|
Suzette de Araujo, Editor
|
|
'Like' Us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!
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...   |
|
NJAHPERD BOARD MEMBERS
Carol Lynch, President Jackie Malaska, Executive Director |
A message from your president...
The 97th Annual NJAHPERD "Promoting Healthy, Active Lifestyles" Convention is quickly approaching! Make sure to register ASAP. Please share the convention information with your colleagues who are not members.
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2016 NJAHPERD Awards!
Honor Award - Jacqueline Edly Malaska & Judy LoBianco
Physical Activity Champion Award -
AtlantiCare Healthy Schools, Healthy Children
Livingston Shining Stars Program
Lilyan B. Wright Outstanding Future Professional of the Year -
Jamie Julian, KU & Maxwell N. Rambow, RU
Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year - Stacey L. Trimble
Driver Education Teacher of the Year - Deborah A. Strano
High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year - Mark Friedrich
Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year - Lois E. Joyce
Elementary School Physical Education Teacher of the Year -
Edward "Ted" Olsen
Dance Teacher of the Year - Barbara J. Brady
Please join us in honoring these recipients at the Awards Banquet, Sunday, February 21st. Tickets are available when you register for the convention.
NJAHPERD is excited to invite you to attend our first Dance Showcase to be held at the Convention, Monday, February 22nd, 6:30-7:45 PM in the Seabright room at Ocean Place Resort & Spa. Enjoy Modern Dance to Lyrical, Tap to Latin Jazz performed by the Metuchen Dance Centre Children, Metuchen Dance Centre's Teen Dance Company "Dance Reflections", Millburn High School Dance Company, Shoreline Dance Academy, Special Dance Company of Columbia High School and the Wave Dance from Long Branch High School. Thanks to Barbara Brady and Arvin Arjona for organizing this wonderful event!
As always, take advantage of your NJAHPERD membership! We are here if you need us!
To Health & Happiness!
Carol Lynch
President, NJAHPERD
|
|
Newly Elected NJAHPERD Executive Board Announced
Congratulations to the new ELECTS on the NJAHPERD Executive Board.
2016-2017 Executive Board Members
President - Christine Baccarella President Elect - Dr. Laurie Cancalosi Vice President of Physical Education - Vacancy Position filled by the President Vice President Elect of Physical Education - Ellie Abdi Vice President of Physical Activity - Vacancy Position filled by the President Vice President Elect of Physical Activity - Colleen McCurry Vice President of Health Education - Steve Wehrle Vice President Elect of Health Education - Amy Rady Vice President of Dance Education - Arvin Arjona Vice President Elect of Dance Education - Barbara Brady Member-at-Large - Judith Ruff Past Member at Large - Barbara DeCaro Member-at-Large Elect - Lois Joyce Immediate Past President - Carol Lynch 2016-2017 College/University Representatives to the Future Professional Division TCNJ - Marissa Hazel WPU - Katie Barthold ROWAN - Joshua Hudson MONMOUTH - Stephanie Huff MONTCLAIR - Danielle Butrico KEAN - Chelsea Guttridge Your new officers and student representatives will officially take their positions at the end of our 97th Annual Convention on February 23, 2016. |
|
|
|
Certification and Recess Bills Update!
Unfortunately we learned on January 19, 2016 that Governor Christie vetoed the two bills NJAHPERD advocated for this legislative session: 1) Bill S-1594 which would have required a daily 20 minute recess period in elementary schools (K-5) in NJ; and 2) Bill S-3067 which would require that health and physical education teachers to possess the appropriate endorsement to their certificate to teach these subjects in elementary schools in NJ (K-6).
However, we want to thank you ALL for your work on these two bills this session. Without your support, and the support of our partners, they wouldn't have advanced so far in the legislature. Although not signed into law, our advocacy on these issues not only moved these bills through the process, it helped raise awareness about these two issues that will help NJ's children: having daily recess in elementary schools and having well-trained and certified health and physical education teachers teach our children in elementary schools in New Jersey.
So please don't be discouraged. We will re-group, re-strategize and work together to move these issues forward once more in the New Year.
Meanwhile, keep advocating at the local level with parents and school board members for quality health and physical education and physical activity.
