November 20, 2013

Zumba Inclusive Master Class at Lakeshore

Ditch the Workout, Join the Party with certified Zumba Fitness Instructor and wheelchair user JoAnne Fluke as she leads an Inclusive Master Class at Lakeshore Foundation. Help us build momentum for this up and coming movement of bringing the Zumba experience to ALL!  This event is FREE and OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. 

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the FIRST EVER United States Zumba Inclusive Master Class right here in Birmingham!

*Free t-shirt to the first 100 registrants.

Go HERE for more information and to register! 

Let's Move Active Schools

COME ON ALABAMA!  We want to win.  Sign your school up today.  There is no cost or obligation.  

What is an Active School?An Active School incorporates physical activity before, during, and after school for at least 60 minutes per day.

The American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) is proud and excited to be a part of First Lady Michelle Obama's newly released Let's Move! Active Schools - an unprecedented collaboration to bring physical activity back to American schools. The program provides simple steps and tools, including monetary support and training, to help schools create active environments where students get 60 minutes of daily physical activity through quality physical education and physical activity before, during and after the school day.

ALEX Lesson Plan Development Session 

What it is:
Join together with some of the best teachers in Alabama for a two-day summit during which you will create outstanding CCRS-based lesson plans in your curricular area to be reviewed, approved, and posted to the ALEX Lesson Plan database.

What to do: 

If you would like to attend this workshop in Montgomery, simply click APPLICATION and complete the brief application by Wednesday, November 27, 2013. All applicants will be notified of acceptance by Tuesday, December 3, 2013. 

**Note: If you cannot click on above link, copy and paste this URL into your web browser

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1wMZN7uqkZFFJ6Sz71Co90CX8pyYeNRN9CtfOxJe37Uo/viewform.** 

Logistics: 

When: December 12-13, 2013 (8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) 

Where: AIDT, One Technology Court, Montgomery, Alabama 36116-3200

Each participant will receive $125 per day, for a total of $250. If you live more than 100 miles outside of the Montgomery area, you will receive an additional $25 a day, for a total of $300, to help compensate you for travel expenses. **Attendees are required to attend all 2 full days.** 


Lunch and snacks will be provided each day. Dinner will be on your own. If your application is accepted, additional information will be sent with the confirmation email. 

We encourage you to ask a buddy to apply to help you with expenses, and enjoy Montgomery together! 

Thank you, and we look forward to receiving your application online! Send questions to Bree Amidon at lbkeene@uab.edu. 

Scale Back Alabama School Program for School Staff. 

The 2014 competition is starting soon!

 Now in its eighth year, Scale Back Alabama is a statewide weight-loss contest that encourages Alabama to get healthy and have fun while doing it.  The 2013 campaign drew nearly 30,000 people in almost every county, and the total statewide weight loss since the beginning of the contest is more than one million pounds!  The Scale Back Alabama school program also had impressive numbers with 91 schools and over 2000 school personnel participating last year. 

The campaign is geared toward adults and is primarily operated with the help of local employers (companies with 10 employees or more), schools, hospitals and health departments.  Each organization appoints one person to serve as the coordinator for the contest, and individuals compete on teams of four to win the chance at cash prizes. There is no charge for participating in the program.  The program kicks off on January 16, 2014 and teams weigh in during the week of January 18-24, 2014. 

The Scale Back Alabama School program is an additional component of Scale Back Alabama that gives school personnel the opportunity to be healthy role models for their students and for the school to be entered into a drawing to possibly win nutrition and physical activity oriented prizes. 

Becoming a Scale Back Alabama School is easy.

• Go to www.scalebackalabama.com for instructions on signing up for Scale Back Alabama.  Your school will need a coordinator to get started.
•  All schools (k-12) participating in Scale Back Alabama will automatically be enrolled in the Scale Back Alabama School program.  Students are not allowed to participate and weight loss for students is not being encouraged.
• Scale Back Alabama Schools receive special recognition and are entered into a school drawing for prizes that promote good nutrition and physical activity habits for the students.  These prizes are in addition to the team and individual drawings for cash prizes. 

It’s a win-win for the schools.  School personnel work to achieve a healthier lifestyle while their students cheer them on and learn the importance of healthy habits. 

Scale Back Alabama is a joint project of the Alabama Department of Public Health and the Alabama Hospital Association with generous underwriting from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama. 

For more information, please contact Molly Killman at 334-206-5646 or by email at molly.killman@adph.state.al.us.

