Momentum Magazine - Fall 2018

Lorem Ipsum Dolor Sit Amet

New Year, Clean Slate —

How Will You Make Your Mark?

Porttitor Leo a Diam Dollicitudin

The Year for Ninja?

Fermentum Posuere Urnanec

Tincidunt Praesent

This PE Teacher Says YES!

Use

This limited time offer ends December 31, 2018. The promo code 081396 must be noted on your order to receive these special sale prices. Upon entering the promotional code on your online order, sale prices will be shown in your cart as you check out. This offer cannot be used with any other discount, promotional offer, previous order, quote or bid. All promotions are subject to change at any time without written notice and may be subject to qualifications and restrictions as determined by School Specialty. Prices do not include shipping.

You

SHAPE AMERICA

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT

Judy LoBianco

PRESIDENT-ELECT

Jamie Sparks

PAST PRESIDENT

Fran Cleland

CEO

Stephanie Morris

MEMBERS-AT-LARGE

Kymm Ballard

Collin Brooks

Terri Drain

Brett Fuller

Amy Heuer

Ann Paulls-Neal

Mario Reyna

Anne S. Wiggin

MOMENTUM PRODUCTION

MANAGING EDITOR

Larissa Kulczycky

DESIGNER

Kathleen Dyson

DEADLINES

Winter – December 1

Spring – April 1

Fall – August 1

CONTACT US

SHAPE America

1900 Association Drive Reston, VA 20191-1598

momentum@shapeamerica.org

800-213-7193

Momentum (ISSN: 2329-1516) is published three times a year by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America), 1900 Association Drive, Reston, Virginia 20191-1598.

Copyright © 2018. All rights reserved. This newsletter may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher. Opinions expressed in signed articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect official policy of SHAPE America.

SHAPE America offers advertising opportunities in this publication. For more information on the advantages of advertising as well as rates please email advertising@shapeamerica.org

SHAPE America does not verify or substantiate the claims of advertisers. As a matter of law, it is the responsibility of an advertiser, not the publisher, to substantiate its claims.

When I was young, both of my parents were English teachers. Labor Day signaled the last day of summer vacation for the whole family, and we squeezed every last minute out of it — staying at the beach until the sun dipped below the horizon and the seagulls began to attack in their hunt for sandwich crumbs.

The next morning, the entire family would head back to school, carrying the new school supplies that always helped tip the emotional scale toward excitement rather than dread.

My father loved new notepads; my mother couldn’t manage without red and black felt-tip pens. And for me, nothing captured the promise of a new school year like a brand-new box of 64 Crayola crayons.

When I first saw the colorful, abstract photo that became the cover image for this Back to School issue, I felt that same sense of excitement about all the possibilities a new school year brings. I hope it evokes the same feelings for you!

NEW FORMAT, NEW FOCUS

If you’re reading the print edition of Momentum, you may have noticed the publication’s smaller size. Starting with this issue, Momentum has transitioned from newsletter to magazine — debuting a new, colorful layout and more importantly, more member-focused content.

Inside you’ll find four new departments: Teacher to Teacher, Tech Corner, Reflection and Final Bell. All were created to give you fresh insights and ideas to try in your classroom and beyond.

I hope you enjoy the new Momentum! If you’d like to contribute to a future issue, get in touch — I’d love to hear from you!

Larissa Kulczycky Managing Editor

lkulczycky@shapeamerica.org

What Does It Mean to Be Part of Something Bigger?

Judy LoBianco, President @jlobianc

Iam so proud of the work we are doing here at SHAPE America. It’s a time in our organization’s history when we are committing to be bold and brave and forging ahead with moral courage to be part of “something bigger.”

When I think about the changing educational landscape — which includes increased emphasis on social justice and social-emotional learning — I often wonder how stakeholders continue to see us as a profession. Not only administrators, parents, students and classroom teachers, but even health and physical educators who are not our members.

As we set the standard of excellence in our field, SHAPE America is ready to dig deeper … go further … and follow through.

Voxer and the former SHAPE America Exchange community, to talk about what most resonates with them around the issues that matter.

We heard you — and we’re following through. I am proud to say that in the coming year SHAPE America will be launching efforts to do the following:

1. Focus on how we can provide resources and guidance on meaningful, realistic and relevant assessment strategies for grades K-12;

2. Engage administrative stakeholders across the country by reaching out to them at a national level — and by giving teachers the advocacy tools they need to have the conversation in their local communities;

connected to the work we are doing as an organization. We will strive to represent all health and physical educators on behalf of our nation’s 50 million children. We want everyone to feel part of “something bigger.”

It is my sincere hope that you will become part of something bigger with us. Join the conversation, advocate in your school, jump on social media, and take steps to support the SHAPE America mission:

To advance professional practice and promote research related to health and physical education, physical activity, dance and sport.

So many teachers and leaders have come together over these past few months not only in person, but on social media channels such as Twitter,

3. Address issues of equity, diversity and inclusion so every health and physical education teacher feels

On behalf of the SHAPE America Board of Directors, thank you for the work you do each day for every child.

The SHAPE America Board of Directors at their summer meeting on August 3-4 in Reston, VA.

It is my sincere hope that you will become part of something bigger with us.

It’s Time for MORE

Stephanie Morris, CEO @steph4476

I’ve been thinking a lot about membership recently. Probably in part because I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many amazing, committed members during my first year as CEO of SHAPE America. And everywhere I’ve gone — from Atlanta to Sacramento to Jackson Hole and more — one thing continues to stand out to me when I think about SHAPE America’s approach to membership: We can do better. I don’t mean “better” in terms of the awesomeness of who our current members are today. I mean better in terms of serving our members. Engaging our members. Helping our members use their voice to be strong advocates for physical education and skills-based health education.

children on the path to health and physical literacy — then our membership should reflect the diversity of the profession — and of our nation’s families.

So how do we get there? How do we do better? I don’t have all the answers, but I have a few ideas on how we get started.

MORE MEMBERSHIP VALUE

First, we’re going to improve the value of membership. I mean the actual value of a membership. Membership should pay for itself.

I am a true believer in the professional development benefits of being a member. I’m also a believer in the power of being part of a larger professional community — and the mentoring and career advancement opportunities that result.

