Let's Celebrate PE Moving Forward
By MK Editor, May 23, 2021
Educating our kids has taken on new meaning during COVID-19. While the education process varies from district to district and school to school, one principle remains constant: it is vital to prioritize kids’ health and well-being. Physical education is a key contributor to physical and mental health during and after the pandemic.
We’re making March ALL ABOUT PE: why it’s so important, how it’s made a difference during the pandemic, and how parents and taxpayers can advocate for PE moving forward. Join the Active Schools movement, comprised of 90+ partner organizations and more than 44,000 registered champions for #PEMovingForward, a social media campaign to celebrate and advocate for PE!
School districts are making decisions NOW about how to conduct and fund education for school year 2021-22, so let the decision-makers know what you want and expect for your child and all students.
5 WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT PE
1. Pledge your support for PE – become an Active Schools champion; it’s free.
2. Post your PE stories on social media using the hashtag #PEMovingForward.
➤ Thank a PE Teacher – tag your child’s PE teacher and/or school and give them a shout-out.
3. Learn tried-and-true parent and taxpayer PE advocacy strategies.
➤ Participate in a free 1-hour webinar on Monday, March 15, 3-4pm ET / 2-3pm CT / 1-2pm MT / 12-1pm PT – REGISTER HERE.
➤ Hear from the experts at the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America) and three parents who have successfully advocated for PE.
4. Email or send a letter about the importance of PE to your principal, superintendent, and school board.
➤ Use these easy template letters.
5. Advocate for PE on social media.
➤ Use hashtag #PEMovingFoward and tag (@) your school, principal, school district, superintendent, and school board members.
➤ You could also tag members of your district’s health/wellness advisory committee and your school’s health/wellness advisory committee and PTA/PTO.
Key Physical Education Information and Advocacy Resources
➤ It’s Time to Prioritize Health & Physical Education from SHAPE America
➤ Strengthen Physical Education in Schools from Springboard to Active School
➤ Exercise Their Minds from Voices for Healthy Kids
➤ Physical Education and Physical Activity from CDC
➤ Physical Education Along with Physical Activity: Kids Need Both from SHAPE America