Tomorrow, August 12, I will join three other elementary PE teachers in offering a fitness smorgasbord to PPS Leadership in a pre-workday workout. Each section will be fifteen minutes long, and will be led by a different teacher. What a fun way for district leaders and administrators to start their pre-service day!

The three sections will be:
1. PE Games – My colleagues will lead us in fun, active games– what a perfect way to kick off a morning!
2. Rowing – Our fearless PE district leader will guide us through in rowing using machines! I am totally new to this, so I’m stoked.
3. Yoga – I will lead a yoga session for cooling down, centering, and setting intentions for the day.

Why do this?

• Because it showcases how amazing the PE teachers are at PPS! We have incredible instructors in this district, and it’s so cool that district leaders, including principals and assistant principals, can experience classes!
• Because it helps promote PE as an essential ingredient in a productive day at school! People of all ages operate better with exercise. Just one example: The brain produces more BDNF after exercise. BDNF stands for Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor. This protein increases synaptic activity, making it easier to learn and remember!

I feel honored to represent the district’s yoga teachers. Portland Public Schools is unique in that it offers yoga at every level, from elementary through high school. While access to yoga isn’t universal–not every PPS student has access to it during the school day, unfortunately–it is incredible to me that the ancient wisdom of yoga and mindfulness is being passed on to the next generation in the Rose City. My own yoga/PE program is an example of this groundbreaking work. Another instance occurs at the NE Portland high school where we will be working out tomorrow. This school offers mindfulness and yoga classes, and even has the option for students to take yoga for PE credit!! Oh my, how I wish that would have been an option in my high school.