Creating a Movement for More Movement
Kids need physical activity for full, healthy, productive lives. But there is a nationwide crisis of inactivity. There’s only one way to fix that: parents, teachers, administrators and the community coming together to take action.
Together, we can increase physical education and physical activity in schools, fund programs and equipment, and promote active learning environments.
Physical activity in schools leads to:
- Increased academic success
- Stronger emotional and mental health
- Long-term healthy habits
Movement is freeing. Movement is healthy. Movement is lifelong. This movement starts with all of us.
What Joining The Active Schools Movement Means For You
You want kids to have more physical activity. You may want to help your child’s school find resources, implement programs and celebrate movement. You might feel alone.
When you join the Active Schools movement, you’re never alone. You’ll:
- Connect with a network of schools, parents, and partner organizations who want to get kids moving more.
- Receive newsletters with grants, trainings, and opportunities to get involved.
- Access valuable resource to help implement programs in your school.
- Join with tens of thousands of other voices to prioritize physical activity in school.
The type of action you take is up to you.
When parents, educators, and other champions come together, a community is formed. Our Active Schools community won’t be ignored. Together, we can move mountains.
What Does it Take to Be An Active Schools Champion?
Becoming an Active Schools Champion is a commitment to encouraging physical activity with your time, your talents, or just your enthusiasm.
We have strength in numbers. The more Champions, the more attention. The more attention, the more action. The more action, the more activity. Here’s how you can help.
Schools
Schools are the place where all children can participate in physical activity. By providing physical education and prioritizing movement throughout the day, teachers and administrators can make every classroom more productive and every student healthier.
Parents
Parents are instrumental in creating positive changes at school. By helping schools encourage and promote physical activity, your kids can feel better, work together as a team, reduce anxiety, feel empowered and have a healthy and fun experience.
Partners
Your programs. Your equipment. Your inspiration. By working together, we can expand your reach and help you promote activity in children from every background.
Kids Just Aren’t Moving Enough
Only 6 states require physical education in every grade.
Only 20% of school districts require daily recess.
Kids Just Aren’t Getting Enough Exercise
Studies Show Kids Who Get 1 Hour Of Physical Activity a Day:
Do 20% better in class.
Miss an average of 5 less days of school per year.
Have 40% less disciplinary complaints.
“Movement and exercise are more than activities at Red Hawk Elementary. They are foundational elements of the school culture. We built physical activity into our plan from day one. Using a rotating daily ‘movement calendar,’ students gain 40 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity on a daily basis, in addition to scheduled PE class and recess.”
Cyrus Weinberger
Principal
The Power of Collective Impact
Too often, we’re working alone. We want to have more movement in our classrooms. We want to make sure our kids get the physical activity they need. We want our schools to implement best practices and fun programs. But we’re not working together.
Collective impact brings us together. It makes the connections between individuals and groups. It builds momentum to reach more people and more schools. It weaves threads into a rope.
Collective impact is collaboration. Collective impact is how we make our voices heard. Collective impact is how we make a difference, together.
Take the Initiative and Make a Difference
Becoming an Active Schools Champion is a way to make a difference in the health and education of the next generation. It’s how we bring health equity to schools. It’s how we start a movement.