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Jan. 5, 2021
Congratulations! We Made It to 2021! Now What?
2021 is finally here! A new year, a new opportunity to inspire, reinvent, and innovate. While we still might not have control of our current situation, it is important that we leverage the aspects of our work that we have the capacity to influence. I challenge each of you to do the following:

  • Find joy in your work: During these challenging times, when there is much outside our control, we need to focus on the aspects of our work that make us happy. Take a minute to identify the things that make you smile: relationships with students, collaborating with colleagues, trying innovative strategies, being active with kids, creating “theme” days... the list is endless. Once you have identified what brings you joy, make a special effort to infuse these into your work regularly. If you have fun, so will your students.
  • Create a positive work space: Whether you are working from home or on site, identify things that you can do to create the “ultimate work space” for you and/or your students. Consider playing music, posting positive mantras, surrounding yourself with pictures that inspire you, decorating (real or virtual backgrounds), or posting student work/recognition. Be creative, and have fun creating an environment where you and your students can thrive.
  • Talk to your students: Find out what is working for them, what isn’t, and what they need to be successful. Listen to them. Consider shifts in practice that will engage them and plan to make them a reality. No matter what instructional format you are using, consider putting student voice at the center of your decision making. The more they are on board with what you are doing, the more engaged they will be and the fewer battles you will fight!
  • Set goals: Identify a few things that you want to achieve professionally or with your students. Write them down. Put them somewhere you will see them. Write down three to five actions you can take that will help you accomplish them. Put those actions in your calendar so you are more likely to follow through. A focus on growth will likely bring a sense of pride and authority that will help navigate items outside of our control.

It is critical that we use what we have learned from 2020 and focus on items that are within our control to create a 2021 that brings out the best in us and our students.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if there is anything I can do to support you, your site, or your district. Wishing you all a happy new year! Cheers to a great 2021!
Health and Physical Education Coordinator
San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE)
SDCOE Health and Physical Education Hangouts 
Hang out with your peers across the county on the first and third Wednesdays of every month from 3 to 4 p.m. to receive the latest updates, resources, materials, and best practices in health and physical education. Use this new Zoom Link for 2021 hangouts starting Jan 6.

Following each hangout, from 4 to 5 p.m. we will continue to host 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 Hangout Notes and Resources continues to feature the details on what’s been shared at previous meetings.


Don’t Miss CAHPERD Professional Learning: Tips and Tricks for Virtual Physical Education
The California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CAHPERD) will continue to host free virtual professional learning sessions. CAHPERD will host Tips and Tricks for Virtual Physical Education (6-12) at 5 p.m. Jan. 6. Click Here to register for the event or visit CAHPERD.org for more information. Previous CAHPERD learning events can be viewed at CAHPERD.org or on the CAHPERD YouTube channel.


Health Education Framework Rollout: Professional Learning 
SDCOE is offering a series of four professional learning opportunities to roll out the California Health Education Framework. This series is designed to help districts, schools, and teachers align health education programming to the new framework to develop students physical literacy and to develop skills in the following six content areas:
  • Nutrition and physical activity
  • Mental, emotional, and social health
  • Growth, development, and sexual health
  • Injury prevention and safety
  • Alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs
  • Personal and community health

Each session includes an hour-long online module, followed by a 90-minute, synchronous collaborative event. Registration is free. Check out the SDCOE Health Education Framework Professional Learning Series flyer for more information, or click on one of the dates below to register for that Zoom event. Upon registration, SDCOE will email participants the link to the online module and other materials.

