Please enjoy the November 15, 2015 edition of your FYI!
Suzette de Araujo, Editor
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NJAHPERD's Facebook page is up and running...join the fun!
Find out the latest information about professional development events, special announcements and legislative issues affecting our profession.
 
Take a minute and click on the link to get connected...

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NJAHPERD BOARD MEMBERS

Carol Lynch, President
Jackie Malaska, Executive Director
A message from your president...
Hello Everyone,

Fall is here and life is busy! NJAHPERD has provided excellent professional development opportunities during the past four months! Thank you to everyone that has planned and presented at these outstanding workshops.
 
Thanks for registering for our upcoming Webinar Techno Talk: Technology Basics for Sex Education, to be held from 3:15-4:15 on November 18th. This webinar is free to our members. We also have the Journey to Wellness Health Education Conference coming up on December 7th in Monroe, NJ.
 
A very important deadline is approaching on December 1st. Do you know an outstanding professional that goes over and above in their classroom? Or an individual, group or corporation that promotes quality physical activity within their school, community or state? Possibly a professional that has made an outstanding contribution to health, physical education, recreation and/or dance?  Please nominate them for a NJAHPERD award.
 
NJAHPERD Awards include:
Teacher of the Year - Elementary, Middle School, High School, Higher Education, Health, Adapted Physical Education, Dance and Driver Education; Lilyan B. Wright Outstanding Future Professional; Student Healthy Lifestyle Award; Physical Activity Champion Award; Distinguished Leadership Award; and the Honor Award.
 
Remember - the deadline for nominations is December 1st!
 
Enjoy the time with your friends and family during your Thanksgiving vacation!
 
As always, take advantage of your NJAHPERD membership! We are here if you need us!
 
To Health & Happiness!
Carol Lynch
President, NJAHPERD
Congratulations NJAHPERD Grant Recipients Mini Grants 2015

One of NJAHPERD's goals is to support exemplary program development in Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance in New Jersey's Pre-K-12 schools and Colleges and Universities. The mini grant provides financial assistance, up to $1000, for new program development or to expand an existing program.  Grants may be used to purchase equipment, software, or other materials that focus on student learning in Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

The NJAHPERD Past President's Committee has selected the following schools as the 2015 NJAHPERD Mini Grant Recipients:
  • DR. STACI R. ANDREWS - Polar GoFit Module: Increasing Professional Preparation and Teaching Efficacy of Health and Physical Education Majors - Monmouth University, West Long Branch - Supervisor, Dr. James F. Konopack
  • MR. TED OLSEN and MS. TAMI CAMPFIELD - Enhancing Donovan Strong through Traverse Rock Climbing - Laura Donovan Elementary School, Freehold
    • Principal, Ms. Jennifer Benbrook and Supervisor, Ms. Cathleen Rosen
  • MS. ROSALIE GUZZI - Fitness Fever, Catch It; Phase 3 - Long Branch Middle School, Long Branch- Supervisor, Dr. Laurie Cancalos
  • MS. CYNTHIA ANDERSON - Recreational Sports and Leisure Activities Course - Mainland Regional High School, Linwood - Athletic Director/Supervisor, Mr. Michael Gatley
  • MS. DEBORAH A. STRANO - Crash Course in Safe Driving - Belleville High School, Belleville - Supervisor, Mr.Thomas D'Elia
Congratulations to the 2015 NJAHPERD Mini Grant Recipients!  All award recipients will be presenting a session at our Annual Convention in February of 2017 regarding their specific mini grant program.

All NJAHPERD members are encouraged to start planning now for the 2016 Mini Grants.  All the information you need is provided on NJAHPERD's website.
JoAnn Doherty, Immediate Past-President, NJAHPERD
GET INVOLVED in NJAHPERD

NOMINATIONS for the NJAHPERD 2016-2017 Executive Board are now being accepted.
NJAHPERD is seeking passionate, hard working volunteers to join the Executive Board as President-Elect and Vice Presidents Elects of our Divisions (Physical Education, Physical Activity, Health Education and Dance Education) as well as a Member-at-Large Elect.
  
If you are interested in a position on the NJAHPERD Executive Board to assist in decision making, professional development event planning, membership recruitment and policy that affects our profession, please email the Executive Director, Jackie Malaska to put your name in nomination and include a third person biography (which will be included on the ballot) and the position you are interested in.
  
Names will be forwarded to the Nominations Committee and then to the entire Executive Board for approval.  Member voting will take place electronically.
  
Please contact the NJAHPERD office at 732-918-9999 if you have any questions.  The deadline is NOVEMBER 30, 2015.
  