But beyond that, there should be tangible benefits of being a member, like access to discounts on professional development or savings at restaurants and retailers across the country. So, I am proud of the fact that starting this fall we will be launching that very benefit. Professional members at the Select and Premier levels will be able to save money when shopping, eating out, booking travel, or even taking their children to the zoo. (I saved $21 through this program when I took my own kids to the Sacramento Zoo last winter!)

education and health education community who might be interested in joining our new Emerging Leadership Innovation Team (ELIT). This special advisory group will be made up of members under age 30 who are ready to give more to their professional community.

As one step toward acting on our commitment to greater equity, diversity and inclusion, we want to build a diverse group of young teachers who can contribute to our content stream, share their thoughts about our convention and other events, and offer suggestions for cultivating a leadership pipeline that feels accessible, relevant and meaningful to younger teachers. If you know of an amazing, talented and dedicated young professional in our field, please reach out and invite them to apply for this opportunity!

Finally, elections for SHAPE

I also mean better in terms of building a membership that reflects our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, especially within our leadership at district and national levels. If we are going to truly represent all health and physical educators across the nation — and successfully put all

By taking advantage of these discounts, members should be able to save the amount of money that was spent on their membership — if not more!

MORE LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Second, we’re putting a call out to all emerging leaders in the physical

America’s Board of Directors and District Leadership Councils are right around the corner. This is such an important opportunity to improve the equity, diversity and inclusiveness of our leadership, I urge you to stop and consider: Who do you know who is ready for the opportunity to lead? Who can you reach out to who might add a new perspective to the conversations we need to be having on assessment, state requirements for health and PE, ESSA funding, and more?

These are just first steps. There is so much more we need to do in these areas, and I’m excited to see where we can go and how we can make progress. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Email me anytime at smorris@shapeamerica.org We’re in this together.

Our membership should reflect the diversity of the profession — and of our nation’s families.

Small Steps Toward Big Feats

As we enter the new school year, we are excited to announce more details around SHAPE America’s new signature initiatives. These new community programs will offer more choices for educational fundraising and service-based activities that support effective health and physical education programs.

Over the last few months, members have given us a lot of feedback about future programs — and we listened when you said you want to support worthy causes, but in a fun and simple way!

VIRTUAL RACE

In the next few weeks, we will launch a community-based virtual race which includes funding opportunities for HPE

programs in high-need regions across the country. The virtual race will start in October and culminate on Giving Tuesday (November 27). With this race, you choose your starting line — whether that’s on your treadmill, neighborhood street or nearby school track — and complete the race distance on your own time, at your own pace. Register as an individual or as a team with your friends, colleagues or students.

SCHOOL-BASED PILOT PROGRAM

In January 2019, we will pilot an educational school-based program targeted at the elementary level. The program will be offered on a limited basis during the pilot period, and a

Help your English leaners succeed by employing The 6 Principles for Exemplary Teaching of English Learners

Every

TESOL’s 6 Principles will help you connect with your English learners and promote a rich and positive learning environment.

portion of the proceeds will be donated back to participating schools. This program will focus on core areas related to health and wellness and will include new standards-based classroom and event resources for teachers. A national kick-off is expected for the 2019-2020 school year.

SHAPE America will work with our state affiliates to pilot, build and grow these programs over the coming year. With both new initiatives, a portion of the funds raised will be used to support both SHAPE America and the state affiliates as we work toward our collective goal of putting all children on the path to health and physical literacy. Look for more information in the coming weeks about these programs.

Success in health and physical education depends on a student’s ability to understand instructions.

teacher relies on language as a tool to develop students’ knowledge, but language barriers can prevent understanding and even pose a safety hazard in the health or physical education classroom.

TIPS for Back to School

Advice from some 2018 District Teachers of the Year

Barb Reinarman

Special School District of St. Louis County

St. Louis, MO

@BarbReinarman

Lori Bifarella

Attica Central Schools

Attica, NY

@penut2433

Work smarter, not harder. Enter class lists in an Excel spreadsheet to use for grading, assessments and exporting into apps like Team Shake, Plickers and more. Team Shake creates groups and allows you to preselect students who should not be together, thus generating groupings for successful lessons.

Kate Cox

Corte Madera School

Portola Valley, CA

@katecoxpe

Education is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t rush into the curriculum! Take the time during the first days and weeks to connect with each child and establish a solid rapport. Creating a positive learning environment with mutual respect will help your students learn more in the long run!

Mark Foellmer Wentworth

Junior High

Calumet City, IL

@coachfoe

Be organized, prepared and excited for the new school year. My year is mapped out when it comes to curriculum. My first week is geared toward classroom management. Without good classroom management, I would not be able to conduct the lessons/units that are planned for the year. Practice it.

Carolyn Goode

Buck Lodge Middle School

Adelphi, MD

Create a personal self-care plan and adhere to it. Identify activities and practices that will support your well-being and help you sustain wellness over time.

Julie Krumpen

Teton Middle School (retired) Driggs, ID

Try two really great apps for use in inclusive and supportive environments where students are actively engaged in skill practices: Hudl Technique (slow-motion video analysis) and Video Delay (quick visual feedback). These apps enable students to self-assess within seconds of performing a skill and provide recorded evidence of student learning.

Kalie McKinley Assumption High School

Louisville, KY

@PhysEdRockets

@KalieMcKinley

Invite the senses into your lessons. To help students make a positive connection with movement, set the scene by playing music and projecting nature videos that relate to the activity. You can also enhance the experience by bringing in scents, costumes and fruit samplings.

Establish a positive and personal relationship with every student starting from day one. This includes making eye contact, greeting each student individually, and getting to know at least one thing that is important to the student.

Bonnie Richardson

Baton Rouge

Foreign Language

Academic Immersion Magnet

Baton Rouge, LA

Get plenty of sleep and eat a healthy breakfast. Move during the day in class with your students (brain breaks), at recess, and during your physical education classes. De-stress after school so your family will want to be around you. Enjoy what you do and who you are with.

Angela Stark

School for the Creative and Performing Arts

Lexington, KY

@healthystark

Think beyond the gym walls. Think about wellness in the classroom, hallways, recess, parties, parents nights and more! Use National Take Your Parent to PE week as a way to get parent “buy in” to your program. #parentslovePE

Do you have a favorite back to school tip?

FAVES

HPE teachers share the tech items they’ll be bringing back to school

1 Garage Band

“As a dance teacher, I constantly need to edit music, and Garage Band is a very useful program. I also teach my students how to use Garage Band so they are able to utilize this tool.”

