Physical Education

Quality pre-kindergarten through diploma physical education provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to support lifetime participation in a variety of physical activities that contribute to an active lifestyle. Physical education provides building blocks for motor skill development and analysis, physical fitness, stress reduction, decision-making, and positive social skills. 

May Is National Physical Fitness and Sport Month

National Physical Fitness and Sport month has been celebrated annually since the early 1960's. It is a time to highlight the importance of staying active through fitness activities and sports. Let's all try and take this opportunity to help our students and families develop a habit of exercise that will extend beyond the month of May! Talk to the administration and staff members at your school for support to promote 60 minutes of daily physical activity at school and home for throughout the month.

Here are some ideas to take action:

• brainstorm ways to celebrate physical fitness month with the staff at your school

• implement the Life Happens Outside-Teens to Trails Challenge (middle schools only) to have a  chance to win $1,000 for your school

• invite stakeholders for planning of physical fitness activities (administration, parents, STUDENTS, and community)

• plan an All Children Exercise Simultaneously (ACES) event on May 1st

• hold your annual field day in May

• implement a classroom challenge for physical activity breaks during the month

• invite parents to participate in your physical education classes for a week

• spotlight physical activity during the morning announcements

For more information and ideas to promote May as National Physical Education and Sport month, check out the following resources:

• President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition

• Action for Health Kids

• Project ACES-World's Largest Exercise Class

• Teens to Trails

Links to organizations and resources are for reference and information only and do not imply endorsement by the Maine Department of Education. 

Professional Learning Opportunities

Free OPEN-PE Regional Workshops this Spring
Northern Maine: May 24, 2024 at Eastern Maine Community College in Bangor, ME from 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.  
Participants can bring their own lunch or purchase a lunch from the EMCC cafeteria.  Use the following link to register: 
OPEN Regional Workshop Registration