Please see the Eligibility, Duties and Responsibilities for each of the above positions CLICK HERE
FitnessGram 2015

New resources for FitnessGram 2015 are posted on the NJAHPERD website including a new features video, software highlights and a report finder. The new intuitive MyHealthyZone Dashboard makes utilizing Fitnessgram easier according to the new vendor, USGames.  MORE

NJAHPERD has grant funding for software and training. Application is available on the website.
Recess Survey!

One more question regarding recess!
 
Is scheduled recess used to comply with the state mandated 150 minute requirement time for physical education time? SURVEY LINK
 
Attention Retirees!

NJAHPERD is seeking recently retired professionals to provide professional development for school districts. Qualifications depending on PD request: Training in CSPAP preferred (PAL training),  FitnessGram experience, and/or presentation experience. Stipend provided.
Please contact the NJAHPERD office with any questions. Send resume to the NJAHPERD Executive Director. Email
NJAHPERD 2016 Annual Convention

Online Registration is now open!
.
2016 convention logo
 
Don't miss out! Submit your PD request as soon as possible for Board approval!
NJAHPERD Mighty Milers Running Program Grants

NJAHPERD and New York Road Runners (NYRR) have teamed up to sponsor NJ school programs.
 
CONGRATULATIONS to the following schools for implementing the New York Road Runners MIGHTY MILERS program. NJAHPERD provided $5000 to NYRR to help make it happen!
 
Burlington City High School
Thomas B Conley Elementary School
George J Mitchell Elementary School
Tabernacle Elementary School
Tinc Road School
 
Want to start a running program in your school? Information Flyer
What is a CSPAP?

A Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) is a multi-component approach by which school districts and schools use all opportunities for students to be physically active, meet the nationally-recommended 60 minutes of physical activity each day, and develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to be physically active for a lifetime. A CSPAP reflects strong coordination and synergy across all of the components: physical education as the foundation; physical activity before, during, and after school; staff involvement; and family and community engagement.
Take the lead in your school to become a CHAMPION for physical activity. Visit the SHAPE America website for more information and resources. MORE

NJDOE Model Curriculum & Assessments

The K-12 Model Curriculum including Student Learning Objectives (SLOs), Rubrics and Activities and Assessments are posted on the NJDOE website. Thank you to all who provided input. If you have any suggestions for activities and assessments, please contact the NJAHPERD office. We welcome your thoughts and suggestions. NJDOE Website
NJ Educator Resource Exchange

Check out year-long pacing guides and instructional units for grades K - 12 aligned to the NJ State Standards.MORE
2015-2016 NJAHPERD Professional Development Events

NJAHPERD recommends that you seek Board of Education approval to attend workshops, conferencesand the annual Convention as soon as possible. Professional development hours are awarded for all NJAHPERD sponsored professional development events. Most PD events have a discounted fee for early registration.
 
November 18, 2015
3:15-4:15PM

"Journey to Wellness"
December 7, 2015
Crowne Plaza Monroe
Monroe, NJ

"Promoting Healthy, Active Lifestyles"
February 21-23, 2016
Ocean Place Resort
Long Branch, NJ

April 18, 2016
Long Branch, NJ

  

Conference Highlights: 
  • Keynote speakers on Sunday and Monday (details coming soon!) 
  • A "not to be missed" opening session celebrating "50 Million Strong by 2029," with SHAPE America President Steve Jefferies, Past President Dolly Lambdin and CEO Paul Roetert 
  • Program sessions and full-day workshops on advocacy, PYFP, Jump Rope For Heart/Hoops For Heart and Let's Move! Active Schools (including PAL training) 
  • Program sessions for all levels and disciplines, including some specialized track
 CLICK HERE FOR MUCH MORE!!

WEBINARS:  
  
  • incorporating yoga and movement breaks in the classroom, 
  • to navigating the HUSSC: Smarter Lunchrooms application,
  • to parent resources.
Register for one or all of them today. Continue scrolling for the full list of webinars. 
 
Wellness Wednesday: Try It! You'll Like It! Getting Kids to Try New, Healthy Foods with Taste Tests
Wednesday, November 18, 4:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.

Learn more about getting kids to try new, healthy foods with taste tests.  Discover tips on conducting a healthy taste test, getting kids excited about trying new foods and ways to engage volunteers.

Getting Started on School Wellness: What Parents Need to Know | AFHK Parent Leadership Series
Thursday, December 3, 1:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M.

To become a successful advocate for healthy schools, parents need to know how school systems work, and how to build awareness, support and momentum to make wellness a priority at their school. Learn how to make the case for a healthier school and engage your school community to support your efforts.


Wellness Wednesday: Motivating Students with Yoga in the Classroom
Wednesday, December 9, 4:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.

Movement breaks activate the brain, improve on-task behavior, and leave students more focused and ready to return to their academic activities. In particular, yoga exercises have been shown to calm students and relieve tension and stress. Learn how to use yoga in your classroom to increase student focus and academic performance.  