—BARBARA J. BRADY | Linden High School, Linden, NJ

2 Bluetooth Music Receiver

“My Bluetooth music receiver allows me to control music from any location in the gym. With an adaptor and cord to plug into the gym speakers, I connect my phone in seconds. My students stay motivated, and I don’t have to run across the gym to pause music or switch songs.”

—CASSIE BROOKS | Brownsburg West Middle School, Brownsburg, IN

3 Apple Watch

“I can’t live without my Apple Watch — it is absolutely perfect for teaching! I use it as my remote for music, and it’s great to relate health information to my students regarding number of steps. It also is easy to see time and heart rate, whether you’re inside or outside.”

—KIM HUNT | Wilson Elementary School, Wilson, WY

4 GoNoodlePlus

“This interactive app gets students moving not only in the gym but also in the classroom! I love using it as a tool to keep students active throughout the day. The app motivates students to move with smiles on their faces and enhances their learning in the classroom with heart-pumping activity breaks!

—JULI NEACE | Shirley Mann Elementary School, Union, KY | @juli_PERocks

5 iPad

“I use my iPad almost daily to carry out formative assessments in my PE classes via Plickers; input FitnessGram® data to track fitness levels; create slo-mo videos for my students to self-assess their skills; show intro videos via the Edpuzzle website; and manage my course contents via Schoology.”

—HEATHER GERY | Eastern Lebanon County Middle School, Myerstown, PA

What is your favorite tech gadget for HPE?

TRENDING: Virtual Races

A virtual race is a race that can be completed from anywhere — and on your own schedule!

Let us know in the new mySHAPE America online community at shapeamerica.org/myshapeamerica.

6 Reasons

to Participate in a Virtual Race

1 Run on your own time!

No set date for the race means you can complete it whenever best fits your schedule.

2 Choose your route! No set course means you can pick your location and scenery. Complete your race in your neighborhood, at a school, or anywhere around the world!

3 Race at your own pace! Complete your race at your leisure — all at once or over several days.

4 Motivate friends and family to get active!

A virtual race allows people at all fitness and ability levels to participate. Include kids, grandparents and even a furry friend!

5 Earn cool bling!

Just like a traditional race, you’ll earn a finisher medal to show off all your hard work and have a keepsake to take pride in.

6 Make a difference!

Keep active while supporting something you’re passionate about! Proceeds from most virtual races go to support a designated charity or cause.

Be an HPE Advocate in Your Own Backyard

By Carly Wright @CWrightHPE

As students and teachers across the country settle into the first weeks of school, members of Congress are preparing for their big day: Election Day. On November 6, we will head to the polls to cast our ballots for all 435 House of Representative seats and 35 Senate seats in Congress.

Needless to say, November 6 is an important day for those running for Congress, but also for everyone they represent. Will these legislators understand the value of health education and physical education? Will they understand the need to fully fund Title IV, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act? That’s where SHAPE America comes in.

provides the health and physical education community with the perfect opportunity to invite current members of Congress and candidates into schools to see their HPE programs in action.

Nothing delivers our message of the importance of health and physical education better than the words of students themselves — and the joy and determination on children’s faces as they participate in a lesson or activity.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

When members of Congress know that their constituents care about health and physical education, they vote accordingly. SHAPE America has updated its backyard advocacy toolkit to provide you with a step-by-step guide to setting up a meeting with your members of Congress in their home office or inviting them into your school. The toolkit outlines how to prepare for your visit, make an invitation, make your asks, and follow up after the visit.

With all of the competing legislative priorities that Congress faces on a daily basis, it’s up to us to ensure they see the value of effective health and physical education programs for all students.

Backyard Advocacy Spotlight

Who: Michael Humphreys, NBCT, PE/Health/Family Life Education Instructional Specialist

Where: Alexandria City Public Schools, Alexandria, VA

What: Alexandria City Public Schools chose to allocate $82,000 of their ESSA Title IV, Part A funding for the 2017-18 school year to support enhanced nutrition and physical activity programming in four of their lower-income elementary schools.

Candidates for Congress will be pounding the pavement this fall to meet members of their community and understand the unique needs and priorities of their constituents. This

Use the SHAPE America Legislative Action Center to email your legislators, reach out to them directly on social media with your success stories and photos, and make the invite so they can really see the impact in person — because we all know that the smiles of healthy, happy and engaged students are worth more than a thousand words.

How: Humphreys was tasked with coordinating this funding and putting the plan into action. He started by purchasing the necessary equipment such as heart-rate monitors, fresh foods, and instructional materials. Next up will be delivering professional development to physical education and classroom teachers on nutrition, physical activity and positive behavioral interventions and supports.

What’s Next? With increased funding for Title IV, Part A for the 2018-19 school year, Humphreys hopes to expand to additional schools.

It’s up to us to ensure they see the value of effective health and physical education programs.

Nourishing the Next Generation

Health educator Jamie Sebring reflects on finding the “richness” in education and being part of something bigger

Passion. Hope. Love. We all have these qualities coursing through our veins — and educators demonstrate them hundreds of times throughout each school day. Think back to the reasons you chose education. I’m sure many of you would say, “I chose education to help kids” or “I wanted to make a difference in a young person’s life.”

Education is a unique profession. We choose education not to get rich financially, but to experience the “richness” that is found by investing in young people and guiding the next generation. Notes of appreciation from students, invitations to student graduations, and perhaps invitations to other milestone events are all ways we might measure richness.

level of understanding. Most importantly, remember that when those situations cropped up, you did not give up.

You are still here, standing and refreshed to do it all again for the many students you’ll work with this school year. How fortunate your students are to have you lead them!

PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER

Educators wear a lot of hats, and yet we are often called to do more. We are part of something bigger than ourselves — and that makes us special. Our calling is to enrich and nourish the next generation. Perhaps this school year, you’ll be inspired to move beyond the classroom and start a before-school program — or develop a relationship with community stakeholders to provide support for students outside of school hours.

Or, maybe you’ll move toward working on another endorsement or degree. This professional development will allow you to expand, learn and grow — which will then benefit your precious students.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

For 15 years, Jamie Sebring, Ed.D., has taught health and consumer science at Taft Middle School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, delivering a comprehensive health curriculum to students in grades 6-8.

She is the creator and administrator of Taft’s afterschool cooking club and advisor for the school’s GSA Club, which provides a safe place for students to meet and discuss issues related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.

