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Nov. 2, 2021
Grounding Our Work In Gratitude
The start of this year has been difficult. We have been challenged in ways we never thought possible. While it is easy to get caught up in the chaos of each day, it is my hope that you can carve time out to find gratitude in the things around you. 

For the month of November, I challenge each health and physical educator to begin or end their day with a thought of gratitude. What is something or someone that makes your world better (e.g., health, a good meal, weather, kindness, support, strength, love, time, knowledge, surf, snow, laughter, grace)?

Write down the things you are grateful for. You might consider:
  • Putting them in a jar and reading them all at the end of the month or when you need a mood lift
  • Write letters of gratitude to the people you are thankful for — and actually mail them
  • Talk about them with your family at the dinner table
  • Close each class by having students share things they were grateful for during health and/or physical education learning

As well, use the things you are grateful for to identify ways you might extend kindness, support, grace, love, or laughter to those around you. Create a community of gratitude by paying it forward to others.

Wishing you and your families a very happy Thanksgiving and holiday season. I am grateful for each and every one of you and the amazing things you do for students!

Please do not hesitate to contact me at pmetz@sdcoe.net if there is anything I can do to support you, your site, or district. Wishing you a fantastic 2021-22 school year!
Health and Physical Education Coordinator
San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE)
Physical Fitness Test Update and Temporary Solution
On Oct. 14, the California Department of Education (CDE) sent a letter to districts and schools regarding the Physical Fitness Test (PFT). You can read the communication by clicking on the last link in the October 2021 Information Memorandum that is posted on the CDE website.

Some critical items shared in the memorandum include:

Temporary Solution for 2021-22 Test Administration
  • Schools will not measure or record students’ body composition
  • Students' participation — not performance, in terms of the Healthy Fitness Zones — will be collected by districts/schools
  • Each student with a disability will take as many tests as their condition permits
  • Physical education classes will emphasize the importance of physical and mental health as well as the importance of exercise

Students Must Qualify for an Exemption to Take Less Than Four Years of Physical Education

Emergency Regulations Are Being Developed
  • Expected to be presented to the State Board of Education in January 2022

It is critical that physical educators pay attention and remain involved in conversations regarding the future of PFT and the assessments associated with physical education. SDCOE will continue to include updated information in the SDCOE Health and Physical Education Monthly Update.
SDCOE Health and Physical Education Advisory Shares Critical Updates
On Sept. 22, SDCOE facilitated the fall 2021 SDCOE Health and Physical Education Advisory Meeting. At this event, critical updates were shared regarding:
  • California physical education minute requirements
  • California requirements for independent study physical education
  • California PFT and FITNESSGRAM Update

Health/physical educators and administrators are encouraged to look at the Fall 2021 SDCOE Health and Physical Education Advisory slide deck to familiarize themselves with details and information that are critical for the 2021-22 school year. Should questions arise, please contact Paige Metz.
Stay Up-to-Date With COVID-19 Guidance 
Much like most of last year, reopening guidance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and from San Diego County Health and Human Services (HHSA) is fluid. As of the drafting of this communication, the following reflects most recent guidance:

Throughout the school year, educators are encouraged to:
  • Follow all direct guidance from your district and/or site administrators
  • Regularly visit the Safe Schools for All Hub website to stay informed
  • Work with colleagues to develop and follow COVID-19 protocols to mitigate transmission
  • Maintain ongoing communication with students and families regarding COVID-19 protocols and expectations
  • Use warm strength and grace when reminding students of COVID-19 protocols 

Please contact Paige Metz if you have specific questions related to health and/or physical education.
COVID-19 Funding Can Be Used for Health and Physical Education Programming
Districts and charter schools have received three batches of COVID-19 relief funding. This funding may be used for health and physical education programming, including social and emotional learning, equity, access to resources (including equipment), planning, professional learning, and curriculum updates/writing. Talk to your administrator to better understand how these funds are being disseminated in your system. Create a plan for how your health and/or physical education department can meet the needs of your students and community.
Hang out with Fellow Health and Physical Educators
Connect with your health and physical education peers at the SDCOE Health and Physical Education Hangouts on the second Wednesday of every month from 3 to 4 p.m. and receive the latest updates, resources, materials and best practices in health and physical education. Use this Zoom link to join each month. Following each hangout from 4 to 5 p.m., there will be grade-level collaboration meetings for those who would like to collaborate with others who teach the same grade span. Attendees will receive follow-up emails with the information and resources that were shared.
SDCOE Announces Health and Physical Education Professional Learning for 2021-22
SDCOE will offer the following professional development opportunities for the 2021-22 school year. We are currently planning for all meetings to be held virtually. However, in-person events may be considered later in the school year. Click on the dates or session for more information and to register.
  • Three-Day Physical Literacy Institute (spring)
  • Health Education Framework Series (spring) or individual sessions
  • Session 1: Framework Overview (Jan. 5)
  • Session 2: Nutrition and Physical Activity; and Mental, Emotional, and Social Health (Feb. 2)
  • Session 3: Growth, Development, and Sexual Health; and Injury Prevention and Safety (March 2)
  • Session 4: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs; and Personal and Community Health (April 6)
  • Health and Physical Education Leadership Academy: Leadership Tier 1 (Contact Paige Metz if you are interested in participating.) Note: There is a prerequisite for this offering.
  • Health and Physical Education Leadership in Action: Leadership Tier 2 (One-year series of four meetings) Note: There is a prerequisite for this offering
  • Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in Health and Physical Education (spring)
  • Standards-Based Assessment in Health and Physical Education (spring)
  • Grading For Equity by Joe Feldman Book Study for Health and Physical Educators (spring dates TBD)
  • SDCOE Health and Physical Education Advisory (May 4)

