The Buffalo Public Schools offers comprehensive benefits and programs to support employees, retirees, and those planning to retire. The Benefits Office is committed to providing high-quality health, wellness, and safety programs designed for a diverse and dedicated staff community.

Phone: 716-816-3936

The best way to reach a staff member in the benefits department is via email. All staff members have access to the benefits email and the 1st available staff member will respond.

Available Monday-Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.
Email: the Benefits Office
Phone: 716-816-3754
Address: 806 City Hall | 65 Niagara Square | Buffalo, NY 14202

Department Staff Directory

Summer by Highmark

Fitness at Canalside - May 26th to August 29th, participants will enjoy a wide variety of free, fitness classes:

• Every Body Plus

• Zumba®

• Buff & Flo

• Body of Wealth

• HEAL BFLO!

• Shannon Connors

• Salsa Dancing

• Goat Yoga

• Puppy Yoga

• And more ...

Fitness on the Lawn - Free outdoor fitness classes at Tonawanda Aquatic and Fitness Center. Mondays, Wednesdays & Saturdays June 1st to August 29th.

Summer City Fitness at Johnnie B. Wiley - Classes will be held every Saturday from June 27th - September 5th.

Farmer's Markets

• Elmwood Village Farmers Market

• Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor – Mrs. Frances Nash’s Garden Basket

• KidzBiz

3-on-3 Youth Basketball Tournaments in downtown Buffalo! - Aug. 8th & 9th

Plus, don’t miss these special activities…

• Puppy Yoga

• Goat Yoga

• Biking

• Sunset at the Stables (Knox Farms)

• Garden Walk

• Shakespeare in the Park

For a full schedule click HERE

Refocus your routine!

Discounts for gym memberships, online classes, massages, nutrition and chiropractic -> Refresh your Routine by Highmark

Wellness Coaching offered by Highmark!

• Looking to lose weight?

• Quit smoking?

• Be more active?

A wellness coach can create a personalized plan for you, right over the phone, on your schedule.

Sessions are free and confidential for BPS staff who carry our health insurance.

Our Wellness Coaches can help you:

• Lose Weight

• Quit Tobacco

• Balance Stress

• Sleep Better

• Reach Health Goals

And the best part – wellness coaching is 100% covered by your health plan. Learn More

A Wellness Coach is Only a Phone Call Away

Call 1-800-650-8442, Monday- Friday, to get connected with a coach, or visit HighmarkHealthCoachBCBS.com to learn more.

Virtual Physical Care Program offered through Highmark

Get relief from joint, muscle, and pelvic health on your schedule at no cost to you.
One in four people lives with pain from a musculoskeletal condition.*

That’s why we’re excited to offer members a virtual physical care program. Using motion-tracking technology, you can connect with a physical therapist (PT) to get real-time guidance. And it’s available at no additional cost to you and your dependents through your Highmark health plan.

Virtual Physical Care Program

How it works:
To get started Log in to [myhighmark.com]myhighmark.com.

• Select Benefits.

• Find Virtual Joint Health or Virtual Pelvic Health in the Health and Wellness section.

• Select Enroll.

• Complete a health survey to determine if the program is right for you.

• ·Schedule a video call with a Sword Physical Therapist.

After you enroll, Sword will provide a tablet with motion-tracking technology used to track and guide your movement.

You’re also matched with a Sword physical therapist who creates a customized, self-guided care plan, then monitors your progress while providing ongoing support

Need Assistance? 
Contact Sword at 1-888-346-0476 or needhelp@swordhealth.com

BACK TO SCHOOL SAFETY

As you are returning to the buildings and setting up your classroom for the year, please keep safety in mind.

DO NOT stand on tables or chairs

DO NOT lift heavy items over your head

DO NOT carry items without assistance

DO NOT look at your phone while you are walking

Safe lifting relies on core ergonomic principles: plan the lift, get close to the load and use your legs.

• Plan & assess - check the weight & path for any dangers BEFORE you start

• Wide Stance - plant your feet shoulder-width apart with one foot slightly forward for balance.

• Get Close - move your body as near to the object as you can

• Bend at the Knees - squat down by bending your hips & knees, NEVER your waist.

• Firm Grip - hold the item securely

• Lift with Legs - push upward using your legs & hip muscles while keeping your back straight.

NEVER move or lift anything by yourself.

• Distracted Driving

• Computer Workstations - Ergonomic Self-Evaluation Checklist

• Pre-Shift Dynamic Stretching Routine

• Strain & Sprain Injury Prevention

• Stretching Program -Hand Exercises

• Stretching Program - Shoulder & Neck Exercises

• Walking is Working - Safety Tips on Slips, Trips and Falls