November Resources 

JAM (Just-a-Minute) School Program

The JAM School Program brings physical activity and health education into the classroom. JAM is designed to teach kids (and adults) healthier lifestyle habits. JAM is a free wellness resource for schools.

JAM resources offer a weekly one-minute exercise routine called JAMmin’ Minute®, an athlete-featured more extensive routine called JAM Blast®, and a monthly health newsletter called Health-E-tips.


JAMmin’ Minute®: A one-minute fitness routine that includes 5 very simple exercises that kids (and staff) can do while either standing at their desk or sitting in a chair. Included on this weekly communication is a health tip, something simple that teaches a healthier habit. These routines are authored by us and we invite schools to submit routines to us!
JAM Blast®: Athlete-delivered healthy living and eating messages with a coordinating 3-5 minute exercise routine that focuses on that athlete’s idea about what is most important for peak performance. Fun facts about each athlete are included.
Monthly Newsletter: A one-page health newsletter packed full of nutrition, fitness and health tips designed for school-age kids and their parents, and school personnel.
Benefits and Uses

• Wellness (daily physical activity and health education) for students and staff
• Add them to classroom curriculum, to assemblies, to the morning announcements over the PA system
• PE teachers can use these as a warm up or combine several routines for a complete program
• Students can lead each other as “JAM Leader” or “Drill Sergeant” of the week
• Set up some friendly competition in the classroom, among staff, or district-wide
• Send home with the kids, publish on your intranet and in the school newspaper, copy and post, video record classes and load to school website
• Tool for use to create wellness/fitness ambassadors at school
• Emphasis on establishing daily habits
• Health education that is effective and efficient
• Improves self-esteem and concentration
• Everyone can participate, even the physically challenged
• Fun, quick and effective

Each week of the school year, teachers and administrators receive an e-communication.
This communication will include:

• a link to our private JAM Library webpage that houses our JAM routines
• monthly newsletters
• JAM Good Ideas & JAM Good News
• success stories from schools
• highlights of school-authored routines
• links to kids doing the JAM routines

Why it Works:

1. It is FUN!!!
2. Everyone is doing the same thing at the same time.
3. Creates a sense of community and belonging.
4. There is no judgment or competition.
5. The JAM routines help improve strength, conditioning and coordination.
6. Brain breaks - Improves performance through more energy & refocusing.
7. Adds more physical activity minutes to your day.

The JAM School Program is promoted and backed by leading groups such as Let’s Move!, the American Heart Association, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, NFL Play 60, USDA, National PTA, NBA FIT, Discovery Education’s Energy Balance 101, and NASPE (the largest group providing physical activity resources to teachers across America) plus hundreds of state and local groups and organizations with health and wellness initiatives.

ASAHPERD Fall Conference

Don’t forget that the Alabama State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (ASAHPERD) Fall Conference is November 17, 18, & 19 at the Wynfrey at the Galleria in Birmingham.  If you did not pre-register you may register during the conference.  The conference information, schedule, and membership may be found at www.asahperd.org

Friday, November 15 4:00 PM is the final deadline to register for CEU credit for the conference.  Many people have had difficulty registering for day 3 of the conference.  If you experience difficulty contact the person in your school who handles STI Professional. 

Fitness Testing

January 1, 2014 is the deadline to post your fall fitness scores into INow Health.  The INow reporting piece has been revised and is now much more time efficient and much easier to post scores.  To get online training go to http://www.alsde.edu/home/general/hpeinformation.aspx where you will find all of the fitness information.  At the bottom of the page under additional links is the online training and written instructions. 

Please keep in mind that spring testing dates are March 1 through May 1.  Make sure to check your school calendar for state required testing so that your fitness testing does not conflict with those dates.  June 1 is the final deadline to post spring scores.

If your school is on block scheduling you will test one time and post those scores. 

Grant Opportunities

Together Counts

The Find Your Balance Challenge is open to elementary school classrooms in grades K-5 and rewards student teams for taking steps toward achieving Energy Balance in your own school communities. Winning schools have a chance to win a $30,000 Grand Prize Grant. One Second Place winning class will receive a $10,000 grant. One Third Place school will receive a $5,000 grant. Applications will be accepted from August 27, 2013 until January 31, 2014.