Wednesday, January 13, 4:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.
With a little creativity, students can be just as active indoors as outside. Come join AFHK to hear a few success stories from Chicago Public Schools on ways to keep students moving during indoor recess. Learn about ways to create active indoor recess when space and capacity might be limited.
 
  
SAMHSA and the American School Health Association presented a webinar titled "Bullying Prevention and Suicide Prevention for Schools: A Digital Approach From SAMHSA(link is external)."
The webinar provided an overview of the risk and impact of bullying and suicide in school-aged children and highlighted the connection between these public health issues and the "whole child" concept. The webinar showcased SAMHSA's mobile applications-KnowBullying(link is external) and Suicide Safe(link is external)-and other key resources as tools to promote bullying prevention and suicide prevention in schools.
  
Sign up for more webinars! You will earn a certificate for 1.0 contact hour for each webinar you view. All webinars are held from 3-4 p.m. EDT and will be recorded.
Implementing Disability Sports in the Physical Education Curriculum
Save the Date:  September 15, 2015
Speaker:  Michelle Grenier, Associate Professor of Kinesiology, University of New Hampshire
 
Webinars are a free benefit of membership in SHAPE America and are also available for purchase tononmembers. View a full calendar of live and on-demand webinars.   


SPARK Wednesday Webinar Series...ARCHIVED webinars  
  • NEW!  Download the SPARKecademy App from the App Store or  Google Play Store to be able to scan the code provided during the live webinar to automatically receive a certificate for participating in the live webinar.
  • To view previously recorded SPARK webinars and earn a certificate of completion, go to www.SPARKecademy.org.  Set up your free account, view free recorded webinars and tutorials, and access SPARK program online training.
Supercharge Your Physical Education Program with Google Apps for Education!
Tuesday, November 17th
 
8pm Eastern
Do you want to learn how to use Google to improve your teaching practices? 

Join us for this interactive webinar that will build on your foundational knowledge of Google Apps for Education and push your thinking forward. The focus will be on utilizing Google add-ons in conjunction with Google Apps for descriptive feedback, peer feedback, self-reflection, assessment, and data analysis. Not familiar with Google add-ons? Learn how they can supercharge your Google classroom!
 


National Health Observances (NHOs) are special days, weeks, or months dedicated to raising awareness about important health topics.

 New SHAPE America Podcast
The brand new SHAPE America Podcast, hosted by SHAPE America members Matt Pomeroy and Collin Brooks, is here to bring you monthly professional development. Each month we will feature a discussion about important issues in health and physical education, insight from SHAPE America Teachers of the Year and leaders in the HPE community, and new ideas to try in your schools. Listen today! 
The Essential Components of Physical Education

NEW guidance document from SHAPE America defining the Essential Components of Physical Education. It is a must for every physical educator. Please share this new guidance document with your colleagues.

News YOU can USE!
Every Child Stronger Horiz





FIT2ECSELL - FitnessGram Grants

Grant funding is available for training and web based FG school site license. More information and application
Now hiring - Activity instructors and teachers

Social Village at Princeton Speech, Language and Learning -Princeton, NJ $12 an hour 

Can you take the initiative to plan and teach activities to kids ages 8-18?
Do you want to help kids improve their social skills and make friends?

Social Village is social-recreational program designed to help students improve their social and executive function skills while having fun doing activities.

We are open Fridays, Sundays and on school vacation days/school holidays.
The students who come to Social Village present with Higher-functioning autism spectrum diagnoses, Aspergers Syndrome, ADHD and Learning Differences. They are intelligent, nice kids who need help learning how to make and keep friends. We will teach you everything you need to know about working with our members.

Working at Social Village will help you stand out in today's ultra-competitive educational job market.
REQUIREMENTS:
  • Have at least one student teaching experience or experience as a summer camp activity instructor.
  • Be available to work at least two Sundays per month from12:50 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
  • Able to obtain required state/federal clearances * * Have a lot of patience, willing to learn and be comfortable with setting limits.
We are looking to hire immediately.
Job Type: Part-time
Salary: $12.00 /hour
Please send your resume to Ryan Wexelblatt, Director at:ryanw@socialvillagenj.com
Now Hiring: Full-Time Nutrition and Physical Activity Project Manager

The Safe Routes to School National Partnership is seeking a motivated and committed professional with excellent research and writing skills and experience with healthy eating policy as well as physical activity policy to be our new Nutrition and Physical Activity Project Manager. 
 
The Nutrition and Physical Activity Project Manager is responsible for supporting public policy campaigns at state and local levels to increase policies and funding in support of healthy communities that encourage physical activity and healthy eating. This position brings nutrition-related expertise to our team, and will take the lead in developing our work at the intersection of healthy eating and active living. Bringing an equity lens to all work, the position will work with local and state leaders to identify, develop and collaborate on advocacy campaigns. Qualifications include knowledge of nutrition public policy landscape, excellent research and writing abilities, and fluency in health equity.
 
