Join the Movement and Become an Active Schools Champion!
Julie Frank
Active Schools is a movement for more movement — one that emphasizes the critical importance of physical activity during and after COVID-19. Now more than ever, it is time for everyone who cares about kids' health to come together and take action.
Physical activity in schools may seem like it paused during COVID-19, but now, more than ever, is the time to come together and make sure schools put physical activity at the forefront. Students need movement to thrive — physically, mentally, and academically — and that need does not disappear during times of disruption.
Whether students are at school or not, it is important to increase physical activity. Active Schools is a collective of all who care about providing active schools and developing active, healthy, and happy kids. This national movement brings together educators, parents, administrators, community leaders, and organizations united around one goal: making sure every student has the opportunity to move more every day.
You Can Make a Difference!
Anyone can be an Active Schools Champion — classroom teachers, PE teachers, parents, principals, coaches, community members, and anyone else who believes in the power of physical activity for young people. You do not need a special title or a large platform to make a meaningful impact.
We all need physical activity, but for students, it is about setting them up for a lifetime of healthy habits. The behaviors and attitudes toward movement that young people develop in school often stay with them well into adulthood. When we invest in active schools, we invest in the long-term health of our communities.
The benefits of physical activity are well-documented and far-reaching. Regular movement helps prevent chronic disease, supports better mental health and emotional resilience, and is directly linked to greater academic success. Students who are more physically active tend to have better focus, improved attendance, and stronger social connections.
How to Become a Champion:
You may not think of yourself as a champion, but YOU ARE. Anyone who advocates for, supports, or encourages healthy active kids qualifies as an Active Schools Champion. If you have ever pushed for more recess time, encouraged a student to get moving, or spoken up for physical activity programs at your school, you are already doing the work.
Become an Active Schools Champion — it is free and you receive access to valuable resources to help you advocate for and support physical activity in your school or community. Sign up at activeschoolsus.org/join-the-movement to get started.
SPARK and many other organizations are proud to be partners of Active Schools, along with many teachers, parents, and principals who are already Active Schools Champions. Together, these partners work to provide tools, resources, and inspiration to help schools create environments where physical activity is a priority. You can view the full list of partners at activeschoolsus.org/partners.
Please share this with others — the more champions working together, the more impact we can make! Every new champion adds to a growing network of advocates committed to ensuring that students have access to the physical activity they need to be healthy, happy, and ready to learn.
About the Author
Julie Frank— Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)
Julie brings 17+ years of corporate and nonprofit experience in physical activity and wellness. She previously managed SPARK's key partnerships with organizations like Nike and the American Diabetes Association. A Type 1 diabetes survivor since 1986, Julie is passionate about inspiring active lifestyles. She holds a bachelor's in Community Health Education and is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). Based in San Diego, CA, she enjoys surfing, running, and hiking.