Award Amount: $5,000 - $30,000

Deadline: January 31, 2014

For More Information, Click Here

Fund for Teachers

The purpose of this funding is to enrich the personal and professional growth of teachers by recognizing and supporting them as they identify and pursue opportunities around the globe that will have the greatest impact on their practice, the academic lives of their students and on their school communities. Grants of up to $5,000 for individuals and up to $10,000 for teams will be awarded to select applicants. Pre-K though grade 12 teachers with at least three years of experience and the intent to return to the classroom the following school year are eligible to apply.

 Award Amount: $5,000

Deadline: January 30, 2014

For More Information, Click Here

 Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, National PTA, Discovery Education

With support from the National PTA, schools and communities across the nation have the opportunity to apply for a number of grants and other prizes to help them implement a health initiative at their school. Overall, the Smart from the Start program will award a total of $500,000 in grants, training and awards to eligible schools. The winning preschool will be awarded $20,000 and ten runners-up will each receive $2,500. Early childhood education centers and schools with a Pre-K program are eligible to apply.

 Award Amount: $20,000 or $2,500

Deadline: February 28, 2014

 

For More Information, Click Here

 American Heart Association

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the American Heart Association, and a team of experts from across the childhood obesity movement have teamed up through the Childhood Obesity Rapid Response Fund. The mission of the fund is to make effective strategic investments in ongoing state, local, and tribal public policy campaigns in order to increase public policy impact on healthy weight and living among children. This funding is mostly targeted at passage of new public policy, however proposals for defense of existing critical policy as well as addressing policy implementation deficiencies are also eligible. Grants will be made only to non-profit organizations. A phone consultation prior to submitting a step-one application is required.

Award Amount: $15,000 - $100,000
 

Deadline: Rolling

For More Information, Click Here

The PeyBack Foundation

The PeyBack Foundation is a nonprofit organization established to assist programs that provide leadership and growth opportunities for at-risk children. Emphasis is placed on programs that have a direct benefit to children through relationships and activities, specifically programs intended to enrich the lives of disadvantaged youth through activities conducted outside the typical school day. Activities include healthy living, mentoring, and leadership skills. Multiple grants averaging $10,000 will be awarded to selected applicants. Nonprofit organizations serving economically disadvantaged youth between ages 6 and 18 in Indiana, Louisiana, Tennessee, and the Denver metro area are eligible to apply. The 2014 PeyBack Foundation Grant Application will be available October 15, 2013.

Award Amount: $10,000

Deadline: February 3, 2014

For More Information, Click Here

The LEGO Group

The LEGO Children's Fund will provide quarterly grants for programs with a special interest paid to collaborative efforts and in providing matching funds to leverage new dollars into the receiving organization. Focus areas include: early childhood education and development, and technology and communication projects that advance learning opportunities. Priority is given to programs in communities where Lego operates with a special focus given to organizations serving Connecticut and Western Massachusetts.

Award Amount: $500 - $5,000

 Deadline: January 15, April 15, July 15, October 15

For More Information, Click Here

The Safeway Foundation

The Safeway Foundation supports numerous youth development organizations as well as a broad range of after-school and physical education programs. Local grants are reviewed biannually. For grant requests that are national or multi-regional in scope, requests are reviewed on a quarterly basis.

Award Amount: $2,500 - $10,000

Deadline: Rolling

For More Information, Click Here

Click here for more information

The Rite Aid Foundation

The Rite Aid Foundation is offering funding to nonprofit organizations that focus on health and wellness in the communities in which Rite Aid operates. The Foundation accepts proposals throughout the year and the submission deadlines for our quarterly board meetings are as follows: July 15, October 15, January 15 and April 15.

Award Amount: Award amounts vary

Deadline: October 15, January 15 and April 15

For More Information, Click Here

MetLife Foundation

MetLife Foundation supports projects to empower people to lead healthy, productive lives and strengthen communities. The Foundation makes grants in health, education, civic affairs and culture. Underlying the Foundation's programs is a focus on education at all ages and a commitment to increasing access and opportunity. The Healthy Habits program seeks to promote healthy habits and physical fitness for illness prevention, especially among children. Requests are accepted and reviewed throughout the year.