Applications are due by November 16, 2015, but interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply early in the process. Please  review the job announcement for more information about the position, qualifications, salary range, and instructions on how to apply. Successful candidates will work from their home office, with moderate levels of regular travel. 
 
We look forward to hearing from candidates passionate about working to help communities become healthier and more equitable places, and interested in assisting us to advance our work on the intersection between healthy eating and active living. Do note that telephone inquiries are not accepted.  Please forward this announcement on to potential candidates. 
 
The  Safe Routes to School National Partnership
was founded in 2005 and is a network of more than 750 organizations. Our mission is to advance safe walking and bicycling to and from schools, and in daily life, to improve the health and well-being of America's children, and to foster the creation of livable, sustainable communities.    

Did you know physical activity can help prevent many chronic health conditions, including type 2 diabetes? November is American Diabetes Month! SHAPE America has resources to help prepare physical educators and coaches to teach students with diabetes. MORE
NFL Flag Football Curriculum
New Heights for Health

Like Jasmine, we learned that a little physical activity can make a big difference, and we're guessing you did too.

 
More than 2,500 of you joined our #Commit2Ten campaign and moved for an additional 10 minutes every day to raise awareness about the lack of physical activity in our kids' lives. You helped us not only raise awareness, but actually get people of all ages moving... a lot!
 
But the harsh reality is that no matter how much we moved, shouted and sweated there is still more to do. So instead of taking a break, we think there is no better time to use this momentum to create real change for our kids. 
 
Next Stop = Recess
 
Recess is on pause in 80% of school districts. It's time to push play on recess #Commit2ten

Playlist of the Month by Carrie

Utilizing music in a physical education lesson is not a new concept. Physical educators that
already use music know that there are numerous benefits and research supports the pairing of music and movement. They go hand in hand.
   
Music can serve as a time management tool, it can be an instructional source, a motivator and 
can help create an enjoyable and positive learning environment for their students.  MORE
5 Ways to Use Your Natural Environment to Engage Kids in Activity

Looking for a way to spice up your cardio work for your kids? How about using your local environment to make things interesting for them? Variety, after all, is the spice of life! Plus, we all know exercise and fresh air are good for children's growing bodies - especially today, when statistics show that American children are increasingly overweight, and spend more time indoors than their parents did.

Which is why using your natural environment to engage kids in activity during your PE class time is so important. MORE
Sitting Is Bad for Children, Too

Children who sit too much may face adult-size health consequences, according to a new study of healthy young girls. The study found that after a single session of prolonged inactivity, the children developed changes in their blood flow and arteries that, in grown-ups, would signal the start of serious cardiovascular problems.

There is plenty of evidence, of course, that uninterrupted sitting dents the health of adults. Many epidemiological studies have found associations between multiple hours of inactivity and increased risks for diabetes, obesity, heart disease, liver disease, metabolic syndrome and other conditions, including premature death. MORE
Stay Healthy this Holiday Season

With the holidays right around the corner, it's a perfect time to review a few tips on how to stay safe and healthy during this festive time of year. Here are 5 ways to stay healthy and safe during the holidays, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). MORE
Stay Active this Fall

During the holiday season, it can be easy to put exercise on the backburner. With parties, family obligations, and the colder weather working against you, it can be difficult to prioritize your fitness. This holiday season, don't fall victim to the usual holiday slump. Keep active by incorporating physical activity into your many holiday gatherings. Here are a few ways you can keep moving, while getting your friends and family active alongside you.
  1. Get running! There are usually a plethora of running races to choose from around the holidays. From 5K's to 5-milers, you're bound to find at least one race to fit your fancy. The ever popular turkey trot is always a good choice. You'll feel better after stuffing yourself on Thanksgiving Day if you get a race under your belt before the big meal!
  2. Get outside! We know the weather can be less than desirable this time of year, but outdoor activities are totally doable as long as you dress appropriately. Try hiking, trail running, or taking a walk through the park. Anything you enjoy that will get you outside and moving. A nice after dinner walk with the family is always a nice way to get in your exercise while unwinding from a long day.
  3. Try one of our programs to keep you on track! PALA+ is a great way to stay committed to being active daily and eating properly. This 8-week program is the perfect way to gear up for the new year! Check it out and get started here.
Safe Tackling OK in Youth Football, Pediatricians' Group Says

There is no need to ban tackling from youth football, but players need the right training and supervision to cut their odds of injury, new guidelines from a leading group of pediatricians state.
In the policy statement, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says young players need to learn proper tackling techniques and, whenever possible, have guidance from certified athletic trainers at practices and games.