NJAHPERD Advocacy Committee
PO Box 2283
Ocean, NJ 07712
|
|
|
|
Guide to Inclusive PE & Sports - Special Olympics NJ
Learn. Practice. Play. UNIFIED. Guide to Inclusive Physical Education and Sports Activities focuses on fundamental and sports specific skill development, and opportunities to apply those skills to game play in school and the community, for students from elementary to high school and beyond. Download the full book or specific chapters on the Special Olympics NJ website.
|
|
|
|
NJAHPERD 2016 Annual Convention
Online Registration is now open! .
Don't miss out! Submit your PD request as soon as possible for Board approval!
|
|
|
|
FitnessGram FIT2ECSELL Grant Schools *
We are pleased to inform all NJAHPERD and HealthyU grantees who have returned the necessary intake form, that your migration from FitnessGram 10 to FitnessGram 2015 has been successfully completed. Your IT contact will be notified with specific instructions for login and importing data. Please follow up with your IT person.
All of the data your district had previously entered into FitnessGram 10 has been migrated over to FitnessGram 2015 for your convenience.
Important Contact Information.
FitnessGram Help Desk. For technical support.
NJAHPERD has renewed FITNESSGram2015 licenses for all FIT2ECSELL grantee schools, including HealthyU schools.
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. |
|
2015-2016 NJAHPERD Professional Development Events
NJAHPERD recommends that you seek Board of Education approval to attend workshops, conferences and 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.
"Promoting Healthy, Active Lifestyles" February 21-23, 2016 Ocean Place Resort Long Branch, NJ
FREE WORKSHOP: 50 MILLION STRONG BY 2029: FROM CONCEPTION TO IMPLEMENTATION
Workshop offered at Minneapolis Convention on Tuesday, April 5th 3:30 - 5:30. First 200 to sign up for this free event on your conference registration form receive a special free t-shirt!
April 18, 2016 Long Branch High School 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!!SPARK Offers Summer Professional Development Opportunities
SPARK will offer two-day institutes in San Diego in June and July. The deadline for early registration if April 22, 2016. Read more about the individual institutes: After School Institute, June 13-14 Early Childhood Institute, June 16-17 PE Technology Institute, June 23-24 K-2 PE Institute, June 27-28 3-6 PE Institute, June 30-July 1 K-6 PE Level II Institute, July 7-8 *must have previously attended a K-2 or 3-6 PE training. SPARKabc's Institute, July 14-15 Middle School PE Institute, July 25-26WEBINARS:
60 Minutes a Day! The Connection between Physical Activity and Academic Achievement Wed, Jan 20, 2016 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM EST 60 Minutes a Day! The Connection between Physical Activity and Academic Achievement Active Kids Do Better. Research shows that 60 minutes of physical activity incorporated throughout the school day leads to higher academic achievement, increased focus and attention, attendance, better health, and emotional fitness. Learn how Let's Move! Active Schools is a solution in transforming the school community.
- 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.
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.
Double Dutch for AllWednesday, February 24
Speaker: Dr. Chris Wirszyla, teacher, Pender County Schools
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
Wednesday, February 3
8pm Eastern
Presented By: Andy Vasily (@andyvasily)
Wednesday, February 17
8pm Eastern
- 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.
National Health Observances (NHOs) are special days, weeks, or months dedicated to raising awareness about important health topics.
New SHAPE America PodcastThe 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!
|
|
Striving to be a Superhero Physical Education Teacher
What would the perfect physical education teacher do? Have you ever asked yourself this question? Who do you picture when you think of the perfect teacher? Perhaps like me you picture someone made up of a combination of all the great teachers you've ever met, all wrapped up into one incredible superhero package?