Award Amount: Award amounts vary
Deadline: Rolling
For More Information, Click Here

 

Voices for Healthy Kids Request for Award

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, American Heart Association

Voices for Healthy Kids is a new collaboration between the American Heart Association and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation working to engage, organize and mobilize people to improve the health of their communities and reverse the childhood obesity epidemic. Voices for Healthy Kids' Strategic Campaign Fund is awarding grants with a mix of lobbying and non-lobbying resources to support strategic issue advocacy campaigns focused on fighting childhood obesity through state, local, and tribal public policy campaigns aligned with the Voices for Healthy Kids policy priorities. Six awards for up to a maximum of $90,000 per award is available for 501(c)(3) organizations to support strategic issue advocacy campaigns focused on fighting childhood obesity aligned with six advocacy priorities. Applications will be evaluated by an independent review committee and announcement of awards will be made approximately 6-8 weeks after submission.

Award Amount: $90,000

Deadline: Rolling
For More Information, Click Here

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

 

Physical Fitness Test Information

2013 – 2014 Physical Fitness Testing Information

Test Dates		Deadline to Post Scores
Fall	October 1 - December 15	January 1
Spring	March 1 – May 15	June 1

 

Is fitness testing mandatory?

Yes.  The Code of Alabama (laws) Alabama Administrative Code (AAC) laws that pertain to education; rule 290-3-1-.02(8)(c)(ii) states:

The Alabama Physical Fitness Assessment must be administered to Grade 2-12 students, including students who receive exemptions from the State Superintendent of Education.  *Fitness data must be reported to the State Department of Education (SDE).

*Meaning scores posted into INow Health in order for the State Department to pull data from a school.

Who is to be tested?

• All students who are in Grades 2-12 (See AAC)
• Grade 2 students who are not 8 years of age must be tested but no data reported until they turn 8 years old.
• Students in Grades 9-12 who have completed the required LIFE course and are taking and coded as taking a physical education elective must be tested and their data posted into INow Health.
• Students who have a waiver must be tested and their data posted into INow Health.

New and Improved INow reporting procedures!

Before posting any scores into INow Health do the following:

• Check to make sure teachers have INow Health accessibility
•  If the reporting piece looks the same from last year, teachers will need to contact the tech coordinator either at the school or central office to make sure that INow has been updated with the summer roll-outs.
•   Print out a copy of the new reporting procedures from the link below:

           http://www.alsde.edu/home/general/hpeinformation.aspx
          (scroll to the bottom of the page to Additional Links).

• Watch either the YouTube or Direct Download video for online training on how to post.

Note for IPads or IPhones:  Teachers who have IPads or IPhones will be able to access INow Health from these devices without an app.  Make sure to have a strong WiFi connection in order to access INow Health.  If the device has the ability to open an Excel File, teachers will be able to utilize their device for posting scores.

Once fitness data has been completed and posted into INow Health, teachers are done with the reporting piece. There is no upload process to the school system or State Department of Education. 

Do not send hard copies of scores by mail or email to the State Department of Education!

Teaches who experience difficulty with INow Health need to contact the tech person in their school system for help.  Do not call the State Department for online assistance.

 Cadences and Video Demonstrations

No CDs will be mailed (delivered) to teachers.  Cadences and video clips may be downloaded from http://www.alsde.edu/home/general/hpeinformation.aspx. 

 Teachers who experience difficulty downloading the files may need to follow these steps:

• Save the files on to their computer. 
• Once the file is downloaded, open the file and let it play for a few seconds in order for the computer to recognize the file. 
• Close the file, and then save/burn the file to a CD. 
• If this procedure does not work, contact the tech person at the school for help.

Several teachers requested that I post the files to the cadences on the blog:

Cadences

Video Demonstrations

 

 

 

 

September 23, 2013

Let's Move in Schools

Please make sure to register your school for the Let's Move in School initiative.  

Go to: http://letsmoveschools.org

• Click the red button that says sign up now or look to the right where it says sign up or log in.
• Fill out the information and click submit (once this is done,you will receive a confirmation email).
• When your account is confirmed, you will  need to add your school
•  then add yourself as a school leader.
• Click on the link in your confirmation email and sign back in.
• Complete the inventory, decide on some action steps, make sure you save and continue to dashboard, then submit it. 

If your school is  healthy schools program school, use the same username and password and import the data over.

If you have any questions related to registering and associating with your school, please feel free to contact the help desk or contact Penny Edwards penny.edwards@healthiergeneration.org  or  205 434 4302.

Technology in Physical Education 

I asked Dr. Wendy Cowan at Athens State University to be a guest blogger on technology this week.  Dr. Cowan is my go-to-person when I need advice on using technology in physical education and a great presenter on the 21st Century Classroom.