Session 2 Jan. 12, Jan. 21 or Feb. 2 (3 to 4:30 p.m.)
Nutrition and Physical Activity
Mental, Emotional, and Social Health

Session 3 Feb. 18, March 2 or March 8 (3 to 4:30 p.m.)
Growth, Development, and Sexual Health
Injury Prevention and Safety

Session 4 March 22, March 31 or April 13 (3 to 4:30 p.m.)
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs
  • Personal and Community Safety


Physical Literacy Institute 
Jan. 14 and 28, Feb. 9 and 23, March 10 and 24, from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
The Physical Literacy Institute is a series of six learning sessions that are designed to help you empower students with the confidence, competence, and passion for a lifetime of physical activity. Participants will:
  • Understand physical literacy as the primary student learning outcome for physical education
  • Integrate UDL and SEL to provide meaningful learning opportunities
  • Implement strategies to engage all students equitably with content
  • Engage students in performance-based assessments to gather and use evidence of what students know and are able to do
  • Create unit and lesson plans to systematically develop students’ physical literacy

Get more information and register for the Physical Literacy Institute.


CHYA: WHAT to Teach and HOW to Teach It Via Distance Learning or In-Person
Feb. 4 from 3 to 5 p.m.
Join us as Tara Beeston (San Diego Health and Human Services) leads a conversation to better understand:
  • The requirements of the California Healthy Youth Act (CHYA)
  • Available curricula and resources for both distance learning and in-person
  • Best practices for providing comprehensive sexual health instruction


Online SEL Professional Learning Available
The Orange County Department of Education is offering a series of virtual trainings to support social and emotional learning (SEL) that include:
  • SEL 101: Introduction to Inclusive Social and Emotional Practices
  • Feb. 25 (3 to 4:30 p.m.)
  • Click Here for more information and to register.
  • Mindful Movement for Social Emotional Resilience: Pre-K to Grade 5
  • Feb. 24 (2:30 to 3:30 p.m.)
  • Click Here for more information and to register.
  • Mindful Movement for Social Emotional Resilience: Grade 6-12
  • March 3 (2:30 to 3:30 p.m.)
  • Click Here for more information and to register.


Save the Dates March 11 to 13: The CAHPERD State Conference Will Be Virtual
The California Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CAHPERD) will host its annual state conference virtually this year. This year’s TLC: Teach - Learn - Connect conference will take place March 11 to 13 and will feature presentations on topics that include:
  • Physical and health literacy
  • Social and emotional learning
  • Inclusion strategies
  • Assessment and grading
  • Serving the whole child
  • Teaching strategies
  • Technology tools
  • Leadership and networking
  • Much more!

Keynote speakers for the event will be past SHAPE America President Judy LoBianco and the founders of Hip Hop Public Health. Visit CAHPERD.org for more information.
SDCOE Continues to Release Distance Learning Units of Study
SDCOE's Curriculum and Instruction team created distance learning units of study that teachers can download and customize. Cut and paste content into whatever learning management system is used. The units of study are integrated and include a basis in the California Physical Education and Health Education Model Content Standards. Bookmark the site as new content is added often.

Units of study include:
  • K-5 Integrated Units: These units feature health and physical education sub-modules that are integrated with other content areas. Grade-level physical education (fitness and skill) addendum units are in production and will be posted soon.
  • 6-8 Thematic Units Featuring the 4 Cs: These units are focused on communication and creativity are posted for grades 6, 7 and 8. They feature submodules focused on striking, developing mature skill technique, teach-a-skill, effects of physical activity, create-a-game, create-a-dance, and personalized fitness plans. Units on critical thinking and collaboration will be posted soon.
  • 9-12 Thematic Units by Course: Content is now posted for High School Courses 1 and 2 and is designed to address the eight required continent areas. These units feature submodules focused on self-defense, individual activities/sports, dual activities/sports, gymnastics/tumbling, planning physical activity for different age spans and personalized fitness plans.

Check out the collection of units for all content areas at SDCOE Distance Learning Units of Study or use the SDCOE Distance Learning Guide for Health and Physical Education to gain direct access to health and physical education content.

