“Welcome to sixth grade physical education at Simle Middle School — the course where you will be given unlimited opportunities to challenge yourself, learn with peers, and belong to a family that moves and makes healthy choices!”
This is how I welcome students into my class … always stated in an enthusiastic tone, with a vibrant smile, and with eye contact that welcomes students to share their thoughts on PE. The first week of my physical education and digital literacy class is all about building the correct structure and identifying the amazing opportunities that middle school can provide. I want students to understand they belong in my class and they can be successful.
Together, we’ll set expectations through student and class contracts, practice procedures, and experience activities that emphasize teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and personal growth. We’ll celebrate little successes, encourage one another, and begin setting individual goals.
The First Day in My Middle School PE Class
The first day includes a quick attendance, then off for a walk to the local park adjacent to school property. Yes, it’s a risk on the first day to go exploring off campus, with student personalities, but the students enjoy and relish the new freedoms of middle school, and it exemplifies the example of taking risks!
Once in the park, we explore the disc golf course (which will be one of our early units) and play an activity at each tee box and basket that relates to some sort of expectation or procedure for the year. One of the activities is the screaming “Wa Name Game” that is wild, crazy, and full of laughs, much like the year to come! Students love this format and come back eager to learn!
Communication Can Encourage Family Involvement
Family involvement is critical to each student’s success and our PE program. I reach out about a week before school starts and introduce myself and let parents know where I can be found on the open house day. I also make sure to send a weekly email with the unit we are in, upcoming before- or after-school opportunities, and a quick PE family challenge (usually related to the current unit).
Another option is hosting a Family Night. This doesn’t have to be anything crazy. I hosted a “Let’s Disc Golf” Night in the middle of our disc golf unit last year, and it was as simple as putting the invite in the weekly email and then playing disc golf with my students’ families as well as my own. The following week, we had two parents reach out and ask if they could come play with their kid in class, which was super fun too!
I believe between my emails and the opportunities students have at my school, parents quickly learn the importance of physical activity and how their own involvement supports their child’s wellness and success.
In my communication, I emphasize that most importantly at this age, students need to move and sleep more! Many of our challenges center around those concepts. Yes, there are many more critical aspects to wellness, but these are the easiest to set goals and form new habits around in the first quarter. We then progress with other goals throughout the year.
All my emails thank parents for their dedication to their student(s) and invite them to always reply with any questions, comments, or concerns. The more families understand why we do what we do, the more they become partners in helping students develop healthy, active lifestyles. While we often hear the loudest and most negative voices, there are actually plenty of parents supporting students’ success.
This school year, I encourage teachers to set up a calendar of reminders to email communications home and make at least three positive phone calls a week to parents and caregivers. This was a game changer in my career.
Try SHAPE America’s School Fundraising Program
I would also like to extend the challenge to host a health. moves. minds.® fundraiser. I shifted mine to the start of the school year (within the first 6-8 weeks). Knowing I would be asking parents to participate in the fundraiser so early in the year made me establish genuine relationships with families early.
The fundraising process was worth the little extra work, and the results were tremendously unifying and culture building. Physical education is critical for students — and the time and energy required is worth the effort. I noticed student leadership and behavior related to taking care of equipment and overall excitement for PE stepped up to a new level.
The whole health. moves. minds. process and event was very successful, and it led to one of my best years in teaching!
Prioritize Professional Growth
Lastly, here is another challenge to consider at the start of the year when you are the most energetic. This year, commit to trying a new unit, professional development (online or in person), grant writing, or a similar challenge. I routinely pick one from each category, but just one is definitely an achievable start.
Here are my examples from last year:
- I started a new before-school cycling club. Getting to our favorite park and watching the sun rise twice a week was an amazing adventure with students.
- I attended the IAHPERD conference for the first time and plan to attend again this year! I fully understand the many barriers to attending professional development. I am grateful to my administration for the approval to attend conferences. Advocacy for these events and personal investment is so worth the rejuvenating experience!
- Getting the Outride grant for bikes and a school foundation grant for rollerblades has been a remarkable experience. Spend a planning period looking up grants in your area — you may be surprised at how many there are!
The start of the school year holds so much potential. Balance is a part of that too. My family is extremely important to me and often the first thought that crosses my mind before committing to something new. As you enter the school year and take on all the adventures teaching has to offer, remember balance and personal care!
Our influence and example extends far beyond the gymnasium. We are helping build resilient, confident, compassionate young people who should be prepared for life’s many obstacles and adventures! Have an amazing year!
Additional Resources
- SHAPE America Back to School Resources
- Wa Name Game [Powerpoint]
- health. moves. minds. School Fundraiser
Leah Wheeling
Leah Wheeling brings 15 years of believing in elevating learners through wonder and play to students at Simle Middle School in Bismarck, ND. In 2026, she was named SHAPE America National Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year. She fills her time with adjunct teaching, consulting, and professional development alongside the greatest adventures with her family.