Have you ever heard a grandparent, or someone older, talk about school back in the "good ol' days"? And heard the tall tale about walking 5 miles to school, barefooted, through the snow, rain, wind and hail, to a one-room school house in the middle of Nowhereville? Whether your grandparent has told you this same story or not, I'm sure you've heard of it being told to children. And while we like to assume that never happened, for some people, it is probably a fairly accurate account of going to school many, many years ago. Fortunately, in the United States, that's not typically the case today.

Schools are no longer isolated one-room buildings in the middle of "Nowhereville". Most schools consist of multi-structure facilities with administrators, counselors, teachers and support staff. And while the students are still traveling to schools, to sit inside classrooms designed for teaching and learning, neither the teaching nor the learning should be confined to the four walls of the classroom! With the abundance of technology today, a teacher's classroom is only limited by the limits he/she places upon it.

We have come a long way since the long, cold walk to school. Today, a "21st century" classroom has the potential to reach students, parents, friends, relatives, peers, etc. for collaboration, teaching and learning 24/7.This is all possible when the Internet is used to expand your classroom and advocate your program. We will use the umbrella term "eMarketing" as a descriptor of this process.

What is eMarketing?

Very simply put, eMarketing or electronic marketing refers to the application of marketing principles and techniques via electronic media and more specifically the Internet.

eMarketing is the process of marketing a brand using the Internet. It includes both direct response marketing and indirect marketing elements and uses a range of technologies to help connect businesses to their customers.

By such a definition, eMarketing encompasses all the activities a business conducts via the worldwide Web with the aim of attracting new business, retaining current business and developing its brand identity.

What does this have to do with education?

Who says we can't or shouldn't apply successful business strategies to the classroom situation? I'm going to take the same text from above and change a few words... see if it makes sense to you.

eMarketing is the process of marketing a brand using the Internet. It includes both direct response marketing and indirect marketing elements and uses a range of technologies to help connect schools and teachers to their students and parents.

By such a definition, eMarketing encompasses all the activities a school or teacher conducts via the worldwide Web with the aim of communicating with students and parents, expanding classroom teaching and learning and advocating for the school and classroom programs.

Now, doesn't that sound like something you should be doing, as a 21st century classroom teacher?

Why is eMarketing important?

When implemented correctly, the return on investment from eMarketing can far exceed that of traditional marketing strategies.

Whether you're a "bricks and mortar" business (school/classroom) or a concern operating purely online, the Internet is a force that cannot be ignored. It can be a means to reach literally millions of people every year. It's at the forefront of a redefinition of the way businesses (schools/teachers) interact with their customers (parents/students).

What is a good e-marketing plan?

A good eMarketing plan for your classroom may begin with the following:

• Social media in and out of the classroom
• Advocacy for your program through e-newsletters
• Program evaluation through online surveys and polls
• Collaborative tools for organizing and managing

Social Media

You may be wondering, how social media can be used in your classroom – Here are just a few suggestions and best practices that will get you started:

1. Use social media for teaching and learning - today's Web-savvy students will appreciate your efforts! Check out this list of 100 inspiring ways to use social media in the classroom
2. Keep your teaching and your personal social media sites SEPARATE
3. Learn about privacy settings and set yours appropriately
4. Investigate resources such as HootSuite, Seesmic and Tweetdeck to help you manage your social media sites.
5. Keep parents informed about field days, parent-teacher conferences and other events

Advocacy for Your Program

As I'm sure you are well aware, the more supportive the parents are of your program, classroom instruction, etc., the greater the chances are that you will receive tenure AND CLASSROOM DONATIONS! And even in the best of times, there is never enough money to do all of the great things that you will want to do.

With that being said, using the Internet to generate advocacy for your program is a step in the right direction. This can be done with NO expense and maximum benefits.

eNewsletters can be used to communicate with parents anything from homework notices to school program dates, to fundraising notices. And this can all be done expense free and sent via email in the blink of an eye and/or posted to your teacher web site.

Great resources for creating eNewletters include:

1.       MailChimp

2.      GroupMail

3.      Mad Mimi

4.      Send Emails

Program Evaluation

Program evaluation is a systematic method for collecting, analyzing, and using information to answer questions about classroom curricula, projects, policies and programs, - particularly about their effectiveness and efficiency.

With the wealth of technological advancements, program evaluation is a very easy process that can be completed expense free! There are a variety of surveys and polls available to you absolutely free that will make this process very manageable.

