May is a time to focus on wellness, community and healthy habits as we head toward the end of the school year.  This month we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month and the importance of caring for our emotional and physical well-being through self-care, movement and support for one another.  We also celebrate Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month by honoring the cultures and contributions of our diverse communities.  Think about how you can celebrate with cultural dance and music, and studying athletic contributions.  In addition, it is Sex Ed for All Month (ODE Sexuality newsletter), and Wildfire Awareness Month reminds us to practice communication, safety and environmental responsibility.  Wishing you a healthy wrap up of your school year!

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.

For more information, please contact the Instructional Materials team at ODE.InstructionalMaterials@ode.oregon.gov  or (503) 551-3123.

Ways to Relieve Stress During Testing Week

The end of the school year can mean testing, and that can cause students stress.  Erika’s Lighthouse put together a list of activities that can encourage students to try activities that can help them relieve stress.

Erika’s Lighthouse also produced new K-12 Mental Health Learning Standards.  These standards complement our Oregon Health Education Standards and Oregon’s Transformative SEL Standards by introducing foundational skills in Kindergarten and reinforcing them throughout the K-12 experience, to help students practice proactive mental health behaviors.

K-5 Resources for mental health month 

We often think of PE as a way to stay active, but movement also boosts mental health.  Physical movement helps students manage anxiety, boosts their mood, and fosters confidence and connection, and improves cognitive function.  For calmness try some yoga or breathing exercises.  For joy, try a freeze dance.  For confidence, try goal-setting or journaling that can help students feel a sense of mastery.

Monthly Calendars and Resources

SHAPE America has some new resources to share that include activity calendars and National Hockey League (NHL) curriculum for grades K-8.  Check out these downloadable resources!

• Elementary Activity Calendar
• Secondary Activity Calendar
• NHL STREET School Curriculum, Grades K-2
• NHL STREET School Curriculum, Grades 3-5
• NHL STREET School Curriculum, Grades 6-8

OPEN has a free five day journal for students to explore the power of connection, and to encourage students to reflect on giving and receiving support from those around them.  The journal is titled The Strength to Share and is meant to help students understand that no one has to handle mental health on their own.

Planning Summer Bike Programming?

The Jump Start team is offering use of their bike fleet this summer for Jump Start trained teachers who would like to borrow a bike fleet for summer programs. If you're interested, reach out to Becky at Cycle Oregon or email info@oregonsaferoutes.org.

SHAPE America Journal of Health Education Research Articles

• Introduction to Special Issue on Mental Disorders as a Chronic Issue 
• A qualitative Study of the Benefits and Challenges of Fitness Testing and Activity Monitoring in School; Interviews with School Staff in Southern California
• Educating Students for a Lifetime of Physical Activity: Enhancing Mindfulness, Motivation, and Meaning 

• Instructional Assessment Strategies for Health and Physical Education 
• Physical Activity and Academic Performance Among Adolescents in Low-SES Schools 

Mental Health Promotion is Substance Use Prevention

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and comes with new opportunities for educators to support the long term health and wellness of their students. Substance use prevention in K-5 focuses on building healthy coping skills, learning about medication safety, and fostering strong family relationships. Schools can use the Growing Up Safe campaign to help caregivers learn strategies to support their child’s mental health and prevent future substance use. As students get older, educators can continue to enhance protective factors through education that promotes healthy peer relationships, identifying positive influences, and keeping one another safe. The True Friends Campaigns for 6th-12th grades share standards-aligned, strengths-based substance use prevention messages with students and families.

Local Resource Spotlight:  Top 10 Substance Use Prevention Best Practices

Deschutes County Public Health created a new resource  to support teachers and school staff in their region in talking with students about substance use prevention. It shares best practices for what to focus on, how to communicate with students, and why these approaches matter. It can support standards-aligned lesson planning and conversations that promote student health and well-being, build skills, and create safe, inclusive learning environments.  View the Resource Here

Sign up for a free Webinar on Preventing Opioid and Fentanyl Use in Teens

Join the ECHO Network for a webinar to learn about fentanyl in youth. This webinar will discuss the scope of the teen  opioid problem, the definition of opioid use disorder (OUD), how opioids affect the brain, and basic prevention strategies. 

When: Wednesday, June 3, 2026, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m., Pacific time

Register Here

Youth Substance Use Prevention Strategies for K-12 Schools

SchoolSafety.gov released a new issue brief focused on youth substance use prevention, offering insights and strategies to help K-12 schools support student well-being and safety.

 Inside the issue brief, you’ll find strategies and resources to help schools:

• Educate students about the risks of substance use through open, honest communication.
• Train teachers and staff to recognize early signs of substance use and respond appropriately.
• Strengthen protective factors that promote healthy coping mechanisms, positive relationships, and family engagement.
• Prevent and respond to overdoses and other substance use emergencies on school grounds.

Additional resources and information can be found on SchoolSafety.gov’s substance use topic page. For questions, please contact the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse at SchoolSafety@cisa.dhs.gov.