Thank you to all of our members. You membership assists us with many workshops and advocacy efforts.

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President's Message

Hello Everyone!

The first word that comes to mind when I think about CAHPERD is gratitude. I am so grateful for all the relationships I have made over the years with CAHPERD members. I always look forward to attending the State Conference to reconnect with friends and colleagues from all over the state.

Some years, my district was able to send me and some years I had to pay to attend. I would save up all year so I could go because I believed it was important to support my profession. The connections that were made by attending the State Conference have been invaluable during my career. Sessions validated that I was at the top of my game when working with my students. I was able to keep current on the latest trends and research by attending. I went back to work renewed and excited to try what I had learned. The reality is that some years, it was a struggle to pay out of pocket or stay at the hotel but I made it happen. It was a choice I made because it was important to me. I knew this was too valuable an experience not to attend. I remember my college professor wrote an article in the CAHPERD Journal on the importance of being active in your professional organization and attending these conferences. He said, “whether you share a room, commute or call in sick, make sure you go. Pick everyone’s brain and learn as much as you can while you are there.”

We are just a few months away from this year’s State Conference, “EveryBody Moves”. I hope you will be able to join us for networking and professional development in Garden Grove at the Hyatt Regency Orange County February 1-3, 2024. Make your plans now. Information is on the CAHPERD website.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving. I am truly grateful to be your President this year.

Kathy Russell

CAHPERD President

#EveryBodyMoves

What's Up Doc?

Random Facts:

President Abraham Lincoln helped make Thanksgiving official in 1863, declaring the last Thursday in November as the national Thanksgiving holiday. A few years later in 1866, California became the first state to pass a law requiring twice-per-day exercise periods in public schools.

What is not random is my thankfulness to all who lead CAHPERD. This volunteer organization would not be where it is today without the work of many who give and have given their time to assist the organization. I often hear how "CAHPERD should do this or that" but when I ask those speaking if they would help, many start to stutter and suggest they don't have time. What should be remembered is professional organizations are not a person who "does" anything but the people who volunteer their time to "do" the work. I am extremely thankful for all of you, past and present.

Lastly, I am thankful for our members. CAHPERD membership has decreased while conference attendance has increased. This trend could be caused by not seeing value in professional membership or school districts unwilling to pay for membership. What we can do at CAHPERD is work harder to demonstrate value and justify why you should be a member? But a relationship cannot be one-sided. Even if school districts are not willing to pay for membership, the cost is minimal to support the efforts of our professions. The cost of a professional membership per month is around $7.92. Netflix with ads costs $6.99 and without ads $15.49 per month. One pumpkin spice latte 16oz from Starbucks is around $6.40 with tax. Lastly, gym membership can cost between $20-$60 per month. We all are willing to pay for the things we feel we need or want. How do we bring that same "need or want" to professional membership?

Your membership provides discounts on workshops and conferences. It supports advocacy efforts and provides for CAHPERD to continue. Thank you for your work in your profession, and for helping to continue the efforts Promoting Active, Healthy Lifestyles.

Brent Powell, Ph.D., CHES

Executive Director

Director@cahperd.org

What's up Doc? is a section written personally by Executive Director Brent Powell, to inform readers about a variety of topics

CAHPERD Membership

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Reduced registration fees for conferences and other professional development.

Special discounts for CAHPERD vendors and services.

Membership includes access to all our publications including the e-Journal, e-Newsletter, and informational updates.

Most importantly, you will be able to have a voice in legislative and policy to answer alerts that need immediate action.

Much more. See our website to join

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The Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport hotel and convention center was filled with stars and constellations on November 2 - 4, 2023! With well over 350 attendees, the 52nd National Adapted Physical Education Conference (NAPEC) brought together professionals and university students from all regions of California and several other states to share and learn best practices in educating students with disabilities. Thank you to those who traveled far from home - Arizona, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, and even Alaska!

Attendees also had opportunities to discuss and brainstorm about a variety of ways to create meaningful inclusion opportunities for students of all abilities, see and hear the research findings by University professors and students on what have been working well in the field and what are still the areas of need, and try out the latest equipment from vendors and exhibitors. Retired educators were also present to share their tips and advice on future professionals and new teachers.

The conference was a much greater success than expected, and the conference team and State Council on Adapted Physical Education would like to thank the MANY people who gave their time and energy to bring this event to life, and create the space and time for so many passionate educators to come together and gain what they need to continue shining brightly for the students and families they work hard for, every day.

Heidi Ambrosius and Lemi Hayashi

Conference Co-Directors

Thank You to the

52nd National Adapted Physical Education Conference Sponsors