Please contact Paige Metz if you have questions or requests for programming.
Three-Day Physical Literacy Institute Is Back and Better Than Ever
The Physical Literacy Institute is a series of three virtual meetings that are designed to help you empower students with the confidence, competence, and passion for a lifetime of physical activity. Participants will develop the mindsets, understanding, and skills to strategically increase the physical literacy of all students by incorporating:
  • SEL
  • Universal design for learning
  • Standards-based assessment
  • Culturally responsive teaching and learning

Click the following link for more information and to register for the spring (Jan. 19, Feb. 16, March 16) series.
Health Education Framework Series Empowers Teachers to Develop Students’ Health Literacy
The Health Education Framework Series, a combination of asynchronous and synchronous professional learning, will be offered twice this year. Click the following links to learn more about the complete fall or spring series, or attend individual sessions.
  • Session 1: Framework Overview (Jan. 5)
  • Session 2: Nutrition and Physical Activity, AND Mental, Emotional and Social Health (Feb. 2)
  • Session 3: Growth, Development, and Sexual Health, AND Injury Prevention and Safety (March 2)
  • Session 4: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs, AND Personal and Community Health (April 6)
Don’t Miss the 50th National Adapted Physical Education Conference
Registration is now open for the 50th National Adapted Physical Education Conference from Nov. 4 to 6. This year’s event will be virtual and will feature nine-time Paralympian Candace Cable and University of Wisconsin’s Dr. Kristi Roth as keynote speakers. For more information, and to register visit the California Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CAHPERD) website.
Mark Your Calendars for In-Person CAHPERD and SHAPE America Conferences
Both CAHPERD and SHAPE America have announced the return to in-person events this spring. Mark your calendars and put the wheels in motion for you to attend.
  • The 2022 CAHPERD State Conference is scheduled to take place March 3 to 5 at the Los Angeles Airport Marriott. Visit the CAHPERD website for more information.
  • SHAPE America’s 2022 National Convention will be held in New Orleans from April 26 to 30. Check out the SHAPE America website for details.
California Health Education Website Is Go-To Spot for Educators
Last year a new website went online that is a one-stop shop for all things related to health education programming. CaliforniaHealthEducation.org features critical resources for each of the six content areas that include:

Bookmark the CaliforniaHealthEducation.org website, as it will continue to be updated and populated with content to support the implementation of the new California Health Education Framework.
New and Updated Resources to Support LGBTQ+ Youth
The CDE has added significant updates to its Supporting LGBTQ+ website. The additions to the website include specific resources to support educators, students, and families. Even better news is that the resources will include links to local resources in San Diego County. Be sure to share this information with administrators, counselors, teachers, and families. In addition, schools may use this information to update their comprehensive sexual health instruction to make sure that experiences are inclusive and accessible for all students.

Also, the San Diego LGBT Community Leadership Council’s Youth Services Committee — under the leadership of San Diego Pride, the SD LGBT Community Center, The North County LGBTQ Resource Center, and Trans Family Services — has recently released LGBTQ+ Youth Standards of Care. The standards outline best practices and relevant resources that reflect and comply with California Education Code and laws.
San Diego County Live Well Schools Releases Tools for Schools Searchable Resource Database
Check out the Tools for Schools searchable resource database from Live Well Schools. More than 300 resources, searchable by topic, will connect you to programs, partnership ideas, policy strategies, and tools to meet short-term needs of students and families and facilitate long-term planning for schools and districts. Tools for Schools provides a wide array of resources based on a broader definition of wellness that includes social and emotional health and a focus on addressing health disparities.
If you have any questions or comments about Health and Physical Education Monthly Update, please contact Paige Metz.
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