The group also suggests kids be given more opportunities to play flag football and other tackle-free variants of the game. MORE

Microgrants are now available for schools participating in the Billion Mile Race. Participation in the Billion Mile Race is free, but microgrants of up to $500 each are available to K-6 schools seeking to expand a walking/running program or start a new one. Added consideration will be given to schools enrolled in Let's Move! Active Schools. Apply for a microgrant by Nov. 20. MORE

Left and right, New York City's public schools are failing to meet the state's minimum requirements for physical education for K-12 students. Many elementary school students have only one class each week, violating the state requirement that all students receive PE daily through third grade and three times a week thereafter. READ

When it comes to athletic field surfaces, artificial turf has gained ground on natural grass. In recent years, synthetic turf has replaced grass on municipal and school fields that bear nearly year-round traffic of football, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, baseball and softball games. For decades, safety concerns primarily focused on injuries caused by landing roughly on the unforgiving surface. Now, the synthetic surfaces are being linked to cancer in some athletes who have played on artificial turf. MORE

Most concussions in children are diagnosed based on symptoms - such as vomiting, balance issues, headaches and blurred vision - but that does not give physicians an idea of the severity of the injury. Using a blood test, however, levels of a protein can indicate whether a person has sustained a concussion and how severe it is, researchers found in a new study. MORE
Health Educator News YOU can USE!
New Publication! State School Health Policy Matrix 2.0

The National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD), National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) and the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America) have worked together to develop the State School Health Policy Matrix 2.0, an updated guide to state-level school health policies for the following topics:
·        * competitive foods and beverages
·        * physical education and physical activity
·        * administration of medication in the school environment
The State School Health Policy Matrix 2.0 outlines relevant state-level policies in all 50 states for each of these areas, including a direct link to the policy. It also indicates which political entity or agency adopted the policy or issued guidance, helping to answer the question - Who has historically had the authority to make policy changes in the areas of competitive foods and beverages, physical education and physical activity, and administration of medication in each state? Click here to access the Matrix

Volunteer this Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving, consider helping those in your community who are in need of a warm meal. Most communities have organizations that deliver meals to families who may not have the means to create a Thanksgiving feast for their loved ones. Check around your community to see what organizations will be delivering meals to families and sign up to volunteer. They will likely be very appreciative to have additional drivers on Thanksgiving Day. Get the whole family involved to cover more ground and spread more cheer! Can't find an organization in your community that delivers meals? Create your own food boxes to be delivered! Try gathering friends and family to donate food items and assemble boxes. A hidden bonus for you as the delivery person: aside from helping those in need, you'll get a bit of a workout from carrying all the boxes of food and walking around the neighborhoods!

You can also volunteer in a soup kitchen or food pantry to help community members enjoy a hot meal on Thanksgiving, or you can donate to a food drive. However you choose to volunteer, you're working to better your community by providing a few extra hours of time to those in need. Way to go!
How the internet has changed bullying

This summer, American Psychologist, the official journal of the American Psychological Association, released a special issue on the topic of bullying and victimization. Bullying is, presumably, as old as humanity, but research into it is relatively young: in 1997, when Susan Swearer, one of the issue's two editors, first started studying the problem, she was one of the first researchers in the United States to do so. Back then, only four states had official statutes against bullying behavior, and the only existing longitudinal work had come out of Scandinavia, in the seventies. After Columbine, however, the landscape changed. The popular narrative at the time held that the shooters, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, had been bullied, and that idea-which has since been challenged-prompted a nationwide conversation about bullying, which researchers around the country began studying in earnest. This special issue marks one of the first attempts to systematically review what we've learned in the last two decades-and, especially, to explore whether and how the Internet has changed the bullying landscape. MORE
How a Powerful Anti-Bullying Message Became One Simple Emoji

There's no need to explain that bullying is horrible, but the problem might be worse than you realize. Kids who witness bullying are more likely to struggle with problems like substance abuse and truancy(link is external) even if they're not bullied themselves, so the issue radiates well beyond the individual young people who experience abuse.

new initiative(link is external) that launched in late October hopes to give those witnesses a simple way to express themselves and shut down bullying as soon as it starts.

Dubbed "I Am A Witness," the campaign is a collaboration between major tech companies and marketing agencies. Its logo, a simple icon depicting an open eye within a speech bubble, has already made its way into your iPhone's emoji set. MORE
As Transgender Students Make Gains, Schools Hesitate at Bathrooms

Asked to call a transgender boy by a male name he has chosen for himself, teachers and administrators around the country have leaned toward a simple response: Sure. Allow a high school student who was born male but identifies as female to join the volleyball team? Fine.
But as transgender students assert themselves more, schools have hesitated at the locker room and the bathroom. Many have developed policies that require transgender students to use private changing and showering facilities, drawing opposition from these students, their parents and advocates who say the rules are discriminatory. MORE
Interactive Health IQ Game

