
• Violence Prevention
• Other Required Health Areas (including first aid and sun protection)

Skill Areas in Health Education:

• Self-management
• Relationship management
• Stress management
• Communication
• Planning & Goal Setting
• Decision Making
• Advocacy

(These knowledge areas were determined by the Centers for Disease Control.)

Health lessons are designed to be student-centered and relevant, providing real life learning experiences to help students become health literate youth.  Health literate youth have the knowledge, skills and ability (the KNOW and CAN DO) to maintain and enhance personal health, create and maintain safe environments, and manage personal and community resources.