April brings a season of spring showers, and a wide range of opportunities to engage with ODE programs. Be sure to explore the listing below and consider signing up, sharing with your students, or passing the information along to colleagues who might be interested. This month also highlights several important awareness efforts, including Child Abuse Prevention Month (Sexuality Education newsletter), Stress Awareness Month, and Earth Day on April 22. These observances offer meaningful opportunities to deepen learning and foster student engagement around health, well-being, and environmental responsibility.
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Apply to be a member of the 2026 Physical Education Instructional Materials Evaluation Committee!
The Oregon Department of Education is accepting applications for the 2026 Physical Education Instructional Materials Evaluation Committee. District administrators and supervisors are highly encouraged to share the application with teachers, curriculum specialists, or other experienced professionals with expertise in Physical Education for grades K-12.
The application form details what committee member participation will require during this summer’s evaluation. Interested candidates will be asked to complete an application regarding their qualifications and experience. Individuals on this committee will be responsible for evaluating and recommending Physical Education instructional materials for adoption by the Oregon State Board of Education. Those selected to participate will receive professional development and an honorarium for their work.
Applications are open through May 15th, 2026. For more information, please contact the Instructional Materials team at ODE.InstructionalMaterials@ode.oregon.gov or (503) 551-3123.
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Apply Now: Substance Use Prevention Advisory Group
ODE is seeking applicants for its Substance Use Prevention Advisory Group. This group will begin meeting in the 2026-2027 school year and will provide ODE with guidance and strategic input related to school-based substance use prevention and intervention. Applications are due no later than May 10th, 2026 at 5pm PT.
ODE is seeking diverse members to join the Advisory Group who represent a variety of perspectives, including but not limited to:
- K-12 educators and other school-based staff supporting youth substance use prevention
- State and local prevention professionals
- Representatives from community-based organizations
- Parent(s) and guardian(s) of a student(s) attending an Oregon K-12 and/or a student with lived experience with substance use
- School district, ESD, and charter school administrators
- Substance use prevention, intervention, and recovery experts (researchers, national organization representatives, clinicians, etc.)
To apply, complete the application form below. If you prefer to apply by phone call, video call, written letter, or to request translation services or accommodations, please reach out to the ODE Substance Use Prevention Education Coordinator at ode.substance-prevention@ode.oregon.gov or call 503-580-0827.
Click here to apply
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ODE Youth Leadership Opportunities
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) is pleased to announce a variety of youth leadership opportunities for the 2026-27 academic year! ODE is seeking your help in circulating this information to encourage youth who are interested in elevating their perspectives to inform state education policy and initiatives.
The youth leadership positions below are currently accepting applications:
View the complete list of youth leadership opportunities and access applications here. Youth may apply for multiple opportunities; there is no application limit. We encourage you to share with your network!
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OSHAPE Health and Physical Education Teacher of the Year Nominations
Oregon SHAPE wants to honor excellence in the Health and Physical Education profession. Nominations for Teacher of the Year in multiple disciplines within the professional scope are now being accepted. Professionals may be nominated by themselves or other professionals.
There are many excellent professionals in the state of Oregon and OSHAPE would like to recognize those professionals for their contribution to excellence in Health and PE. Those who obtain a State Award will be recognized at the State Conference in October before the State Assembly. Nominations are due by noon on April 24, 2026.
Please Note: Current State, Regional or National Board of Directors members, Executive Committee members and former national Teachers of the Year are not eligible to apply for these awards.
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Substance Use Prevention Health Standards Language Update
ODE published minor terminology changes in the Health Education Standards within the Substance Use Prevention topic area. The changes include removal of stigmatizing language, including the term “substance abuse”, but do not change the content of the Health Standards in any way. The term “abuse” is associated with shame and stigma that may prevent individuals with substance use disorder from seeking help. Removing the term “abuse” or replacing it with “substance use disorder” throughout the Oregon Health Standards will align the standards with the most current recommendations of substance use prevention experts and individuals with lived experience. Updating the terminology also reflects that addiction is a medical condition involving brain changes, behavior patterns, and impaired control, not simply a matter of willpower or individual shortcoming.