Years ago, I fleetingly believed I was on top of the teaching game, perhaps even on my way toward superhero status, until I humbly learned the benchmark I was measuring myself against was outdated and missing major components. My students liked me and they loved physical education, I had very few discipline issues, and when they joined other elementary school students in middle school they showed themselves to be competent athletes. All these factors led me to believe I was doing an outstanding job. What burst my bubble? What brought me to my current realization that I will never "arrive" and will always have room for improvement? MORE |
|
Physical Literacy: More than Just a New Fad
One of the earliest mentions of the term physical literacy in an academic journal was in 1938. 2 Since that time, it was seldom used until the early 1990s when the term garnered more significant interest following Margaret Whitehead's landmark publications on the concept of physical literacy. Today, physical literacy is the goal of SHAPE America's National Standards for K-12 Physical Education. 3 This brings it in line with terminology currently used in other subject areas such as health literacy and math literacy. So what exactly is physical literacy and how does it relate to physical education? The concept has led to some confusion at times by misinterpreting the term and using it interchangeably with physical education. Although there are quite a few different definitions of the term physical literacy, attempts are being made toward a common language and definition. Recently, a number of leaders from various organizations were invited by the Aspen Institute with the objective of developing a model, strategic plan and call to action for physical literacy in the United States. 1 The outcome was the following definition: Physical literacy is the ability, confidence and desire to be physically active for a lifetime. It is a lifelong journey different and unique for each individual. Physically literate individuals do not just move in isolation of their environment. Rather, they take responsibility for maintaining, and helping others to maintain, purposeful physical activity pursuits throughout the course of a lifetime. MORE |
|
Research: The Nature and Prevalence of Voice Disorders among Physical Education Teachers compared to Classroom Teachers
Dear Members of New Jersey Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance,
I am writing because I am looking for participants for my master's thesis entitled, The Nature and Prevalence of Voice Disorders among Physical Education Teachers compared to Classroom Teachers.
If you are a Physical Education teacher, or have been in the past, please participate in my online study! The survey will take you no more than 10 minutes to complete. I have included a link to my survey below.
If you have questions about your rights as a research participant, you can contact the IRB at (908)737-3461 or email at irb@kean.edu
-Candidate for Masters Degree
Kean University School of Communication Disorders and Deafness
|
|
FIRST GRADERS IN PARAMUS ARE FIDGETING LESS THANKS TO PEDALING DESK CYCLES
A new tool in a Paramus Elementary school is promoting physical activity while learning.It's helping to keep the fidgeting down and the creativity up for first graders.Sit still and stay calm never really works for 7 year olds, but read at your desk and pedal looks promising!"It gets me relaxed," a student said, "Exercise is good for your body!"The first graders described it as soothing. MORE
|
|
Want kids to listen more, fidget less? Try more recess... this school did
Four times a day, the doors of Eagle Mountain Elementary in Fort Worth, Texas, fling open to let bouncy, bubbly, excited kindergarteners and first-graders pounce onto the playground. MORE
|
|
Mobilizing Your Students through Performance Based Assessments
In the world of physical education, there are times when the internalization of teaching models, concepts and strategies is, in my opinion, rushed or incomplete. Models that are not specifically designed for physical education are often either glossed over due to the perception that "we are different" and they do not fit in our discipline, or they are quickly dismissed. For example, what I hear in regard to performance-based assessments from other PE professionals is something to the effect of, "Yeah, we do that every day. Our students perform a skill and we assess it."
Although the verbiage matches (performance and assessment), if you stop there the opportunity for tremendous student growth is lost. Performance-based assessments (PBA) are much more than performing a skill. They provide students choices in an area of study, while allowing opportunities for them to both explore an essential question and share what they have learned. There are four main components to a PBA: MORE |
|
National Girls & Women in Sports Day (February 3) Website!
This year marks the 30th annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day, a national celebration to mark the extraordinary achievements of women and girls in sports.
Check out a new website to* Download the Event Action Kit with the official logo, poster & other resources* Find an event in your community, or plan and register your own event* Learn about NGWSD Coalition activities on Capitol Hill, key supporters and more Be sure to use #NGWSD to join the celebration online. |
Dance. Is it merely art? Is it just recreation? Think again.
Dance is now being studied as a pathway to enhance learning. And, scientists say, educators and parents should take note of the movement.
Recently at the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting, more than 6,800 attendees paid rapt attention to renowned choreographer Mark Morris as he answered questions about the relationship between creativity and dance. MORE |
|
Moving Classes Back Indoors: Winter and the Secondary PE Curriculum
Winter is in front of us and if we have not bowed to it yet, we will soon. That means coming inside and finding ourselves surrounded by four walls and a ceiling. What a change: less room, more noise, and lots of compromises.