Health IQ App game developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Public Health Information Coalition (NPHIC) is a brand new interactive game for MS and HS students & adults, including health educators, healthcare providers, and public health professionals with an interest in science and public health. Available here

Schools and groups that work with parents in the school (e.g., PTA/PTO) can use theParents for Healthy Schools resources to educate and engage parents about three key areas: 1) the school nutrition environment and services, 2) physical education and physical activity, and 3) managing chronic health conditions in school settings. This promotion kit provides an overview of Parents for Healthy Schools and tools and ideas to promote the resources. MORE
 
The anecdotal complaints from parents and teachers about the harmful impact of students emailing completed assignments at 3 a.m. or kids spending sunny weekend days inside on a laptop are increasingly supported by scientific research. The 2013 American Psychological Association survey, for example, found that 45 percent of U.S. schoolchildren were stressed-out by school - and homework was the leading cause. MORE
Research
Weight, Exercise May Affect Children's Thinking Skills

Researchers studied 45 normal-weight children, aged 7 to 11; 24 of them were active and the rest were not. Children were considered active if they took part in organized activities, such as swimming, gymnastics, soccer or dance for more than an hour a week. The study also included 45 overweight and inactive children.

As expected, active, normal-weight kids had less body fat and a lower resting heart rate than overweight, inactive children. But the researchers also found that normal-weight active children did better on tests of mental skills -- such as planning and paying attention -- than their inactive counterparts.

The findings were published online recently in the journal Pediatric Exercise Science. MORE
Cutting Sugar Improves Children's Health in Just 10 Days

Obese children who cut back on their sugar intake see improvements in their blood pressure, cholesterol readings and other markers of health after just 10 days, a rigorous new study found.
The new research may help shed light on a question scientists have long debated: Is sugar itself harming health, or is the weight gain that comes from consuming sugary drinks and foods mainly what contributes to illness over the long term? MORE

Young women who weigh themselves frequently may be at risk for depression, a new study suggests. They were much more likely to be concerned about their weight, to have depression and to have lower levels of self-esteem and body satisfaction, the researchers said. MORE

Soda, candy and fast-food are often blamed for the rising rates of obesity in America and, while eating any one high-calorie or high-sugar food to excess is obviously unhealthy and will not help you lose weight, a major new study found that consumption of these foods is not related to Body Mass Index in 95 percent of the population. Underweight Americans actually consumed more soda and sweet snacks than average-weight individuals, while overweight, obese, severely obese and morbidly obese individuals consumed less soda, sweet snacks and salty snacks than average-weight individuals. MORE
Let's Move! Active Schools
Social Media
Follow Let's Move! Active Schools on Twitter @LetsMove #ActiveSchools.
Congratulations Let's Move! Active Schools National Award Recipients!

The Let's Move! Active Schools National Award is the top physical activity and physical education distinction for K-12 schools. The award celebrates your school's commitment to integrating at least 60 minutes of physical activity before, during and after the school day.
Congratulations to the following NJ teachers for being recognized for your outstanding efforts in creating an Active School environment and increasing physical activity and physical education opportunities with your students. 
Kim Baker  (Long Branch High School)
Colleen Breen-Lopez (JFK Education Complex- School of education and training)
Nicolas Chomko  (iPrepAcademy School #8)
Linda Johnson  (Rev. Dr. Ercel F. Webb Elementary School/PS 22, Jersey City)
Lois Joyce ( Whitney M. Young Elementary, Jersey City)
John Taylor ( BelovED Community Charter School)

Let's Get Moving New Jersey: Be a CHAMPION and show your support for school environments that enable all students to get moving AND reach their full potential.  Sign up to be champion today.

 Visit www.letsmoveschools.org or click here
Let's Move Active Schools
Is your school an ACTIVE SCHOOL?

Does your school incorporate physical activity before, during and after school for at least 60 minutes a day? Do you need resources to "move" your school in the right direction? This FREE program can help. MORE
Apply for recognition

Apply for recognition and celebrate all of the great accomplishments you have made towards becoming a more active school.

Download our web badge for your website to show that your school is now a member of Let's Move! Active Schools and committed to moving more.
Learn the facts

Obesity by the numbers
Over the past three decades, childhood obesity rates in America have tripled, and today, nearly one in three children in America are overweight or obese. The numbers are even higher in African American and Hispanic communities, where nearly 40% of the children are overweight or obese. If we don't solve this problem, one third of all children born in 2000 or later will suffer from diabetes at some point in their lives. Many others will face chronic obesity-related health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and asthma. MORE

Billion Mile Race Gets America's Schools Running, Walking

The New Balance Foundation Billion Mile Race is challenging America's schools to collectively walk and run one billion miles. We know that thousands of schools have experienced the benefits of adding walking and running to their school day and want thousands more to get in on the action and experience these same benefits. Join today at www.BillionMileRace.org and unlock your custom profile to start setting goals, posting miles and earning rewards.
ACTIVE SCHOOLS SPOTLIGHT - Maryland School Strides to Active Schools Success
Roland Park Elementary/Middle School in Baltimore, Maryland joined Let's Move! Active Schools in 2012 and participated in the Fire Up Your Feet Challenge last fall by organizing weekly walk to schools days, awarding prizes to kids racking up the most miles and involving 500 students during Wednesday morning walks. Read more about how Roland Park's efforts resulted in Active Schools success!