Please send questions regarding this update to the ODE Substance Use Prevention Education Coordinator at ode.substance-prevention@ode.oregon.gov
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New Resource: Creating Conditions for Effective Prevention of Suicide and Substance Use
Substance use and suicide prevention in schools are closely linked, with data from the 2024 Student Health Survey indicating that substance use rates were more than twice as high among youth who reported experiencing suicidal thoughts. This tool clarifies the relationship between Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention policy and plans (as required by ORS 339.343 and OAR 581- 022-2510) and Substance Use Prevention and Intervention plans (as required by ORS 336.222 and OAR 581-022-2045) and to outline overlapping requirements and best practices that support both.
View Resource
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New Tobacco- and Nicotine-Free Schools Model Policy Template from OHA
The Oregon Health Authority has released a new resource to strengthen Oregon’s commitment to student wellness and belonging: the Tobacco- and Nicotine-Free Schools Model Policy template (you will need to login or create an account with Smokefree Oregon Portal).
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) collaborated with local health departments in six different counties, ranging from rural, frontier and urban regions, to draft an equitable and evidence-based model policy that:
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Covers all tobacco and nicotine products – This policy applies to all forms of tobacco and nicotine – regardless of the source of nicotine - and aligns with the latest state definitions of both tobacco-derived and synthetic nicotine products.
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Aligns with Oregon’s school regulations - Under ORS 326.051 and OAR 581-021-0110, all school districts must prohibit use, possession, and sale of tobacco on school grounds, facilities, vehicles, and events since 2006. This template ensures full compliance with OAR 581-021-0110 and seamless integration with other state-level requirements, and Health Education standards.
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Promotes non-punitive approaches – This policy avoids exclusionary practices such as out of school suspension or expulsion and instead provides guidance for supportive and educational interventions for staff, students and their families.
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Encourages quitting support – includes youth-centered and evidence-based quitting resources.
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Safe handling and disposal – provides contact information and resources for collecting, storing and disposing of confiscated tobacco and nicotine products, protecting the health and minimizing harms for both staff and students.
School-based tobacco and nicotine policies are important for preventing youth tobacco use and exposure. This model policy fosters student belonging and creates an environment where students and staff can feel supported. The template is available to customize. We encourage you to review, adopt and implement this model policy in your District.
For any questions, or support with implementing this policy, please contact Lily Banning (Lily.Banning@oha.oregon.gov).
New Infographics for Health and Physical Education
SHAPE America has produced three infographics, developed with the SHAPE America Physical Activity Council, that highlight essential practices in health and physical education — from protecting the joy of movement to leading with integrity and prioritizing physical activity throughout the school day. A great resource and reminder of best practices. View and download:
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April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, an important time to focus on building safe, supportive environments for all students. HHPH offers a collection of K–5 resources designed to help educators introduce and reinforce concepts of healthy relationships, personal autonomy, and boundaries in age-appropriate and meaningful ways.
Be sure to explore the HHPH Toolkit, which includes ready-to-use lesson plans, engaging slide decks, printable handouts, and materials to share with families.
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Just a few minutes of intentional collaboration, movement, and community-building can have a powerful impact on the middle school learning environment. These small moments help boost student engagement, strengthen relationships, and set the tone for a more positive and productive classroom experience.
Explore these 9 Brain Breaks to Foster Connection in Middle School for quick, easy-to-implement ideas that support both student well-being and a strong sense of classroom community.
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Looking for a fun and meaningful way to celebrate Earth Day with your students? OPEN offers a variety of K–5 “instant activities” that make it easy to integrate movement, learning, and environmental awareness into your students' day. These engaging options are a great way to combine physical education with science and sustainability concepts—helping students learn by doing while celebrating our planet.
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Check out the latest health and physical education calendars for activities you and your students can do throughout the month. These new calendars include popular activities like Musical Frogs, Inchworms, Paper Plate Planks, and much more. Available for both elementary and secondary grade levels, these calendars are great to share with students and families! You can also download the calendars in Spanish.
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