Great resources for program evaluation:

1. Google Forms
2. Polldaddy
3. Poll Everywhere

 Collaborative Tools for Organizing and Managing

Using collaborative tools to organize and manage the daily tasks associated with being a teacher will greatly simplify your life. There are tools available for everything from organizing meetings to collaborating with other physical education instructors to sign-up lists for field day.

Great resources for organizing and managing:

1. Timebridge
2. Google Hangouts
3. Doodle
4. Symbaloo
5. Padlet

Long story short – whether you decide to implement one or all of these strategies in your classroom, you are a step closer to creating a 21^st century classroom in which you are making class activities, communication and access open and available to all 24/7.

September 16, 2003

JAM School Program

About Health-E-Tips & JAM School Program

Health-E-tips – provides one-page wellness tools for the classroom and the office. The JAM School Program delivers simple, fun weekly exercise routines and healthier habit ideas that schools use to get everyone more active each day and learning healthier daily habits. JAM is available for FREE to every school. Our HET Corporate program is a corporate subscription that supports our JAM School Program. Learn more: www.healthetips.com

Health-E-tips’ JAM School Program and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation have teamed up for the second annual Just-A-Minute (JAM) World Record. On Thursday, September 26th millions of kids and adults will be participating to set a new record for the most people taking a one-minute fitness break. JAM World Record was created to promote the importance of everyone being active every day and encourage millions of kids and adults to take “just-a-minute” to get up and get moving.

The JAM School Program brings physical activity and health education into the classroom. JAM is designed to teach kids (and adults) healthier lifestyle habits. JAM is a free wellness resource for schools. The Alliance for a Healthier Generation works to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity and to empower kids to develop lifelong, healthy habits. The Alliance works with more than 17,000 schools to increase access to healthier foods and physical activity for students and staff.

JAM World Record 2013 has a goal to rally 3 million people to participate in this year’s event, more than doubling last year’s inaugural record of just over 1.3 million.

No Alabama schools have registered so far.  Sign your school up today!

Registration is now open at www.jamworldrecord.org. Individuals and groups are encouraged to register and ensure their participation counts toward the record-setting event.

The state that rallies the most people to sign up and count in their state's record will earn the national JAM title. 

It Only Takes a Minute BessMusic.com

I

   Listen Here

   Find it on iTunes Here 

   Find it on Amazon Here  

   Find it on Bessmusic.com  

Use it with your JAM routines, in your videos, during JAM Day or to stay motivated every day.   

About the Alliance for a Healthier Generation
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation, founded by the American Heart Association and the Clinton Foundation, works to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity and to empower kids to develop lifelong, healthy habits. The Alliance works with schools, companies, community organizations, healthcare professionals and families to transform the conditions and systems that lead to healthier children. To learn more and join the movement, visit www.HealthierGeneration.org.  Our Alabama Relationship Representative is Penny Edwards. Contact her to find out how your school may become an Alliance for a Healthier Generation School.

Middle and High Schools

JAMS is asking for JAM routines and videos form Middle and High School students.

JAMS invites middle and high school students and/or teachers to author a JAM routine and put it in print or on video. Let JAMS know how  the routines are used and JAMS will feature your group.   Use the new theme song (seen below) for your music. 

To get you started here are links to a few videos of JAMmin' Minute routines from Mesquite ISD, TX high school students.

• Video 1
• Video 2
• Video 3 

Alabama State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (ASAHPERD) 

Fall Conference November 17-19, 2013

Hyatt Regency Birmingham (formally the Wynfrey Hotel)

Hotel reservations:  Online reservations available September 16th. For now, call 1-800-223-1234 and use the code ASAH.

Conference pre-registration deadline is November 1
 Downloadable Pre-Registration Form

Coming soon, tentative session schedule.

ASAHPERD Membership 

(Why would you not be a member of your professional association?)

ASAHPERD Membership form

ASAHPERD JUMP ROPE FOR HEART/HOOPS FOR HEART COORDINATORS   $300.00 GRANT

October 15 Deadline

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Local JRFH/HFH Coordinator for preceding and current year as verified by ASAHPERD and the American Heart Association
2. Member of ASAHPERD
3. K – 12 teacher in the HPERD field
4. Must not have been a recipient of this award for the previous year

 Grant Application

Let's Move! Active Schools

Let's Move! is a campaign to end childhood obesity in the United States. The campaign was started by First Lady Michelle Obama. The initiative has the initially stated goal of "solving the challenge of childhood obesity within a generation so that children born today will reach adulthood at a healthy weight.  Let's Move! seeks to combat the epidemic of childhood obesity and encourage a healthy lifestyle through "a comprehensive, collaborative, and community-oriented initiative that addresses all of the various factors that lead to childhood obesity engaging every sector of society that impacts the health of children to provide schools, families and communities the simple tools they need to help kids be more active, eat better, and get healthy.  