Inspired to Fire Up Your Feet?
Schools can earn cash awards to support walking, bicycling, and physical activity programs by tracking activity during the Fire Up Your Feet Activity Challenge October 1-31, 2015. Schools with the highest percentage of participation win! Awards are offered in many categories, including a $500 Let's Move! Active Schools Award. Sign up now!
Jump Rope and Hoops for Heart
NEW Heart Hero News!

All the info you need for your JRFH/HFH events is now brought to you in your very own newsletter,  Heart Hero News. This new publication will be emailed monthly on or around the 10th of each month. If you missed this month's inagural edition, you can still check it out on our archive page! Click here and then scroll down!
Apply now for a JRFH/HFH Grant - Deadline: December 1, 2015

Are you a Jump Rope For Heart or Hoops For Heart coordinator who would like to take your program to the next level? SHAPE America is currently accepting applications for the 2016 JRFH/HFH grant program.

All 2016 grantees will receive:
  • $1,300 professional development stipend to attend the 2016 SHAPE America National Convention & Expo in Minneapolis, April 5-9. The stipend may be used toward convention registration, travel, lodging and/or per diem.
     
  • One-year SHAPE America membership (if you are not a current SHAPE America member) and one copy of the National Standards & Grade-Level Outcomes for K-12 Physical Education.
     
  • $1,200 US Games gift certificate redeemable for equipment to enhance your school's physical education program. The gift voucher will be presented at the 2016 National Convention & Expo in Minneapolis.
     
  • Invitations to special events where you will meet physical education and JRFH/HFH leaders from around the country.
     
  • Opportunity to share what makes your program special by contributing to  The Pulse, the JFRH/HFH national newsletter.
The SHAPE America Jump Rope For Heart & Hoops For Heart grant is available only to individuals who have completed a JFRH/HFH event in the prior school year. If you have questions about the application or grant program, please contact Meredith May, joint projects manager, at mmay@shapeamerica.org.
Advocacy
SHAPE America Announces: 50 Million Strong by 2029

Approximately 50 million students are currently enrolled in America's elementary and secondary schools (grades pre-K to 12).

SHAPE America wants to ensure that by the time today's preschoolers graduate from high school in 2029, all of America's students are benefitting from the skills, knowledge, confidence, desire and opportunities to enjoy healthy, meaningful physical activity. MORE


GET YOUR BADGE TODAY!! What's your number?
 

AAHPERD Advocacy
Be An Advocate!

Advocacy is vital to the success of quality health and physical education programs across the country. In order to make an impact on the national policy landscape, we need all members to be strong advocates for the profession and for children.
 
SHAPE America Advocacy page
 
Take action today to guarantee that health and physical education will be addressed by Congress and become integral programs in schools across the country.

Now available: SHAPE America Legislative Action Center Tutorial webinar
New Resources for Physical Activity and Academics

Use these resources to advocate for quality health education and physical education!
 
New resources from CDC can be found on their Health and Academics webpage
Specific resources:   
 
- Improving Academic Achievement through Healthy Eating and Physical Activity PowerPoint Presentation PDF of slides  
- The Association Between School-Based Physical Activity, Including Physical Education, and Academic Performance Adobe PDF file [pdf 2.5M] (Full report) Executive Summary Adobe PDF file
Driver Education
DRIVE SAFER Has New Courses!

Drive Safer has new dates for their popular Car Control and Defensive Driving Course and has also started Parallel Parking Boot Camps™ and the Building Blocks™ program for 14 and 15 year old drivers.

Drive Safer has recently launched a new website and some new courses. Click here to find out more or to register.

If your school is interested in getting involved, you can become a partner and earn 12% of the revenues from your students, parents and friends that attend any of these courses.  They will also work with partners to schedule a Parallel Parking Boot Camp and/or a Building Blocks™ Program at your school or in your area.  If you are interested in becoming a partner, you can find out more here.
Seasonal Driving Tips

Give your students one (or seven) last tips before they leave (leaf) to become safe drivers! MORE
Oh, Deer!

November is the month a driver is most likely to collide with a deer in the U.S. Overall, U.S. drivers have a one in 169 chance of colliding with a deer.  Here is information from State Farm regarding safety and animals on the road. MORE
How To Go On Ice and Snow...