Jamie is also a member of the Editorial Board for Strategies, SHAPE America’s journal for physical and sport educators. She can be reached at jsebring@ cr.k12.ia.us

REFLECT AND CELEBRATE

What if you were to view your professional life differently — from a balcony view? Reflecting from this view gives you the opportunity to celebrate yourself and what you do every day.

Think about all those times a student was upset, and you helped them work through it. The many days where a student did not understand a concept and you re-taught them until they reached a

For some of you, this might be your first year in the classroom or the first time teaching a new course. Others might be 25-year veterans. Regardless of where you are on the professional experience scale, there are many resources available to help guide you along your journey.

I encourage you to explore SHAPE America’s many resources and publications for physical education, physical activity, health education, coaching and research. There’s lots of help to get you started, or to literally add innovative tools to your personal toolbox. Wherever you are in your professional journey, SHAPE America is there for you.

This back-to-school season, remember you are part of the select group of people who have a direct impact on young people. Remind yourself about why you chose education — and think of all the richness you are sharing with the world.

I commend and celebrate each and every one of you as you share your passion, hope and love with all of your students. Best wishes for a successful school year!

Celebrate yourself and what you do every day.

New Year, Clean Slate — How Will You Make Your Mark?

Inspiration from the 2018 National Teachers of the Year

By Larissa Kulczycky

Ask a teacher how they feel at the start of a new school year and they’re likely to give the same response as their students: “I’m nervous and excited.” For many educators, “back to school” is also a time of hope, optimism and possibilities. Another chance to have a fresh start — and make a lasting impact on every student who walks through the classroom door.

If you are looking for inspiration at this time of year, you just might find some from SHAPE America’s 2018 National Teachers of the Year.

ADAPTED PE

Jody

Duff

@JodysAPE

Jody Duff teaches adapted physical education at Cedar Lane School in Fulton, MD, a day school for students with severe and profound disabilities, ranging from significant medical concerns and limited mobility to individuals with autism who demonstrate significant behaviors.

throw a ball; it just means I need to get creative.”

Creating modified equipment so her students can experience success is a huge part of Duff’s focus in instruction. Her favorite piece of equipment is a leaf blower, which she has adapted so students are able to power it with minimal movement.

“Students can kick a switch, activating it to blow an inflated football through field goal uprights — or use it to serve a beach volleyball over a net to peers,” says Duff. “These systems allow my students to participate in activities that previously were out of reach.”

DANCE EDUCATION

Within this environment, Duff finds a way for all of her students to participate in every physical activity, sport and event.

“If I have a student who is unable to use their legs, it does not mean they cannot participate in soccer,” she says. “It just means I need to get creative. If I have a student who does not have upper extremities, it does not mean they can’t

Johannah Wininsky @jowininsky

As a dance educator at New Trier High School in Winnetka, IL, Johannah Wininsky builds trustful relationships by working alongside her students and providing them a constant

example of an artist exploring ideas and finding success through trial and error.

“Creating a safe space for my students is a necessary first step, and I do this by establishing trust.”

When students step into Wininsky’s dance class, they disconnect from their devices and connect with their bodies. She knows that experiential, physical action not only strengthens brain connections, it can also alter states of being.

“In my experience, students often enter class feeling tired, anxious, stressed, and sometimes even unwell,” says Wininsky. “After dancing, they leave class feeling lighter, calmer and more connected.”

For Wininsky, dance class is the ideal place to acknowledge stress management with adolescent students.

“It is difficult to know the state of being of the students walking into your classroom,” she says. “One does not know what they may have experienced beforehand, both socially and emotionally. Movement is the perfect way to help them release tension and connect to their physical beings. Students thank me for providing a calm moment in their day.”

HEALTH EDUCATION

Kimberly Ohara-Borowski

@OharaKimiko

As a health educator at Ocean View High School in Huntington Beach, CA, Kimberly Ohara-Borowski focuses her curriculum around decision-making, goal setting, analyzing influences, and self-management.

“I want my students to have the health literacy skills needed to be happy, healthy, productive citizens of the world.”

She also makes sure her students have the necessary interpersonal communication skills and advocacy skills to support their health.

“I must be innovative to meet the needs of each student. I believe in thinking outside the box.”

“In one of my most rewarding units, students use a project-based learning approach to plan, research and present a health advocacy project on a topic that is meaningful to them,” she says. “Recent examples include child abuse awareness, depression and anxiety, and how alcohol affects the teen brain.”

In order to bring her students timely and relevant experiences in health, Ohara-Borowski often seeks outside funding to supplement her department’s limited budget. Through the website DonorsChoose.org, she has received project funding.

“Thanks to these contributions, I’ve been able to take my students to the Bodies Exhibit at a local museum to learn about the effects of poor health choices on the body,” she says. “I’ve also been able to purchase a ‘Smoking Sue’ doll to demonstrate the harmful effects of smoking in real-time and ‘Drug Goggles’ so students can experience how impaired one can be under the influence.”

ELEMENTARY PE Matthew Bassett @PhysEdApps

In his elementary classes at San Jose Charter Academy in West Covina, CA, Matthew Bassett uses a variety of teaching models, new technologies, and teaching practices based on the latest research in the field. But more importantly, he demonstrates a commitment to his students’ emotional needs.

“We live in a society that says failure is not acceptable at any level,” he says. “In my class, students realize that failure is just a part of the process and that they must learn how to overcome the mistakes to be successful.”

As students move through the three stages of motor learning (cognitive, associative and autonomous), they often experience failure — especially as they progress to the autonomous stage. Bassett helps bridge the gap between a student’s current ability and future success using different activities and techniques.

“Once students learn that I’m not upset with mistakes, they are more comfortable during the learning process,” he says.

MIDDLE SCHOOL PE

Sarah Gietschier-Hartman @GHSaysRockChalk

At Wydown Middle School in Clayton, MO, Sarah Gietschier-Hartman’s students learn by playing a wide variety of purposeful games, activities and sports that directly align with national gradelevel outcomes.

Play can also be used to make connections with teachers from other subject areas, she says. “I have been working on instilling a culture of movement and learning in my school. This is a process that began in my classroom and has started to slowly spread to other classes.”

HIGH SCHOOL PE

Erika Mundt

@MundtPE

Erika Mundt — who teaches at Iowa City West & Liberty High Schools in Iowa City — has worked hard over the past seven years to create a curriculum that meets standards and helps students learn about lifelong fitness. Students are given the opportunity to develop skills in a variety of settings and choose the workout that best fits their needs.