It is intended that each teacher use the units of study as a starting point and an example of integrated curriculum. They can personalize the units to include:
  • SEL strategies (consider using the SEL 3 Signature Practices Playbook)
  • Strategies to make content accessible to all students
  • Personalized videos so students get to know their teacher
  • Rubrics that are shared with students to guide student learning
  • Opportunities for students to create rapport with teachers and each other


OPEN Distance Learning Curriculum 
OPENPhysEd has curriculum and professional learning opportunities to support distance learning. The new PE NOW project has resources for elementary, middle, and high school teachers. Make sure to watch the instructional videos featured on the webpage to maximize the effectiveness of this instructional resource. Teachers are encouraged to personalize the PE NOW materials to include SEL strategies, meet the needs of specific populations, add their voice or face to instruction, and create rapport with and among students.
Planning for Successful On-Campus Physical Education
As districts and sites plan to welcome students back on campus, it is critical to follow the California Department of Public Health Guidance for Public Schools. In addition, the following On Campus Learning Plan for Physical Education (Template) can be used to guide conversations and decisions prior to students returning on campus. The template includes critical information to guide conversations including:
  • Infrastructure to support various instructional formats
  • Content and instructional strategies
  • Scheduling of facilities/learning stations
  • Site policies and procedures (enter/exit, hygiene, masks, social distancing, equipment, sanitizing)
  • Creating “Plan Bs” (rainy day, COVID-19 exposure plan, etc.)

The On Campus Learning Plan for Physical Education (Template) can be a great vehicle to guide tough decisions. Please contact Paige Metz at pmetz@sdcoe.net for clarification on the template.
NEW Guidance on Youth Sports Released by CDPH
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recently updated their guidance related to youth sports. The CDPH Updated Guidance for Youth Sports, released Dec. 14, allows for modified, outdoor, physically-distanced skill building and training. However, it postpones competition (with modifications) until Jan. 25. As well, the new guidance outlines which sports are allowed in each COVID-19 tier based on the risk of transmission. It is critical that all schools follow CDPH guidelines for all recreational sports and activities.

Physical education classes are encouraged to utilize safety protocols outlined in the California Department of Public Health Guidance for Public Schools. However, they may want to utilize the activities permitted in each COVID-19 tier from the CDPH Updated Guidance for Youth Sports when planning in-person instruction.
What You Need to Know About the 2020-21 Suspension of FITNESSGRAM 
A trailer bill was passed in September that suspends the Physical Fitness Test (PFT)/FITNESSGRAM for the 2020-21 school year. However, there is some critical information that all physical educators should know:
  • Since FITNESSGRAM will not be administered this year, current 9th-grade students will not be eligible for a two-year exemption from physical education until they are 16 years of age or older and have completed the 10th grade. As a result, next year (2021-22 school year), all 10th-grade students will be required to take physical education. This is clarified on the CDE Physical Education FAQ webpage.
  • Teachers should still provide opportunities for students to track fitness data, set goals, and empower them with skills to improve their fitness. California Physical Education Model Content Standards should be used to guide this work with students. This is a great opportunity for students to personalize their learning and focus on health-related fitness measures that mean something to them!
Plan Now to Meet Requirements of the California Healthy Youth Act
The California Healthy Youth Act (CHYA) requires that all students receive instruction in comprehensive sexual health education at least once in middle school and once in high school. This requirement is not being waived due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is critical that your district/school identify instructional materials and create a plan to make sure that appropriate instruction, as defined in Ed Code, is provided to all students who missed sexual health education last year, and those who are scheduled to participate this year.

The California Department of Education (CDE) has identified distance learning resources/curricula that meet CHYA requirements.