As one quarter ends and another begins, new drivers (students) will be coming into your class.  If you have seniors and juniors next quarter, use AAA's "How to Go On Ice and Snow"  MORE
How Does YOUR Town Rank?

Take a look at the crash data broken down by town, to see how your community fares!

Road Warrior: Driver finds life's mission in his tragic mistake

Soccer pro Matt Maher didn't consider himself a killer as he sat in a holding cell a few hours after his Cadillac hit a minivan.

Sure, he'd been drinking. Yes, he was speeding. But he knew his passenger was safe, and although the minivan had flipped, he'd seen its occupants standing on the road. So it was surprising to overhear a dispatcher describe the condition of a crash victim with a word that a motorist in a jail cell never wants to hear:

"Deceased."

"Impossible!" Maher said last week as he recalled his reaction back then for a teen audience in Washington Township. "The weight of that word meant I would always be 'that guy: a killer.' " MORE
A Picture is worth 1000 words...

A Great Image to use on your school digital media system and your website!




The 2015-2016 TeenDrive365 Video Challenge has begun and, now, there are even more chances to win!

Learning to drive is one of the coolest times for a teen. But facts have shown it can be extremely dangerous. You have the power to inspire your fellow teens, maybe better than a teacher or a parent can, because you know what messages will be the most powerful. Create a 30-60 second video for your fellow teen drivers that highlights the importance of safe teen driving and you could win $15,000, or one of 14 other prizes!  

Contest ends March 7, 2016
Introducing the World's First Teen Driving Calendar!

This calendar was written and designed by a Defensive Driving Instructor to combat the #1 Killer of 15-20 year olds in the U.S., by teaching K-12 students about how to  avoid what causes 90% of crashes...Mental Error.

In addition, the calendar aims to alert Educators and Parents about the deadliest times of year (Prom 
Season, Summer Vacation etc.) for our Teenage Drivers. 
 
Please download and print each month and use it as a teaching tool.

PS: Studies have shown that kids start learning to drive as Toddlers, so it's never too early to start teaching them to 'Drive Mentally'.


October
November
December
Resources
Article Headline
  • Kids.gov shares resources in a variety of ways. If you are a Twitter fan, check out our Twitter page where we post interesting happenings related to kids and school topics. If Pinterest is your thing, we have  Pinterest boards for kids, parents, and teachers. We post current events, helpful resources for parents, and fun activities for teachers to use in their classrooms on Facebook. Looking for videos that explore careers? Don't forget to check out our YouTube or TeacherTube videos!
Grants & Contests
SPARK Grant Finder Tool

The SPARK Grant-Finder Tool helps you locate funding for your Physical Education, After school, Early childhood or Coordinated School Health program. Grants can be used for curriculum, teacher training, or equipment. MORE
Grants

Run For Good 
The Saucony Run For Good Foundation is committed to informing the public about the cause and prevention of childhood obesity and provides funding to optimize the impact and success of community organizations that promote running and healthy-lifestyle programs for youth. Approximately 10-20 grants are awarded each year. Nonprofit organizations that demonstrate the program positively impacts the lives of participants through their increased participation in running are eligible to apply.  
Award Amount: $10,000
Deadline: December 13 (annually) MORE

Speed Stacks Sport Pack Grant Program
Deadline: Sept, 2015 - June 2016
Speed Stacks wants to help instructors motivated to offer a full-fledged Sport Stacking program but are unable to generate the funds through their school, parent organization or community.  Through our Speed Stacks Sport Pack Grant Program, we want to equip you with all you need to provide your students with a unique and fun Sport Stacking experience that promotes the development of motor skills, patterning, sequencing, focus and concentration, as well as hand-eye coordination and ambidexterity. MORE


Score New Equipment with a Good Sports Grant
The new school year is here! And what a better to start a new year than with new fitness equipment! Good Sports equipment grants are open to all K-12 schools that serve youth in an economically disadvantaged area of the country. Schools that indicate enrollment in Let's Move! Active Schools on their application will receive priority access. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Learn more and apply.
Driver Safe Ad
Our PARTNERS & SPONSORS
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Shaping NJ is the state partnership for the Nutrition_ Physical Activity and Obesity program focusing on environmental and policy change. NJAHPERD is a coordinating partner in the school setting workgroup.
Project Adventure
Your NJAHPERD membership expiration date is:



NJAHPERD
P.O. Box 2283
Ocean, NJ 07712
732-918-9999
732-918-2211 fax


Disclaimer: The ideas in the FYI do not necessarily reflect NJAHPERD's official position on the issues. NJAHPERD assumes no responsibility for any statement as fact or opinion presented, nor does acceptance of advertising imply endorsement of any products or services by the Association.

Sincerely,
Suzette de Araujo
NJAHPERD
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