But it isn't all bad. Getting back in the gym can be a relief in some ways. You can feel as if you have more control over your environment. You don't have to worry about weather and rainy day plans synching with what you were teaching outdoors. More importantly, you don't have to worry about the possibility of unpleasant situations from bystanders or trespassers. MORE |
|
Idea for High School Physical Education: My best PE lesson - I turned students into their teachers' personal trainer
Every year I set my high school students an exciting challenge that might, at first, sound unusual. I ask them to become personal trainers for their teachers.
The Train Your Teacher project, which I teach to ninth to twelfth-grade students (14 to 18-year-olds), started as an idea for an interactive performance-based assessment. Students are allocated a teacher for whom they create an exercise programme.
The project is explained in class and then teachers are invited to sign up. However, getting them involved can be tricky - I need willing participants who are free at the time my class runs. Not all teachers want to take part, some because the project is new, others feel they're already in great shape. When they say this, I ask them to identify any gaps in their training and we discuss how my students could help. MORE |
|
Create Engaging Presentations With Free iPad Apps
Engaging an audience is an important part of getting your message across. If you're tired of your normal routine, try sharing information with your class or sparking a discussion with one of the free iPad apps in this post. Introducing a topic with embedded video clips and sharing graphics or images to convey information are some of the ways to keep students interested in content and engaged in your presentation. MORE
|
Sarah Benes, senior lecturer and coordinator of physical and health education programs at Boston University's School of Education, says things are getting better in regards to physical activity in schools, but too slowly. She offers classes to budding teachers on incorporating physical activity into academics, and vice versa. Every year, she hopes her freshmen - just out of school themselves - won't find her ideas so new. MORE
|
When their physical education teacher, Traci Hayward, introduced a dance unit at Illinois' Durfee Magnet School after the winter break, the students were all over it. Students are learning hip hop dances such as Hit the Quan, and more traditional dances such as the Bunny Hop and the Hokey Pokey. "I had a really good experience in P.E. with dance, and I will never forget some stuff I learned, so I wanted to bring that to them, too." MORE
|
|
Inside the schools fighting childhood obesity with fitness
Tackling childhood obesity is a global priority, and in many countries schools are playing an increasing role in getting students active. But with a packed curriculum, exam pressures and limited resources, inventive thinking is crucial to getting students moving. Here is an insight into how four schools are increasing physical activity in and out of the classroom. MORE
|
|
ADHD Is Fuel for Adventure
By second grade, it was clear that while Zack Smith could sit in a chair, he had no intention of staying in it. He was disruptive in class, spoke in a loud voice, and had a hard time taking turns with others. His parents fed him a series of medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, many of which didn't work. Zack, who attended school in West Hartford, Connecticut, was placed in special classrooms where he showed a propensity for lashing out. Twice suspended, he was miserable. He didn't seem to care about anything at school. When his parents realized that his path would likely lead to worse trouble, they pulled the ripcord on eighth grade. MORE |
|
Health Educator News YOU can USE!
|
|
|
2015-2020 DIETARY GUIDELINES FOR AMERICANS
Recently, the U.S. Department of Health and HumanService and the U.S. Department of Agriculture releasedthe 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. TheDietary Guidelines eighth edition continues to serve as animportant resource for assisting Americans in preventingdiet-related chronic diseases and gaining the health benefitsassociated with eating a healthy diet. For additionalinformation about what's new in this latest edition of the Dietary Guidelines, as well as toolsand resources you can use to help you make healthy eating choices based on theGuidelines, check out the following links:
|
Advocates for Youth is pleased to release Rights, Respect, Responsibility: A K-12 Curriculum. This new curriculum fosters responsibility by respecting young people's rights to honest sexuality education. With over 80 new lesson plans, Advocates for Youth intends this free online curriculum will give teachers a dynamic, up-to-date, inclusive curriculum to help implement and ultimately institutionalize sexuality education across schools nationwide.
Key features of 3Rs include:
- Research-based and reviewed by our own Youth Activists
- Authored by Elizabeth Schroeder, Ed.D., MSW, Eva Goldfarb, Ph.D. and Nora Gelperin, M.Ed.
