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Aug. 3, 2021
Give the Gift of Grace
As communities return to school for the 2021-22 school year, a kaleidoscope of feelings, experiences and questions walk through the door with each individual. Every administrator, teacher, staff member, student, and parent has unique mindsets and skills that are critical to the role they play in educating each and every student. While we hope it comes together in a well-orchestrated reality, more often than not we will find ourselves in situations where we benefit from giving the gift of grace.

Grace for your colleagues
Each administrator, teacher, and staff member has experienced a different reality over the past 18+ months. Take the time to listen to each other’s stories, and do your best to understand their world. While there will inevitably be issues on which we disagree, it is important that we do it with respect, dignity, and heart.

Grace for your students
Many of our students are learning (or re-learning) what it means to be an in-person learner five days a week for six hours a day. Take care of them. Get to know them. Show them courteous goodwill. The most significant factor in their learning is that they have a teacher who cares about them and believes in them!
Calming Countdown post with 5 things to see feel hear smell and taste
Grace for yourself
We tend to be our own worst critics and put undue pressure on ourselves to perform. It is important that we monitor our own mental, emotional, and physical health. You might consider some of the following:
  • Identify a mantra or routine that inspires you each day
  • Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you
  • Do at least one thing a day that makes you smile 
  • Allow yourself to feel deeply and take deep breaths
  • Focus on the things in your life that you, alone, have the power to impact

It is difficult to truly serve others when we do not take care of ourselves. Serve yourself with grace.

It is my hope that you share examples of the grace you give, the grace you observe, and the grace you receive. The more that grace is part of our conversation, the more it will permeate our school culture and our lives. I, for one, know that I could use a little more grace in my life!

Wishing you a graceful 2021-22 school year!

Please do not hesitate to contact me if there is anything I can do to support you, your site, or your district.
Health and Physical Education Coordinator
San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE)
The Everchanging World of Reopening 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. Guidance depends on level of community transmission, vaccination rates and outbreaks and is likely to fluctuate as we head back to school. As of the drafting of this communication, the following reflects most recent guidance:

We expect CDPH to release specific guidance and FAQs related to youth activities soon. Stay tuned!

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 protocols to mitigate transmission
  • Maintain ongoing communication with students and families regarding COVID protocols and expectations
  • Use warm strength and grace when reminding students of COVID protocols 

Please contact Paige Metz at pmetz@sdcoe.net if you have specific questions related to health and/or physical education.
Physical Education Minute Requirements Are Back for 2021-22
The executive orders that waived physical education minute requirements expired on June 30, 2021. As a result, all physical education minute requirements are back for the 2021-22 school year! And the requirements include students who are engaged in virtual, hybrid, or in-person learning. California Ed Code guarantees:
  • Pupils in grades 1 to 6 receive physical education instruction for a total period of time not less than 200 minutes each 10 school days. (California Education Code [EC] sections 33352[b][1], 51210[a][7], 51210.1[a][1][A])
  • Pupils in grades 7-12 receive physical education instruction for a total period of time not less than 400 minutes each 10 school days. (EC sections 51222[a], 33352[b][2])
Physical educators are encouraged to communicate the reinstatement of these requirements to your site and district administrators. Compliance with minute requirements will continue to be part of the Federal Program Monitoring (FPM) process conducted by the Department of Education (CDE).
FITNESSGRAM Update: Critical Conversations Need to Take Place In Your District
Since the Executive Orders related to COVID have expired, administration of the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) is not currently waived for the 2021-22 school year. While it is possible that CDE will have further communication regarding the status of the PFT, it is important that teachers and administrators make local decisions related to the FITNESSGRAM that consider the following:
  • FITNESSGRAM may not be accessible for students with disabilities or students who identify with a gender that’s different than what’s assigned at birth.
  • There is not currently standardized training or protocols to eliminate body shaming or bullying associated with aspects of PFT administration.
While CDE is convening a statewide committee to determine next steps for PFT, it is important that districts and sites determine the best course of action for their student community. For more information, please contact Paige Metz at pmetz@sdcoe.net.
What Every District and Site Should Know About Independent Study Physical Education
The independent study option that many districts and sites have offered to students is exciting! As your district/site plans physical education programming, it is critical that they understand the following about Independent Student Physical Education (ISPE).
  • Independent Study is not an alternative curriculum. It is an alternative to classroom instruction that is consistent with the district’s course of study. (EC 51745)
  • Instruction for ISPE needs to be delivered by an appropriately credentialed teacher. It cannot be administered by a coach or outside organization. (EC 51747)
  • ISPE needs to provide at least 200 minutes of instruction in physical education every 10 school days to pupils in grades 1-6 (EC 51210) and 400 minutes of instruction every 10 school days to pupils in grades 7-12 (EC 51222).
  • Every high school student (including those in independent study or enrolled in virtual academies) needs to complete a developmental course of study and assessment of student progress in the following eight required content area combatives. (EC 33352, 51014, 51220; Title 5 California Code of Regulations (5 CCR) 10060, 10060):
  • The effects of physical activity upon dynamic health
  • The mechanics of body movement
  • Aquatics
  • Gymnastics and tumbling
  • Individual and dual sports
  • Rhythms and dance
  • Team sports
  • Combatives (self-defense)
  • State fitness testing requirements will need to be addressed. (EC sections 33352, 60800)