“I will do everything in my power to help students find some type of fitness that they enjoy doing,” says Mundt. “I have students fill out information cards at the start of the trimester so I can find out why they are training with us. This helps me understand them and learn about them on a deeper level.”

“Play is one of the main reasons why I am a physical educator,” says GietschierHartman. “Play is fundamental, and I consider it my responsibility to use ‘the power of play’ to teach my students to have as much fun as possible, so they can find the joy in movement.”

“Whenever I notice that something doesn’t seem right with any of my students, I talk to them privately,” says Bassett. “Sometimes students can open up to me and other times I tell them I’d be happy to find someone to talk with them if that’s what they prefer.”

Bassett also teaches his students that success isn’t the absence of failure and that failure is part of the journey.

Gietschier-Hartman also believes it’s important for students to see her being comfortable enough to play and try new things. Last year, she learned how to play indoor field hockey step-by-step with her students. The unit was so rewarding that six female students decided to join the school’s field hockey team.

“Children’s willingness to try new things motivates them to be active and helps them make the connection between happiness and lifelong movement,” says Gietschier-Hartman.

Individual goal setting and motivation are also important areas of focus in Mundt’s classes. Using Google Classroom, she records students’ pre- and post-test results to show their improvement throughout the trimester, as well as their times and scores for workouts, modifications and reflection.

“At the end of the course, students not only know and understand the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, but they can feel the difference,” says Mundt. “They are also able to find ways to connect to the community to work out and remain physically active.”

SHAPE America’s Teacher of the Year program is sponsored by School Specialty, Sportime featuring SPARK. For more information, visit shapeamerica.org/recognition/awards

“Meeting the emotional needs of my students is very important to me.”

“The power of play is intertwined into every single thing I do.”

“Students feel empowered by having a choice.”

The Power ofGRIT

PE teacher Sandy Zimmerman shares ninja life lessons with her students and community

By Larissa Kulczycky

Stepping into Sandy Zimmerman’s backyard is like entering a miniature obstacle course for the popular television show “American Ninja Warrior.”

And that’s no coincidence.

Zimmerman, a SHAPE America member and elementary physical education teacher from Spokane, WA, was actually a competitor on the show in both 2016 and 2017.

Over the last several years, Zimmerman’s yard — known as the “Ninja Fortress” — has been transformed into an obstacle course training ground not just for her, but for her husband, three children, and other families in the Spokane community.

“We built these structures to provide an opportunity for people to enjoy this sport and be active together — and just have an impact on our community,” says Zimmerman. “I love this sport. I’m passionate about this sport. Not just the physical activity part of it, but all the life lessons that go into it.”

BECOMING A NINJA

About three years ago, Zimmerman was flipping through the TV channels with her family when they came across “American Ninja Warrior.”

After watching a little bit of the show, Zimmerman thought, “That looks like

so much fun — I think I could do this if I trained.”

Her next thought was, “This could really inspire my students to become more physically active.”

Zimmerman, a former national judo champion and Division 1 basketball player at Gonzaga University, was used to tough training regimens. And ninja training would be no exception. She hired contractors to start building obstacles in her backyard, joined two different leagues, and began traveling to ninja warrior-style competitions.

Not only did Zimmerman have a lot of success as a competitor, she also enjoyed the bonding experience of traveling with her family and the personal benefits she experienced throughout the process.

“I was growing as a person — physically, mentally and emotionally,”

she says. “The changes in me were incredible. It was a lot of fun and it prepared me for the show.”

NINJA LIFE LESSONS

For Zimmerman, who has always been passionate about health and fitness, obstacle course training is more than just a fun way to exercise. What really excites her about the sport are the incredible life lessons that can be learned.

“You see kids learn about determination … about having grit … about being a good teammate … about encouraging others. The camaraderie that happens in ninja is incredible,” she says.

“I love that this sport tests you physically, but it also tests you mentally,” says Zimmerman. “In ninja, the measure of success isn’t just in completing the course — or even completing an obstacle. It’s all about whether you did a little better or got a little farther than before.”

For Zimmerman and her students, ninja teaches that it can take a lot of failure in order to succeed.

“We fail all the time — that is the epitome of this sport,” she says. “You see kids who come in shy and leave confident. You see kids who couldn’t get it one day and eventually they get it and they’re so proud of themselves. The life lessons in this sport are second to none.”

Zimmerman competed on Seasons 8 and 9 of American Ninja Warrior.

BRINGING NINJA TO PE

Zimmerman teaches at Michael Anderson Elementary School on the Fairchild Air Force Base outside of Spokane.

“I have been teaching for 20 years and I love it as much today as I did when I started,” she says. “Working with the military community has been a match made in heaven. I was a military brat, so working with military families and their kids has just been an incredible experience for me as a teacher.”

effectively with my students, and that has been incredible,” says Zimmerman.

In fact, ninja warrior obstacle course training has become so popular with her physical education classes, Zimmerman put together a proposal to add it as an after-school sport.

“The response has been overwhelming,” she says. “People are excited and are getting lots of health benefits from it.”

NEXT AT THE NINJA FORTRESS

Q&A With Sandy Zimmerman

What made you decide to become a physical education teacher?

In elementary school, I loved PE. It was the one time in the school day where I could be successful. Reading and writing were a challenge — and I really struggled in the classroom. But PE class was the one moment in the school day where I could be good at something and it was such a positive experience for me. So, I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a PE teacher.

How did college prepare you to become a PE teacher?

It’s no surprise that in recent years, Zimmerman has introduced ninja obstacle course training as a physical education unit with her classes.

“Taking the ninja obstacles and understanding how to complete those, but then combining that with 20 years of experience doing skill breakdowns, skill progressions, and writing lesson plans has allowed me to share this sport

In September, Zimmerman’s backyard Ninja Fortress will serve as the location for a competition sanctioned by the Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association. With divisions for both children and adults, competitors as young as age 7 will test their skills on the course.

Zimmerman is thrilled to see so many “little ninjas” participating in the sport — not only building their physical strength, but more importantly learning lessons about grit and determination that will help them throughout life.

“I’m just so grateful that I started this journey,” she says, “and it all started with a three-letter word — YES!”

I majored in physical education and got my health endorsement, and I was so fortunate to have some incredible professors who were patient with me — who believed in me, encouraged me, and saw potential in me. I got a great education.

