September 2019
In this issue:
 |
Hello, my name is Shana Classen. I am the new Director of Health and Physical Education at the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE). By now, you have started the new school year. I am sure you met the day with excitement, or nervousness, or maybe a mixture of both! I have been feeling the same way as I recently accepted this position. Prior to joining the OSDE, I was a physical education and health teacher in Edmond Public Schools for 17 years. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Oklahoma Christian University and a master’s degree in School Counseling from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. In 2007, I attained my National Board Certification in Physical Education. As a teacher, I organized staff wellness challenges, running club, at-school walking program, monthly dances, and an annual health fair to promote healthy lifestyles for staff, students and families. I also had the opportunity to be a part of the “Healthy Schools OK” (HSOK) program, which provided professional development opportunities, curriculum, materials, funds, access to community partners and equipment for Action Based Learning (ABL) labs. Consequently, I implemented health into the ABL labs with Kindergarten through fourth grade. I received the Health Educator of the Year award from Oklahoma Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance in 2017 and the Southern District Health Education Teacher of the Year award in 2018 by demonstrating innovative teaching in the field of health education. I have a passion for physical education and health, because I have seen first-hand that active and healthy students make better learners. John F. Kennedy’s quote says it best, “Intelligence and skill can only function at the peak of their capacity when the body is healthy and strong.” I look forward to meeting and working with each of you in the coming year and hope you will feel free to contact me if I can assist you or your school. You can email me at Shana.Classen@sde.ok.gov or call me at 405-522-1576.
|
OSDE is excited to announce free professional development workshops for the 2019-20 school year. These workshops will be held in different regions of the state and are designed to support educators with effective instructional strategies aligned to the Oklahoma Academic Standards. These workshops are perfect for educators looking to identify a new Professional Learning (PL) Focus or deepen expertise in an existing PL Focus.
I will be leading workshops around the state next month called "Increasing Student Engagement in Physical Education." This free, three-hour workshop will build on what we learned at EngageOK on the Road this summer when we explored the components of Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model.
Increasing Student Engagement in Physical Education
After exploring strategies to increase student engagement, teachers will participate in hands-on activities that can be immediately implemented into the physical education classes.
Although the workshop is free, seating is limited, so register today! Click on a link below to register.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
To have a great school year, it is important for children to stay active and healthy as healthy students are better learners. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has tips and resources for families and schools to help children and teens get fit and stay healthy whether just starting kindergarten or heading off to high school. |
|
 |
 |
|
The beginning of the school year might bring some anxiety or concern about classroom management, especially to beginning teachers. It can be helpful to seek guidance and learn strategies from veteran teachers who have walked the path before you. Maybe that advice comes from a co-teacher, someone in your building, or maybe from a podcast. This SHAPE America podcast is a great resource and focuses on classroom management strategies at the elementary, middle and high school level. |
Online Physical Education Network’s (OPEN) mission statement is to improve the effectiveness of physical education for every child. OPEN provides free resources with membership registration at OPENPhysEd.org and targets SHAPE America’s National Standards and Grade-Level Outcomes. |
|
 |
Don't forget to post pictures at
#ParentsLovePE
#okPE #oklaED
|
The 3rd Annual Take Your Parent to PE Week will take place September 23-27, 2019. During the campaign, parents are introduced to their child's physical education program and encouraged to engage throughout the year while being physically active together at home and in the community.
To learn more about Take Your Parent to PE click here!
OPENPhysEd.org has free resources on parent engagement and Take Your Parent to PE Week.
We all know hydration is important when exercising in the summer heat, but it is just as important to stay hydrated while just sitting in the sun on a hot or humid day. “If you are well hydrated, your heart doesn’t have to work as hard.” A recent article by Dr. John Batson published through American Heart Association provides great information that can be shared with students. |
|
 |
|
