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As we welcome students back on campus, it has never been more important to provide a safe and meaningful learning environment. It is critical that we strategically build a climate in which students feel seen, valued, and heard. It doesn’t have to be complicated. The following three actions can make a big difference:

When we know students’ names, learn their stories, and listen to their voices, we empower students as learning partners. It is through these relationships that we truly impact the lives of the youth that we serve.

Please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] if there is anything I can do to support you, or your site or district. Wishing you a fantastic 2021-22 school year!

Health and Physical Education Coordinator

San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE)

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 Education Code (EC) guarantees:

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 process conducted by the California Department of Education (CDE).

Since the executive orders related to COVID-19 have expired, administration of the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) is not currently waived for the 2021-22 school year. While it is possible that the 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:

While the 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.

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 is fluid. Guidance depends on level of community transmission, vaccination rates, and outbreaks, and is likely to fluctuate as we head back to school. The following reflects most recent guidance:

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

Throughout the school year, educators are encouraged to:

Please contact Paige Metz if you have specific questions related to health and/or 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.

Districts and sites should note that the above requirements are all part of the CDE’s Federal Program Monitoring process and are not waived. It is up to every district and site to maintain compliance with Education Code. Please contact Paige Metz with any questions.

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.

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.

Please contact Paige Metz if you have questions or requests for programming.

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 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:

Click here for more information and to register to attend.

Hang out 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.

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:

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 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:

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.

The California Health and Physical Education Subject Matter Project’s Fall Institute will focus on improving and impacting learning with transformative social and emotional learning conditions for thriving. This series will give attendees the opportunity to collaborate to explore and design rich, meaningful, and exciting lessons that connect health/physical education content with social and emotional learning competencies while creating learning spaces that are welcoming, inclusive, culturally responsive, identity affirming, and empowering for all students. This virtual six-session program takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 11, 18, and 25; Oct. 16 and 30; and Dec. 11. Click here to register.

Sudden cardiac arrest 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. Join us virtually on Oct. 4 from 3 to 4 p.m. to overview program materials (videos, worksheet, activities, quiz, teacher guide) relevant to what sudden cardiac arrest is, warning signs, risk factors, diagnostic testing, and the Cardiac Chain of Survival. See the Smart Hearts flyer for more information or click here to register.

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.

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:

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:

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.

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.

Created by a group of teacher leaders from throughout the country, Strategies for Fostering Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion 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.

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.