I also got an opportunity to go and watch other PE teachers. I would find out who some of the best PE teachers were around Spokane and I would just go watch and soak it up.

Advice for future PE teachers?

Learn from other health and PE teachers. One of the best things I ever did in college was seek out other PE teachers from all different levels of teaching. I learned so much from teachers at all different levels of their career.

Get out of your comfort zone and try new things. I really sought out teachers who had strengths that were not my own — who would get me out of my comfort zone.

>

For more information about designing an American Ninja Warrior unit for your physical education class, see the November/December 2017 issue of Strategies, SHAPE America’s journal for physical and sport educators.

anytimewhichyoupurchaseandownsoyoucanuseit duringtheschoolyearorafterschool. > LessonplansandinstructionalDVDforalllevels. > Helpwithquantitiesandsizeruns.

Or, view the Free Access article online at shapeamerica.org/momentum.

Network. Go to different conferences, make friends, and learn from them. That’s really the best thing you can do. Get to know other teachers and learn from them.

Students at Michael Anderson Elementary School are getting stronger physically — and mentally — through ninja training.

We fail all the time — that is the epitome of this sport.

You Belong Here

SHAPE America’s new community welcomes members and HPE advocates

By Diana Snyder

As a SHAPE America member, you are part of something bigger than just your school or district. You belong to an active community of educators from across the country who care about ensuring that effective health and physical education programs are available for all children no matter where they live or go to school.

This fall, we are excited to offer even bigger spaces for health and physical educators to learn and share information with one another — in our new community called mySHAPE America

WHAT IS mySHAPE AMERICA?

Built with WordPress — and accessible from the SHAPE America website — mySHAPE America replaces Exchange as the association’s online, peer-to-peer community for discussions, resource sharing and networking.

Members will have access to all community features, including the ability to subscribe to special interest groups, share resources, and publish their own articles in the Member Voices section.

Nonmembers who create a free SHAPE America account will have access to one of the new features of mySHAPE America — the Community Advocate Forum. This openaccess hub is designed to engage and educate the broader HPE community about new funding opportunities around the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

“Members are having great success using our ESSA advocacy resources and tools,” says SHAPE America CEO Stephanie Morris. “We hope this forum will be a catalyst for even more voices to join in the conversation and be part of the many grassroots advocacy efforts that are having an impact on schools across the nation.”

The mySHAPE America community also includes the new SHAPE America blog, featuring articles written by SHAPE America staff and invited guest authors — including members — on a variety of health and physical education topics.

“There is a lot of health and physical education content available to teachers, but it’s difficult to know which sources to trust,” says Chris Hersl, SHAPE America Vice President of Programs and Professional Development. “Our mission is to promote the highest standards for HPE in the nation. One of the ways we do this is by providing the trusted and reliable information teachers need.”

YOUR MEMBERSHIP MATTERS NOW MORE THAN EVER. HERE’S WHY.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association, SHAPE America relies on member dues, donations and generous support from partners, sponsors and advertisers to fulfill our vital mission.

Your dues not only help fund SHAPE America’s national advocacy efforts on behalf of the profession but also help us continue to offer the effective professional development teachers need.

Your commitment to SHAPE America through membership says you believe the profession is better off with us than without us.

Yes, your membership comes with great perks and professional development opportunities, but most importantly, your commitment to SHAPE America through membership says you believe the profession is better off with us than without us.

We are grateful for your ongoing support and are even more excited to introduce some new member benefits we think you’re really going to love.

WHAT’S NEW?

• Et Cetera PLUS

Members will receive our email newsletter biweekly, with all the news and information you rely on. In addition, you’ll also receive an exclusive content feature once a month to help stay ahead of the trends in our profession.

• Retail, Entertainment and Travel Discounts

Premier and Select professional members can now use the SHAPE America Savings Guide to enjoy discounts on dining, shopping, attractions, travel and more! There are more than 500,000 savings opportunities across the country!

• Exclusive Access to VIP Events and 20% Off Swag!

Premier members, whose dues support SHAPE America at the highest level, will receive exclusive access to the VIP reception at the 2019 National Convention & Expo in Tampa — as well as a 20% coupon off SHAPE America convention swag!

Advocacy works — and we won’t stop.

Over the past 20 years, SHAPE America has been at the forefront of legislative victories for school health and physical education.

We’ve been fighting for the profession, so you can fight for your students. With member support, SHAPE America helped advocate for the successful passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) — federal legislation that identifies school health and physical education as part of a student’s “well-rounded education.”

As a result, schools now have opportunities to use federal education funding to support school health and physical education.

Legislative hurdles? Time to leap.

Once legislation is passed, it’s vital to make sure funding is allocated at the authorized level. This was certainly the case when ESSA’s Title IV, Part A was in danger of receiving insufficient funds for the 2018-2019 school year.

How did we overcome this obstacle? A lot of moxie — and neon sneakers!

We started with online advocacy efforts using the tools available in SHAPE America’s Legislative Action Center. Then, on SPEAK Out! Day, health and PE teachers from around the country gathered in their business suits and neon sneakers to meet with legislators on Capitol Hill.

The result? An amazing day of advocacy — which resulted in $1.1 billion in funds! It was a huge step toward providing effective health and physical education to all children nationwide.

Now, with SHAPE America’s leadership and your help, we can educate every state leader, school administrator, and health and physical education teacher about the opportunities available to them under ESSA.

Focus on

Health Ed

Now that you’re back in school, check out these health education resources from SHAPE America.

New Guidance Document: Suggested Job Interview Questions for Prospective Health Education Teachers

This guidance document is just the thing to share with your department chair, principal, or other school administrators!

Lesson-Planning for Skills-Based Health Education

This practical resource for middle school and high school health educators includes 64 field-tested lesson plans, learning activities and assessments.

Health Education Curriculum Builder

With this online, fivecourse series, you’ll learn to create a health curriculum that’s tailored to the needs of your students!

Health Education Twitter Chat

This fall, join the HE discussion on Twitter! Share your ideas and learn about best practices in skills-based health education. Follow #SHAPEHealthEd for upcoming dates and topics.

The PETE & HETE Conference is the premier professional development and networking event for university PETE & HETE faculty and leaders, graduate students, university administrators, and researchers in various fields of study relating to kinesiology and health education.

Conference Highlights:

• Discover innovative and exemplary methodologies and practices in the preparation and continuing education of physical education and health education professionals.

• Share research and collaborate on new ideas.

• Network with physical education and health education teacher educators from across the country.