On Feb. 4, Tara Beeston from Health and Human Services will be presenting CHYA: WHAT to Teach and HOW to Teach It via Distance Learning or In-PersonClick here for more information, and to register.
Grant Opportunities ribbon icon
Apply Now for a Mini-Grant to Implement Health Education Framework
SDCOE is accepting applications for districts and schools to receive up to $5,000 to update their health education programming. This may address requirements and initiatives associated with the six content areas of the Health Education including:
  • Nutrition and physical activity (example: Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act)
  • Mental, emotional, and social health (example: suicide prevention and SEL)
  • Growth, development, and sexual health (example: CA Healthy Youth Act)
  • Injury prevention and safety (example: address human trafficking education requirement)
  • Alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (example: Tobacco-Use Prevention Education program)
  • Personal and community health (example: Environmental Principles and Concepts)

Complete the mini-grant application to fund the following:
  • Attend the series of four California Health Education professional learning events that will be offered by SDCOE (this is a required component of all grant applicants)
  • District/site collaboration, planning, and/or alignment
  • Curriculum updates/mapping 
  • Other activities designed to utilize the framework to provide skills-based instruction in health education

All grant activities must be completed by May 31. A final report must be submitted to SDCOE that describes actions completed and implemented change(s) to health education. Please see the mini-grant application or the mini-grant informational flyer for more information.

Both SDCOE staff and the Health Education Framework leads, representing various districts, are available to provide technical assistance in the writing of mini-grants and in the implementation of grant activities. Please make sure that you have approval from your site/district administrator to apply for these funds and that they are aware of the scope of the work you plan to complete.


Chargers Champions Grant Applications Due Jan. 15!
The Chargers Champions School Grant Program has funded physical fitness, nutrition, and athletic needs for the past 20 years. This year is no different. 2020 grant amounts include:
  • High schools may apply for up to $70,000
  • Middle schools may apply for up to $40,000
  • Elementary schools may apply for up to $30,000

Complete the Chargers Champions Grant Application today, as they must be submitted by Jan. 15 for consideration! Visit the Chargers Champions Webpage for more information.
California Launches New Health Education Website
A new website has been created to support the rollout and implementation of the 2019 California Health Education Framework. The CaliforniaHealthEducation.org website features critical resources for each of the six content areas:
  • Physical Activity and Nutrition
  • Mental, Emotional, and Social Health
  • Growth, Development, and Sexual Health
  • Injury Prevention and Safety
  • Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs
  • Personal and Community Health

CaliforniaHealthEducation.org features information and resources that include:
  • Critical information about framework rollout
  • Links to the California Health Education Framework and the California Health Education Content Standards
  • Online professional learning opportunities
  • Educator resources for every health education content area
  • Standards guides
  • Skill posters
  • Model learning activities
  • Resources for administrators
  • Opportunities for family and community collaboration
  • Much, much more!

Check back often as CaliforniaHealthEducation.org will continue to be updated and populated with content to support the implementation of the new California Health Education Framework.


Resources to Support the California Healthy Youth Act (CHYA) Via Distance Learning
California public schools are required to provide comprehensive sexual health education at least once in middle school and once in high school. Sexual Health Education During Distance Learning: What Every School Needs to Know by CDE and Comprehensive Sexual Health Education via Distance Learning: Guidance and Resources by San Diego HHSA provide information and critical resources on guidance, professional learning, curriculum, and technical assistance.


Physical Education Padlet Is One-Stop Shop 
A group of teacher leaders from throughout California collaborated to collect and vet a list of resources that are designed to support quality distance learning for physical education. Visit the Physical Education Resource Padlet for easy access to vetted resources for:
  • Online/distance learning 
  • Using technology in physical education
  • Universal design for learning
  • Social and emotional learning
  • Supporting English learners
  • Adapted physical education
  • Equity and access
  • Curriculum resources
  • Assessment
  • Advocacy
  • Research and evidence-based support
  • Guiding documents
  • Professional learning


New Strategies for Fostering Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)
Created by a group of teacher leaders from throughout the country, Strategies for Fostering EDI in Physical Education provides links to critical information to help every physical educator best meet the needs of each and every student by focusing on language, physical/classroom space, inclusion, learning environment/class climate, and lesson delivery.


Professional Articles, Videos, and Websites Worth Your Attention
If you have any questions or comments about Health and Physical Education Monthly Update, please contact Paige Metz.
Get up-to-the-minute information about what's happening at SDCOE and in our districts across the county.