Let's Move Alabama!  Sign your school up today!

http://letsmoveschools.org/?cid=00043

Alabama Youth Council

For the past ten years, the ALSDE had supported the FOCUS Program.  Approximately 250 high schools throughout the state have implemented a FOCUS course through the Health Educator/peer Helping elective curriculum, implemented FOCUS as an extra-curricular activity, or attended facilitator training and FOCUS statewide events.  The program empowers students in the prevention of adolescent risk behaviors identified through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS).

On October 3, 2013, the ALSDE, in collaboration with FOCUS, the Alabama Department of Health, the Truman Pierce Institute-Auburn University of Education, and the Alabama Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, will sponsor the Tenth Annual Statewide AYC.  Youth from across the state of Alabama will gather at the Renaissance Hotel and Spa Montgomery Performing Arts Center (MPAC) to promote healthy behaviors among Alabama teens.  This year's conference will feature Rachel's Challenge (www.rachelschallenge.orgwww.rachelschallenge.org).  Rachel Scott was the first person killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. Rachel’s dedication to kindness and compassion toward others left a legacy that spread rapidly through anecdotes and her own private writings. Her death led her family to found Rachel’s Challenge. To date, Rachel’s Challenge has visited thousands of schools and communities and touched more than 19 million students, educators, parents, and others.

A day out of the regular school schedule could spawn a lifetime’s worth of change for students and educators, as well as the communities they touch over the course of their lives. Such is the potential impact of Rachel’s Challenge, the keynote presentation at the 10^th Annual Alabama Youth Council (AYC).

The AYC will offer the great opportunity for student leaders in grades 9-12 to learn about leading prevention of Bullying, Teen Pregnancy, HIV, and other adolescent risk behaviors in their schools and communities. Schools are encouraged to send student leaders from Grades 9-12 and chaperons (or parents) to attend the AYC.  The registration fee is $25.00 per person. Lunch  and materials will be provided.  For more information visit the Focus Webpage. 

Awareness Months and Days

September 

• Sports Eye Safety Month  For more information, contact: Prevent Blindness America | 800.331.2020 | info@preventblindness.orgnhlbiinfo@nhlbi.nih.gov | | www.preventblindness.org
• Cholesterol Education Month For more information, contact: Health Information Center |National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute | 301.592.8573 | nhlbiinfo@nhlbi.nih.gov | www.nhlbi.nih.gov 
• Constitution and Citizenship Day September 17  http://new.civiced.org/resources/curriculum/constitution-day-and-citizenship-day
• Family Health and Fitness Day September 25 Family Health and Fitness Day is the nation's largest family health promotion event. Now in its 17th year, the event is always held the last Saturday in September. Thousands of families will participate in local health and wellness events hosted by more than 600 organizations across the country on the same day. Organizations interested in participating must register in order to legally use the trademarked event name and logo. For more information, contact: Gary Ford | Health Information Resource Center | 800.828.8225 | gford@fitnessday.com | www.fitnessday.com September

October

• Beef Month Free downloadable general nutrition information including recipes www.teachfree.org, www.bamabeef.org, 
• Breast Cancer Awareness Month For more information, contact: nbcamquestions@yahoo.com | www.nbcam.org 
• Dental Hygiene Month (National) National Dental Hygiene Month  For more information, contact: Communications Division | American Dental Hygienists’ Association | 312.440.8900 | media@adha.net | www.adha.org
• Health Literacy Month Be a Health Literacy Hero. Join with advocates around the world—raising awareness about what health literacy is, why it matters, and ways we all can help. For more information, contact: Helen Osborne | Health Literacy Consulting | 508.653.1199 | helen@healthliteracy.com | www.healthliteracy.com
• SIDS, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month  For more information, contact: First Candle | 800.221.7437 | info@firstcandle.org | www.firstcandle.org
• Fire Prevention Week October 6-12 For more information, contact: Public Education | NFPA | 617.770.3000 | alebeau@nfpa.org | www.firepreventionweek.org 
• Stop America's Violence Everywhere (SAVE) October 9 For more information, contact: Executive Staff Associate | AMA Alliance | 312.464.4477 | www.amaalliance.org
• Bone and Joint Health Awareness Week Bone October 12-20  and joint conditions are reported by US citizens more frequently than any other health condition. It is estimated that these conditions occur in nearly one in two people over the age of 18. The Bone and Joint Initiative’s National Awareness Week offers an opportunity for organizations and individuals concerned with bone and joint health to raise awareness and encourage people with prevention information and activities. For more information, contact: United States Bone and Joint Initiative | 847.430.5052 | usbji@usbji.org | www.usbji.org
• School Bus Safety Week October 21-15 For more information, contact: Lynn Martin | National Association for Pupil Transportation | 800.989.6278 | lynn.martin@napt.org | www.napt.org
• Lung Health Day October 23 For more information, contact: American Association for Respiratory Care | 972.243.2272 | info@aarc.org | www.aarc.org
• Red Ribbon Week October 23-31 For more information, contact: National Family Partnership | 305.856.4886 | redribbon@nfp.org | www.redribbon.

