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

Your best summer starts here! Highmark BCBS is proud to present FREE fitness, fabulous farmers markets, and fun activities for all to enjoy!

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

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

Summer Safety

As temperatures rise, please remind your team of key summer safety risks:

• Heat Stress: Encourage extra hydration, take rest breaks, and if AC is possible sit inside for periods of time.

• Sun Exposure: Use SPF 30+, and re-apply, wear protective clothing, sit in the shade and take shaded breaks if you are working outside.

• Poisonous Plants: Educate on identification and proper protection. When hiking or taking walks in nature, wear long sleeves and pants.

• Ticks & Mosquitoes: Use repellents and check for bites daily. When hiking or taking walks in nature, wear long sleeves and pants

• Wear a helmet: Riding a bike, scooter, skateboard or rollerblades/skates, you should always wear a helmet and encourage helmets for kids.

• Wear a lifejacket: If boating, water biking, kayaking, or water skiing - wear a life jacket.

• Swimming: Only swim at beaches or public pools when there are lifeguards on duty. Do not swim if there are hazard conditions and do not ignore warning signs posted of hazard or unsafe swimming conditions. Do not leave children unattended near pools or bodies of water.

• Driving Safety: This is the time of year there are kids on bikes, skateboards, scooters, etc. There are also more motorcycles on the road - drive carefully in residential areas and always be aware of what is around you on the road.

• Parks and playgrounds or other outdoor areas: Teach small and younger children about stranger danger. Parks and playgrounds can get crowded; it is important children know what to do if approach by a stranger.

• Stings or bug bites: Try to identify what bit you. If the stinger from a bee or wasp is still intact, use a credit card or fingernail to scrap it out, DO NOT squeeze it. Wash the area with soap and water. Apply a cold compress for swelling. Watch for signs of infection or allergic reaction. Call emergency services immediately if these signs start to show.

• Outdoor campfires: Use safe campfire sense - do not get close to the fire, do not let children get close to the fire, keep campfires a good distance away from tents, campers, or cabins, ensure the fire is out at night.

• Grilling: Ensure the grill is on a flat surface away from any structures. Never leave a lit grill unattended. Wait until the grill is completely cool before covering. Always keep the fire manageable.

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

• Strain & Sprain Injury Prevention

• Distracted Driving

• Stretching Program - Shoulder & Neck Exercises

• Stretching Program -Hand Exercises