• Explore issues and solutions in the PETE/HETE field.

eventThisonly happens onceevery 3years.

Research … There Is No Off-Season

Tim Brusseau, Research Council Chair Hans van der Mars, Research Council Past Chair

The Research Council has been hard at work using research to promote and support physical activity and health programming and policy.

We are excited to have nearly 350 research abstracts and symposia under review for the 2019 SHAPE America National Convention & Expo in Tampa. Presenters should be informed of acceptance in late September/early October.

The 2018 PETE & HETE Conference is scheduled for October 17-20 in Salt Lake City. This conference is a terrific opportunity for higher education faculty to come together to address a variety of issues in research specific to teacher education. This event occurs every three years — we hope you are able to attend!

NEW RESEARCH DIRECTIONS

As announced in the previous issue of Momentum, the Research Council is also partnering with Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport (RQES) to publish a series of papers establishing research directions for SHAPE America. These five papers target the following research areas: physical activity, motor development, sport pedagogy, physical education and health education.

The first paper on youth physical activity is co-authored by Heather Erwin (University of Kentucky), Timothy A. Brusseau (University of Utah), Russell Carson (University of Northern Colorado), Samuel Hodge (The Ohio State University), and Minsoo Kang (University of Mississippi).

The second paper is focused on mapping out new research directions in motor development. It is co-authored by

Jacqueline Goodway (The Ohio State University), Leah Robinson (University of Michigan), Ali Brian (University of South Carolina), Nancy Getchell (University of Delaware), Samuel Logan (Oregon State University), Mary Rudisill (Auburn University), and David Stodden (University of South Carolina). The first two papers will be published in the September 2018 issue of RQES, with the remaining papers to follow in subsequent issues.

“APLUS” RESEARCH PROJECT

SHAPE America has been supportive of the Assessing Physical Literacy Using Standards (APLUS) research project, which is in the beta data collection phase. SHAPE America fellows have been conducting school site visits and interviewing physical education teachers about the content in their curriculum.

Elementary physical education teachers were asked whether they have taught specific grade-level activities and if they have the necessary equipment to provide instruction linked to certain assessment tasks (e.g., mats for gymnastics so students can complete a balance, roll and balance sequence).

At the secondary level, teachers were asked which assessments might work best in their curriculum and how they might integrate the idea of a physical fitness portfolio (e.g., fitness assessment, goal setting and physical activity tracking).

Finally, the researchers have been securing feedback from content experts to contribute to the face and content validity of the scoring rubrics that were developed by the SHAPE America Assessment Task Force, chaired by Judy Rink. Beta data collection will continue into the fall with formal pilot data collection of student data beginning in spring 2019.

HELPING TO UNLOCK RESEARCH

UnLock Research materials provide SHAPE America members with succinct, understandable summaries of research findings. These can be helpful for K-12 health and physical educators as well as higher ed professionals. Learn more at shapeamerica.org/research

2018 GRANT RECIPIENTS

We are pleased to announce the recent recipients of the 2018 Research Council Grant. Both Yubing Wang from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Mika Manninen from the University of Georgia have received graduate student research grants. The 2018-19 grant program information will be available soon.

Take Action

Nominate an outstanding scholar to become a Research Fellow of SHAPE America. This program recognizes scholarly contributions to our field. Learn more at shapeamerica.org/recognition/fellow Deadline: October 15.

Submit a nomination for research awards and honors. Learn more at shapeamerica.org/recognition/awards Deadline: October 15.

Consider serving on the Research Council. We will have two at-large positions open for Research Fellows starting after the national convention in Tampa. Express your interest at shapeamerica.org/research

Kiss That Comfort Zone Goodbye

Members share how volunteering at the district level has been a game-changer in their lives

You’ve mastered classroom management. You feel confident teaching your students. But beyond that, perhaps you don’t see yourself as a leader in the profession.

Make this the year you ease out of your comfort zone. Take that first step by getting involved with SHAPE America at the district level. You’ll be opening a world of new connections, personal relationships and skills that can make an enormous impact in your life. Perhaps these member stories will inspire you.

Jennifer Egan

Teacher

Macomb, MI

MIDWEST DISTRICT

Years as a SHAPE America

Member: 16

SHAPE America, Midwest District and SHAPE Michigan have shaped the person I am today, both professionally and personally. The members of these organizations have set the standard for what the highest quality teaching looks like — and the friendships I have made fill my heart with joy, laughter and love. As a freshman at Western Michigan University, I learned early on that belonging to a professional organization was not only enjoyable, but a necessity to survive in education. I quickly learned that being a part of SHAPE America gave me a sense of belonging, a community, and a network of people who would always be around to meet the challenges in my career as well as celebrate successes.

Upcoming District Deadlines and Opportunities

For more information on district awards, elections and leadership contacts, visit shapeamerica.org/districts

Taralyn (Tari) R. Garner

Retired Physical Educator

Kansas City, MO

CENTRAL DISTRICT

Years as a SHAPE America

Member: 32

My experience as a member of SHAPE America has offered one amazing opportunity after another. I was fortunate to be a part of the Teacher of the Year program and a member of the team selected to create professional development courses for new teachers. Recently, I led a team of Central District members who reviewed the Sanford Health Fit4Schools program. It was personally and professionally enriching to be a part of this team, and I wouldn’t have had the opportunity if not for my involvement with SHAPE America. Being a part of our national organization has offered many occasions to work together with other passionate professionals to enrich the lives of our students and society as a whole.

Tecca Kilmer

Middle School Physical Education Teacher

Valrico, FL

SOUTHERN DISTRICT

Years as a SHAPE

America Member: 20+

I started my service in the district by presenting at conventions and reviewing program proposals for various councils. I

never thought of myself as a leader, but through the years I continued to help when there was a need and ultimately was able to serve on the Southern District Leadership Council, which led to the opportunity to attend the district’s Leadership Development Conference. The leadership training and personal development I received there was like no other. The skills I learned enabled me to go back to my state, county and school with better training and education. I was prepared to advocate for my profession. My dedication, passion and service have grown as my relationships and leadership opportunities in Southern District and in my state have evolved.