Resources

• Kids Health How the Body Works Movies http://kidshealth.org/kid/closet/movies/how_the_body_works_interim.html
• Infographic: Help Your Kids Rebound From Summer Fitness Loss http://dailyinfographic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Infographic.jpg
• Infographic-Bring Food Education Back! http://dailyinfographic.com/bring-food-education-back-infographicutm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DailyInfographic+%28Daily+Infographic%29 
• Guidelines for Preventing Athletic Emergencies  http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/e9359338#/e9359338/42

Available Grants

 GENYOUth Foundation’s AdVenture Capial Grants

http://school.fueluptoplay60.com/adventure-capital/

This is a student-driven grant for schools. Winners earn grants for their schools of up to $4,000 to come up with a big idea to improve physical activity and healthy eating at your school. To apply for AdVenture Capital, first you have to join Fuel Up to Play 60. With Fuel Up to Play 60, you have the chance to help make your school a better place and get involved in awesome community events with your friends! Register, and if you are under 13, be sure to get your parents’ permission. What needs to change in your school to help you and your peers make better healthy eating and physical activity choices? Your solution for making that happen will be the basis of your “pitch”‐ in the form of an online application you’ll need to submit. Fill out your AdVenture Capital application as an individual or with a team of your peers. Ask for support from your Program Adviser if you need help throughout the process.

Fuel Up to Play 60National Dairy Council and the National Football League

http://school.fueluptoplay60.com/funds/funds_for_futp60.php or email jmiller@sedairy.org

Funding is available to K-12 schools enrolled in Fuel Up to Play 60. The competitive, nationwide funding program can help your school jumpstart and sustain healthy nutrition and physical activity improvements. Funds can be used to conduct in-school promotions focused on creating a healthier school and to implement Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Plays. Funds can also be used for professional development, nutrition education materials, and physical education equipment & materials. Award Amount: $4,000 Deadline: November 1, 2013

2013 Children’s Health and Wellness Grants

http://www.cybergrants.com/pls/cybergrants/ao_login.login?x_gm_id=2874&x_proposal_type_id=10076

The Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation provides direct support for children in the areas of health and wellness. The Foundation's goal is to provide grants to help many programs that are working hard to make the world a healthier and happier place for kids. Grant requests will be accepted beginning in February 2013 until October 31, 2013. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year. Award Amount: $1,000 - $5,000 Deadline: October 31, 2013 

Learning & Leadership Grants

http://www.neafoundation.org/pages/grants-to-educators/

The National Education Association Foundation Learning & Leadership grants support public school teachers, public education support professionals, and/or faculty and staff in public institutions of higher education to fund participation in high-quality professional development experiences, such as summer institutes or action research. All professional development must improve practice, curriculum, and student achievement. Award Amount: $2,000 Deadline: February 1, June 1, October 15

Youth Grants: Charlotte Martin Foundation

http://www.charlottemartin.org/

The Charlotte Martin Foundation is a private, independent foundation dedicated to enriching the lives of youth in the areas of athletics, culture, and education and also to preserving and protecting wildlife and habitat. Athletics include a wide range of individual and team sports, with an emphasis on the value of sports for lifelong participation. Funds support sports programs, facilities, equipment and after school programs, with a focus on ages 8-15. There will be two funding cycles for 2013: April 30, and September 30, 2013. Award Amount: $10,000. Deadline: September 30, 2013