Districts and sites should note that the above requirements are all part of CDE’s Federal Program Monitoring (FPM) process and are not waived. It is up to every district and site to maintain compliance with Ed Code. Please contact Paige Metz at pmetz@sdcoe.net with any questions.
COVID Relief Funding Can Be Used for Health and Physical Education Programming
Districts and charter schools have received three batches of COVID relief funding. This funding may be used for health and physical education programming including: Social and emotional learning (SEL), 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.
Looking for a Job? Let us Know!
As districts and sites finalize their decisions for the 2021-22 school year, we anticipate that there will be a number of openings for both health and physical educators throughout San Diego County. If you are looking for a job, or are thinking about changing sites/districts, please email a recent resume to Paige Metz at pmetz@sdcoe.net. It is our hope that we can help connect viable applicants with administrators to support the timely hiring of qualified health and physical educators.
SMART Hearts Don’t Miss A Beat FREE Training and Curriculum From the Eric Paredes Save-A-Life Foundation
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death on school campuses and the number one killer of student athletes. One in 300 youth has an undetected heart condition that puts them at risk. Smart Hearts Don’t Miss A Beat is a new, free classroom, or independent learning program that empowers young people to prevent sudden death at home, in school, on the field, at the doctor’s office, and in their future families, workplaces, and communities. This session will review program materials (videos, worksheet, activities, quiz, teacher guide) relevant to what SCA is, warning signs and risk factors, diagnostic testing, and the Cardiac Chain of Survival. See the Smart Hearts Flyer for more information or click on one of the links below to register to join us for one of the following virtual training sessions:
SDCOE Announces Health and Physical Education Professional Learning for 2021-22
Based on the survey feedback the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) received from health and physical educators, 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.
  • SDCOE Health and Physical Education Advisory (Sept. 22 and May 4)
  • Smart Hearts Don’t Miss A Beat by the Eric Paredes Save-A-Life Foundation (Aug 10 or Oct. 4)
  • Three-Day Physical Literacy Institute (fall or spring)
  • Health Education Framework Series (fall or spring) or individual sessions
  • Session 1: Framework Overview (Sep. 23 or Jan. 5)
  • Session 2: Nutrition and Physical Activity; and Mental, Emotional, and Social Health (Oct.12 or Feb. 2)
  • Session 3: Growth, Development, and Sexual Health; and Injury Prevention and Safety (Nov. 30 or March 2)
  • Session 4: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs; and Personal and Community Health (Dec. 14 or April 6)
  • Health and Physical Education Leadership Academy: Leadership Tier 1 (One-year series of eight meetings) Note: There is a prerequisite for this offering
  • Health & Physical Education Leadership in Action: Leadership Tier 2 (One-year series of four meetings) Note: There is a prerequisite for this offering
  • Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in Health and Physical Education (fall or spring)
  • Standards-Based Assessment in Health and Physical Education (fall or spring)

