As the year comes to a close, we reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared in 2023, and we can’t help but feel immense pride in all that we’ve accomplished. It has been a year filled with growth, collaboration, and impactful initiatives that have brought us closer to our mission of ensuring the integration of evidence-based physical activity programs into every student’s PK-12 education.
In January, we bid a heartfelt farewell to our esteemed leader, Charlene Burgeson, who retired after years of dedicated service. Her legacy continues to inspire us, and we’re grateful for the foundation she laid for Active Schools.
February marked our celebration of Active Classrooms Month, emphasizing the importance of integrating movement into the learning environment. Together, we encouraged schools nationwide to embrace the benefits of active learning.
We were honored to attend and present at the SHAPE America National Conference in March, showcasing our commitment to advancing physical education and physical activity in schools.
Three organizations joined us in April as part of our Program Endorsement Pilot. This process strengthens our collective efforts, and we have encouraged all our supporting organizations to consider applying for endorsement.
In May, we rallied together for ‘Play All May,’ a month-long initiative dedicated to encouraging play and physical activity among individuals of all ages. We need your enthusiasm and participation in 2024 to amplify the purpose and intent of this campaign.
Active Schools continued to build strong partnerships, attending the PYFP Partner and President’s Council Meetings in June. These collaborations are vital in advancing our mission on a broader scale.
Our proudest moment came in July when we hosted the Active Schools National Summit, bringing together physical activity Champions to share knowledge, strategies, and inspiration. This conference was so successful that we are bringing it back. Mark your calendars for July 17-19, 2024.
We expanded our offerings in August by adding two online courses, launching the CSPAP-Q, and introducing the PETE Implementation Guide. We continued promoting the Youth Activity Profile as a way to accurately assess youth activity behaviors (at school and home). These resources empower educators and leaders to enhance physical activity in schools.
Attending the inaugural Physical Activity Alliance Symposium in September reinforced our commitment to collaborating with like-minded organizations for the greater good of promoting physical activity. We look forward to building upon the work that was initiated.
October saw the celebration of Family PE Week, promoting family engagement in physical education. Some teachers invited family members into the school to participate in a PE class, while others sent activities for families to enjoy at home.
In November, we hosted several webinars. First, we pulled together our Supporting Organizations to acknowledge their essential role in our collective success. We also hosted a webinar to welcome new programs and organizations to join our team. If you want to learn more about School Recognition and missed this webinar, it can be found on our YouTube channel.
As the year concludes, we are excited to announce the launch of our first donation drive. Individuals can donate, and thanks to the generous 2-1 match by the AFHK Board of Directors, contributions will be tripled, ensuring a lasting impact on our initiatives.
We extend our warmest wishes for a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year. Thank you for being an integral part of Active Schools, and we look forward to achieving even more significant milestones together in 2024!
With Gratitude,
Nick Kline
Active Schools Director
