Attention Physical Educators:

Quality physical education programs provide the foundation for healthy, active lifestyles that support all learning and help ensure success in future pursuits. While schools play an important role in developing the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle, families must also work together to increase everyone’s activity levels and decrease health risk factors. Invite family members and community members to participate in your physical education programs today. Use this opportunity to educate them about quality physical education and the importance of becoming involved in their children’s health.

NASPE Standards

• Standard 3: Participates regularly in physical activity.
• Standard 4: Achieves and maintains a health-enhancing level of physical fitness.
• Standard 6: Values physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and/or social interaction.

Family Fitness Challenge

The Family Fitness Challenge provides families an opportunity to participate in physical activity and practice healthy eating habits together. We have developed a parent letter and score sheet for both elementary school students and secondary school students. See below. These should be sent home on Monday, May 1st and returned to school on Friday, May 5th. Elementary families will earn certificates based on how many squares they are able to complete by Friday, and secondary families will earn participation certificates if the score sheet is returned on time.

• Family Fitness Challenge Parent Letter- Elementary
• Family Fitness Challenge Score Sheet- Elementary
• Ringmaster Certificate- Elementary
• Juggler Certificate- Elementary
• Clown Certificate- Elementary
• Circus Elephant Certificate- Elementary
• Family Fitness Challenge Parent Letter- Middle / High School
• Family Fitness Challenge Score Sheet- Middle / High School

Family Fitness Challenge Award Ceremonies

1. Daytime School Assembly- Schedule an all-school assembly on Friday, May 5th to recognize families who participated in the Family Fitness Challenge. In addition to awarding certificates, you may choose to include the following activities:
   
   • staff or parent hula hoop contest
   • demonstration by student jugglers
   • guest speaker from the community
   • PowerPoint presentation of families exercising together
   
2. Evening Presentation of Family Fitness Challenge Certificates
   Recognize families who participated in the Family Fitness Challenge at an evening Family Fun Event (see below).

Family P.E. Invitations

Invite family and community members to participate in physical education classes today. Normal class routine can be followed OR stations can be set up to demonstrate different activities and skills practiced throughout the year.

Family Fitness Night

A family fitness night can be done many ways. It can be held on Monday, May 1st to kick off the Family Fitness Challenge or on Friday, May 5th to end the week. The main idea is to educate parents about quality physical education and the importance of being involved in their child’s health and wellness. Consider including some of the following in your evening event:

• Presentation of Family Fitness Challenge Certificates (Friday) or Family Fitness Challenge Score Sheets (Monday)
• Guest Speaker from a local health organization
• Heart and nutrition booths
• Fitness testing (let students administer Fitnessgram, etc. to their parents)
• Family relays (scooters, hula hoops, locomotor skills, etc.)
• Juggling and Speed Stacking stations
• Jump Rope stations
• Climbing Wall
• Student-lead aerobic routines
• Large group dances (i.e. Chicken Dance, Hokey Pokey, etc.)

NASPE Resources

Order copies of 101 Tips for Family Fitness Fun brochure for everyone in your school by calling 1-800-321-0789.