Please contact Paige Metz at Paige Metz if you have questions or requests for programming.
SDCOE Health and Physical Education Advisory Kicks Off on Sept. 22
Make sure that your district/site is represented as health and physical education leaders from throughout San Diego County come together virtually at the SDCOE Health and Physical Education Advisory Meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 22 from 9 to 11 a.m. Attendees will explore resources, tackle issues, and develop strategies to increase students’ health and physical literacy. The agenda will include:
  • Legislation, litigation and trends 
  • Best practices for in-person and distance learning
  • Equity in health and physical education
  • Planning the post COVID future of health and physical education in your system
  • Professional learning snapshots and offerings
  • Opportunity to provide input to SDCOE regarding programming and support
  • Collaboration with leaders throughout San Diego County

Click here for more information and to register to attend.
SDCOE Health and Physical Education Hangouts Return
Hang out with your health and physical education peers at the SDCOE Health and Physical Education Hangouts on the 2nd 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.
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:
  • Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
  • Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
  • Standards-Based Assessment
  • Culturally Responsive Teaching
  • Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning

Click one of the following links for more information and to register for the fall (Oct. 5, Nov. 29, Dec. 7) or spring (Jan. 19, Feb. 16, March 16) series.
SDCOE Announces Updated Health and Physical Education Leadership Series
SDCOE is expanding the development of health and physical education leaders by updating leadership offerings to include health education and to provide a second tier of leadership development. Click the following links to see specific dates and to register for the following leadership programs:
  • Health and Physical Education Leadership Academy (Leadership Tier 1): Designed to develop model pedagogy and practice for teacher recognition as a role model and leader on campuses/in districts. Health and Physical Education Leadership Acdaemy (HPELA) provides a combination of professional learning and on-site coaching to develop and promote best practice. Prerequisite: Attendees must have previously completed the 3-Day Physical Literacy Institute and/or the Health Education Framework Series or receive special approval from Paige Metz.
  • Health and Physical Education Leadership in Action (Leadership Tier 2): Designed to study and implement effective leadership voice and strategies. Special focus will be placed on best practice for communication, promotion, and advocacy. Prerequisite: Attendees must have previously attended the Physical Education Leadership Academy or receive special approval from Paige Metz.
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 (Sep. 23 or Jan. 5)
  • Session 2: Nutrition and Physical Activity, AND Mental, Emotional and Social Health (Oct. 12 or Feb. 2)
  • Session 3: Growth, Development, and Sexual Health, AND Injury Prevention and Safety (Nov. 30 or March 2)
  • Session 4: Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs, AND Personal and Community Health (Dec. 14 or April 6)
California Health Education Website is Go-To Spot for Educators
A new website has been created to support the rollout and implementation of the 2019 California Health Education Framework. The California Health Education website features critical resources for each of the six content areas that include:
  • Critical information about the framework rollout
  • Links to the California Health Education Framework and the California Health Education Content Standards
  • Online professional learning opportunities
  • Introduction to the CA Health Education Framework 
  • Nutrition and Physical Activity, AND Mental, Emotional, and Social Health
  • Growth, Development, and Sexual Health, AND Safety and Violence Prevention
  • Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs, AND Personal and Community Health
  • Vaccinations (lessons for every grade span)
  • How to teach sensitive topics via distance learning
  • Building relationships remotely
  • Educator resources for every health education content area
  • Standards guides
  • Skill posters
  • Model learning activities
  • Resources for administrators
  • Opportunities for family and community collaboration

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.
Don’t Miss New and Updated Resources to Support LGBTQ+ Youth
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 students’ 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.
Strategies for Fostering Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in Physical Education
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.
USDA and HHS Update Dietary Guidelines for America
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Health and Human Services released the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-25. These guidelines use the latest science to provide advice on what to eat and drink to promote health, reduce the risk of disease, and fulfill nutrient needs.
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.