- Affordable since there is no charge to access all 80 lesson plans
- Family homework activities in most lessons in Grades K-9
- Maps fully to the National Sexuality Education Standards and inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity
- Flexible design to supplement, expand and/or update current curricula, even EBPs
- Extensive teacher support materials including a 25-page Teacher's Guide here
Access Rights, Respect, Responsibility here and please share widely with your networks and colleagues.
|
Struggling learners, including many children with dyslexia, cognitive impairment or behavioral disorders, become excessively stressed when they believe they have no control over a situation, believe they can't succeed, and believe their inevitable failure will harm them immeasurably. If schools allow teachers to continuously adapt instruction to struggling learners' needs and abilities, teachers can help such learners develop a realistic sense of control and a belief that they can succeed. MORE
|
With some high school sports programs looking like small colleges, there is a growing need for pros to keep those kids safe and healthy. A program at Arkansas' Cabot High School is giving students a head start and raising awareness for the important of sports medicine at all levels. MORE
|
Seattle startup company Vicis aims to reduce the number of concussions in football through their development of a new helmet, rooted in breakthrough technology. While they acknowledge that no helmet can completely eliminate concussions, Vicis founders Dave Marver, Sam Browd and Per Reinhall have developed a new helmet that absorbs shock differently than a traditional football helmet. MORE
|
Do students think best when on their feet? New findings provide the first evidence of neurocognitive benefits of stand-height desks in classrooms. These findings provide the first evidence of neurocognitive benefits of stand-height desks in classrooms, where students are given the choice to stand or sit based on their preferences. MORE
|
|
Let's Move! Active Schools
|
|
|
Social Media
Follow Let's Move! Active Schools on Twitter @LetsMove #ActiveSchools.
|
|
|
GET IN THE ACTIVE SCHOOLS SPIRIT
Strut Your Stuff...Win the Nation's Top Physical Education and Physical Activity Award. NJ had 5 schools win it in 2015! It is time to start thinking about the 2016 Let's Move! Active Schools National Award - the top physical education and physical activity distinction for K-12 schools!
To be eligible for the National Award, your school must have completed its Assessment and met the criteria for each standard. Once eligible, you will be notified and encouraged to apply on your Let's Move! Active Schools Dashboard. The deadline to apply is April 15, 2016.
Learn more about the National Award and see if you are eligible. Share in the Holiday Cheer and Keep Warm with Oliver the Other Reindeer
Follow along with Oliver the Other Reindeer and enjoy cheerful, brain-activating movement activities for the classroom - and the entire family! Check back often throughout the holiday season as Oliver and his friends are working some holiday magic to bring you additional resources and fun videos on the Focused Fitness Blog Ring in the New Year with a Good Sports Grant
Score new fitness equipment to help ring in the New Year! 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. MORE
SPARK Announces September Let's Move! Active Schools Contest Winner In September, SPARK hosted a Let's Move! Active Schools contest, and we are excited to announce that Tim Farrar of Lewiston High School(Lewiston, ME) is the winner! Tim will receive a$1,000 voucher for SPARK curriculum and Sportime equipment.
And, don't forget to tell other schools in your area about this great opportunity: any school that signs up for Let's Move! Active Schools, mentions SPARK as the referring source and completes its Assessment by May 1, 2016 will be entered into a drawingto win a free trip to San Diego to attend a SPARK Institute in summer 2016. MORE Focused Fitness Lights Up December with Magical Specials for Schools
Focused Fitness wants to bring PEACE to schools and help keep students warm, active, and in good cheer: - WELNET® Video Library: Pick from dozens of motor skill, exercise, and health-related content videos to create custom lessons that are sure to make kids smile and sweat!
- WELNET® Brain and Body Boosts: Weave bursts of brain-activating movements into your classes - anytime, anywhere, and with no preparation required!
