The bell rings at 9 a.m. at Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C., and as students slowly file into the gym, curiosity fills the air. Coach Clark always comes with a twist. Daequan eagerly asks, “Coach, when’s our next trip?” after discovering his love for boxing during last week’s field trip to Rumble. Meanwhile, DeShawn — the class captain for the week — leads the warm-up, and other students complete their daily mental health questionnaire displayed on the projector. As I take attendance, I also check in with my students. Daryl is on cloud nine because Dunbar’s baseball team just ..read more

In a school era focused on technology and standardized tests, might the key to some students’ success lie not in more academic work on a device, but in the opportunity to move their bodies outdoors? Many schools today have an RTI (Response to Intervention) or WIN (What I Need) class schedule that helps provide intervention, engagement and enrichment activities for students. Most of these interventions are offered through an online computer program. However, Spooner Middle School — located in the Northwoods of Wisconsin – is finding success by getting students away from their screens and taking ..read more

The Will to Win By Gunnery Sergeant Edwin Paul Omanahernandez Resiliency embodies the physical, mental and moral disciplines of Marine character. It enables them to adapt and push through adversity and overcome any obstacle they face. It’s the iron-clad resolve to rise after every fall, maintain sharp focus, and perform with precision. Resiliency is forged through rigorous training, moral grounding, and a steadfast support system from mental health resources, peers, and strong leadership. ENCOURAGING PERSONAL RESILIENCY The Marine Corps is the ideal platform to showcase the “why” behind resili ..read more

Let me introduce myself. My name is Casey Page and I am a physical education teacher in Shelby County, Kentucky, which is a suburb of Louisville. I also coach golf and am an assistant athletic director at our school, but I have always thought of myself as a teacher first. In March 2024, I was lucky enough to be named the 2024 SHAPE America National High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year! In my award application, I wrote about introducing students to new lifetime activities in my, what I think is unique, advanced PE class. I’ll share some of ..read more

As a physical education teacher at Hebron High School in Carrollton, TX, I developed a Health and Wellness Club for our ninth-grade campus as an initiative to reduce obesity and related comorbidities that are associated with sedentary lifestyles and a lack of physical activity. The goal of the club was to educate students on the importance of physical activity and provide them with resources that would empower them to take ownership of their health and physical activity habits. Creating the Health and Wellness Club I began the club by seeking administrative support from our assistant principal ..read more

Students can be equipped with skills to create healthier, safer communities. Whether it’s taking note of a friend’s concerning behavior or discussing the importance of mental health in the classroom, preparedness is a critical component of protecting the health of those in your school community. When it comes to preventing drug overdoses, being prepared means equipping middle and high school students, teachers, coaches, and community members with the knowledge to identify signs of a drug overdose and the skills and tools needed to respond quickly and effectively. The National Institute on Drug ..read more

Mental health challenges among students are a growing concern and can significantly affect their daily lives. Findings from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey show that in 2021, more than 4 in 10 adolescents felt persistently sad or hopeless, and nearly 1 out of 3 adolescents experienced poor mental health. Some students may use e-cigarettes (also called “vapes”) because they think it will help them feel better. The most common reason students give for currently using e-cigarettes is “I am feeling anxious, stressed, or depressed.” But really, vaping can be another source of stress that young peopl ..read more

As the principal of a preK-12 school in remote Eastern Oregon, one of the lessons I’ve learned is this: A school staff that is cared for is a staff that will be ready to take on any obstacle that comes their way. We all know that stress in the education field is at an all-time high. School administrators must figure out ways to support staff members, so they don’t join the growing number of teachers who have decided to leave the profession. This nationwide issue is one that I am super passionate about. For that reason, I check out every ..read more

Over the last decade, young people have begun spending drastically more time engaging with media, particularly digital media. This often exposes them to content and influences far beyond their maturity levels. The messages, images and information they engage with every day through media help shape their beliefs, attitudes, values, and identity. That’s why it’s so important to empower young people with the skills to recognize the shaping effects of media. Teaching media literacy in skills-based health education can do just that. What Is Media Literacy? Media literacy is the ability to: While me ..read more

Findings from the 2023 National Youth Tobacco Survey show that more than 2.1 million U.S. middle and high school students use e-cigarettes (also called “vapes”). Tobacco use in any form, including vapes, is especially unsafe for kids, teens, and young adults. Most vapes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can harm brain development. Nicotine exposure during adolescence can impact students’ learning, mood, and attention. These effects can make it harder for students to focus on their academics, athletics, and other extracurricular activities. As an educator and a trusted source of i ..read more