Michelle Peterson

K-6 Elementary Health Enhancement Teacher

Great Falls, MT

WESTERN DISTRICT

Years as a SHAPE

America Member: 9

I credit SHAPE Montana and SHAPE America with saving my elementary teaching career. I thought I was going back to college coaching, but the professionalism and leadership I received from these two organizations provided me with a new purpose. Nine years later, I feel I am making a difference. I have facilitated two state conferences and assisted in two regional conferences and a national conference. But, the most important part is the knowledge and expertise I’m able to bring back to my students. I am more excited, determined and focused to not only give to my students but also other teachers in my building. I am the successful health enhancement teacher I am today because of the SHAPE America professionals I have met.

Sara Haney Thurston

Health and Physical Education Teacher

Turner, ME

EASTERN DISTRICT

Years as a SHAPE

America Member: 9

Colin Powell once said, “Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves, those who work hard and play hard.” This quote

Adapted Physical/ Health Education

really makes me think about my “family” of the Eastern District Leadership Council. In my 15 years as an educator, I never knew there could be so much laughing — and productivity — in a professional meeting until I joined this group. Being on the council has really rejuvenated my excitement about what I am doing every day with my students and in my school community. It has really been rewarding professionally and personally to surround myself with others in our field who “get it” and are equally as passionate about the standard that our profession should hold.

STUDENT MEMBERS SHINE

Danielle Blanchette Future Professional Brookings,

SD

CENTRAL DISTRICT

Years as a SHAPE

America Member: 1

Being the Central District Future Professional representative has opened my world to even more connections and relationships that will help me succeed. The people I have met want to help me be the best that I can be. This community is helping me learn how to play a vital role in my future students’ lives. I am excited to see what the future holds.

Erin Dang Future Professional Edmond, OK

SOUTHERN DISTRICT

Years as a SHAPE

America Member: <1

As the Southern District Future Professional, I have had many opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. At the SHAPE America national convention in Nashville, I attended my first Leadership Council meeting and volunteered at the registration booth. Although it was overwhelming at first, I was welcomed and immediately felt comfortable. I was recently asked to lead an activity at a conference where I met other professionals from around the country. Being involved in both my

national and state organization has given me a new perspective on what being involved and being an advocate in your community means.

McKenzie Kirtz

Future Professional La Crosse, WI

MIDWEST DISTRICT

Years as a SHAPE America Member: 1

I am fortunate to be a representative for future professionals in Wisconsin, and I am grateful to serve as the Midwest District Future Professional. These leadership experiences have been influential in my journey of becoming a PE, health and adapted physical educator. These experiences fostered relationships and connections with current professionals. The knowledge gained from positive role models allowed me to help implement a unified PE program at my hometown high school. I witnessed the commitment, passion and willingness in current professionals who make a difference in many students’ lives. This has truly inspired me to strive to become the best educator I can be.

Alexis Kane Future Professional Cortland, NY

EASTERN DISTRICT

Years as a SHAPE America Member: 2

It is hard to find the words to express how SHAPE America Eastern District and the district’s state affiliates have impacted me personally and professionally. I had the opportunity to get involved at the district level recently after being a member in my state organization for the past three years. I was asked to join the Eastern District Leadership Council as the Future Professional representative, and I gladly accepted. The people of Eastern District are exceptional leaders and even greater human beings, with a contagious passion for physical education and health education. Within moments of meeting everyone at the district conference this past winter, I felt as if I was a part of a family — a family that genuinely cared for me as an individual and cared for my career. I felt inspired, humbled, and as if I was right where I needed to be.

This Could Be YOUR Year

Your year to win an award … receive a scholarship … or get elected to the Board!

Don’t miss out on these SHAPE America opportunities — act before the October 15 deadline!

DEADLINE: October 15

AWARDS SHAPE America awards recognize member contributions and service in many different areas. Make this the year you nominate a colleague — and maybe they’ll do the same for you! Find nomination forms and detailed awards criteria at shapeamerica.org/recognition/awards

SCHOLARSHIPS If you are a full-time undergraduate or graduate student majoring in an HPERD discipline, you may qualify for a SHAPE America scholarship! Learn more at shapeamerica.org/scholarships

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Would you like the opportunity to serve on SHAPE America’s national Board of Directors? The Nominations Committee is currently seeking candidates! Find eligibility criteria and nomination forms at shapeamerica.org/nominations

QUESTIONS

With Stephanie Sandino

1 What brings you the greatest joy?

Waking up and knowing that I’m doing exactly what I love to do! Yes, it’s hard sometimes, but it is contagious and spreads into many aspects of my life.

2 Who inspires you? My immediate family — they always push me to be better and support me through it all.

3 What is your favorite healthy snack?

Vanilla chia seed parfait.

5

How do you relieve stress?

Listening to music, exercising alongside stretching, using an app called Headspace, doing something nice for myself like getting coffee or tea, or simply participating in some quality “me-time.”

6 What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

7 What are some small things that make your day better?

Counting my blessings, practicing kindness, letting go of what I can’t control, listening to my heart, being productive yet calm, and breathing!

STEPHANIE SANDINO is a middle school physical education teacher in Southern California. She’s a lifelong learner who loves to reflect, grow and connect with others in the online education community.

8

What is your favorite meal and why?

Tofu vermicelli bowl — it’s got that fresh, crisp air to it in every bite and you don’t feel stuffed afterward.

Check out Stephanie on the SHAPE America podcast, which she co-hosts with Collin Brooks and Matt Pomeroy (shapeamerica.org/ podcast)

4

What is your favorite physical activity?

Right now, Orangetheory Fitness, but this is always evolving for me.

9

Is there something you’ve been meaning to try but haven’t gotten around to? White-water rafting, believe it or not!

What quote do you live by?

10

“You were born an original. Don’t die a copy.” — John Mason

Each podcast episode covers topics of interest to health and physical educators — and many include interviews with leaders in the profession.

Follow Stephanie on Twitter @smsandino

With the carbohydrate, potassium and energy they need, it’s no wonder athletes everywhere are choosing potatoes to perform at their best.

Let’s make sure they never start.

As a pharmacy innovation company committed to helping people on their path to better health, we’re playing a leading role in helping people lead tobacco-free lives.

Through our Be The First initiative, we’re investing $50 million and working with the nation’s leading anti-tobacco and youth organizations to support comprehensive education, advocacy, tobacco control and healthy behavior programming. Our goal? Help those who smoke quit, and ensure those who don’t never start.

Check out our training and curriculum for students, parents, teachers, schools and youth organizations. Topics include:

• Dangers of tobacco

• E-cigarette use

• Healthy behaviors

• Advocacy training

For more information, visit CVSHealth.com/BTFResources