- FAB 5® PEACE: Teach students social and emotional concepts while keeping them moving. Get it by Dec. 31 and receive an additional 34% off on top of the Let's Move! Active Schools 15% discount!
|
|
ACTIVE SCHOOLS SPOTLIGHT
Parents Pave Way for Before-School Physical Activity Parents are important champions for Active School environments at Canfield Elementary School (Los Angeles, CA). Parents here worked with teachers to incorporate more physical activity breaks in the classroom and used Let's Move!
|
|
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
|
It is an exciting time to be part of Let's Move! Active Schools with the recent announcement of two new opportunities to help physical education teachers create an Active School environment: Enrollment and Progress Incentives. Take advantage of 10-35 percent off equipment, curriculum and services from Adventure to Fitness, Focused Fitness, GenMove USA, GoNoodle, Gopher Sport, SHAPE America, SPARK & Sportime, and S&S Worldwide, and win prizes for progress along the way. 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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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!
|
|
New Jersey Legislation Updates
Recess Bill A4044/S1594
Bill will provide a minimum of 20 minutes of daily recess in K-5.
The Bill passed both in the Assembly and in the Senate.
Waiting for the Governor signature into law.
Certification Bill A-4653/S-3067
Bill will ensure that New Jersey K-6 students receive instruction by a certified health and physical education professional.
Passed by Senate and Assembly.
Waiting for the Governor's signature.
The Governor needs to sign them by Tuesday, January 19th at noon.
PLEASE CALL THE GOVERNOR"S OFFICE TO ASK HIM TO SIGN BOTH BILLS.
(609)292-6000
Your calls/emails have made a big difference! THANK YOU!
|
|
Federal Legislation Updates
Earlier this month, we celebrated a huge legislative milestone when Congress passed the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) - the long overdue reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
This historic event - the result of advocacy efforts led by SHAPE America, its affiliates, members and supporters - opens new funding opportunities for school health and physical education.
What Does ESSA Mean for You?
To help you become more familiar with this landmark legislation, SHAPE America has put together the following new resources:
* Every Student Succeeds Act 101 podcast
* Getting Started With ESSA webinar
* What's Next With ESSA blog post
Be sure to attend SPEAK Out! Day March 1-2, 2016, to ensure your members of Congress support implementation of ESSA in New Jersey!
2016 SPEAK Out! Day
Registration is available on the SHAPE America website.
Please request your professional days now for, March 1-2, 2016. Retirees and Future Professionals, this is a great opportunity for you to get involved and SPEAK Out about your profession.
Contact Jackie Malaska after you have registered with SHAPE America for a Travel Scholarship Application.
Last year, we had nine NJAHPERD members (7 professionals and 2 future professionals) attend. Our goal this year is to double the number and visit all our New Jersey Federal Legislators.
|
|
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. MOREGET YOUR BADGE TODAY!! What's your number?
|
|
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. |
|
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: - 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 |
|
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.
|
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 |
|
NJ DE teachers are doing a great job!
In a preliminary 2015 teen fatal crash data report from the NJ State Police, teen drivers (16-20) and teen passengers (16-20 driven by a teen) killed in motor vehicle crashes decreased from last year. - NJ teen driver fatalities fell from 23 - in 2014 to 19 in 2015.. a 17% drop.
- teen passengers declined from 15 in 2014 to 7 in 2015, a 50% drop. It was pointed out that four young passengers -- ages 1, 2, 13 and 15 -- also lost their lives in a teen driven vehicle last year. That increases the total number of teen driven passengers killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2015 to 11, but that is still six fewer than the previous year and a 35% decline.
|
Start Thinking Prom...Now...Reserve your Prom Program Early
Here are some suggestions. |
|
- 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!
|
|
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
|
Sustainable Jersey is pleased to announce that the PSEG Foundation is contributing $100,000 to support a Small Grants Program cycle for schools and $200,000 to support a Small Grants Program cycle for municipalities. These funding cycles will encourage schools and municipalities to implement projects that make progress toward a sustainable future.
The Sustainable Jersey for Schools cycle will award four (4) $10,000 grants to school districts or schools, and thirty (30) capacity building grants to support school green teams. The application deadline is Sunday, January 24, 2016.MORE
Informational Webinar: An informational webinar will be held to review the online application process, requirements, and tips for successful applications.
Sustainable Jersey for Schools Webinar Review the webinar recording and presentation.
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 GrantThe 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. |
|
| | 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. |
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
