Colorado Health and Physical Education Summit 2026

What if the key to stronger physical education programs and more engaged students wasn’t more specialization, but more play?
This interactive session introduces sport sampling as a practical, scalable approach to teaching social emotional learning through movement. Led by practitioners working in both school-day and out-of-school-time settings, participants will explore how a multi-sport model can increase engagement, build confidence, and help students develop real-time self-regulation, connection, and decision-making skills.
The session will focus on bridging traditional PE classes with recess and out-of-school-time opportunities, creating a more connected and consistent experience for students throughout their day. Presenters will highlight how skills learned in one sport transfer to others, using non-traditional and accessible activities to reinforce this concept.
Participants will take part in a live demonstration of a 2-4-1 Fencing lesson, developed in partnership with USA Fencing. This model introduces the sport authentically at a fraction of the traditional cost, showing how schools can expand offerings without adding financial barriers.
Attendees will leave with practical strategies to:

• Integrate social emotional learning into physical activity
• Expand programming beyond the school day
• Increase student engagement through sport variety and choice
• Reinforce transferable skills across multiple activities

The first two weeks of school don’t just start the year—they define it. This session provides educators with a clear, intentional plan to build a strong classroom culture from day one.
You’ll experience engaging, student-centered activities that foster belonging, encourage participation, and build meaningful connections early. In addition, you’ll learn simple, effective systems for quickly learning student names—one of the most powerful tools for creating trust and connection.
Leave with a practical blueprint to start your year with purpose, build momentum early, and create a classroom environment where students feel seen, valued, and ready to succeed.

Bring heart health to life in your PE and health classrooms with engaging, ready-to-use resources from the American Heart Association. This interactive session will introduce educators to a variety of tools, including the Hands-Only CPR in Schools web-based lesson, designed to seamlessly integrate lifesaving skills and wellness education into your curriculum.
 
Hear how fellow PE teachers have successfully implemented these resources to increase student engagement, build confidence, and create meaningful, real-world learning experiences. You’ll leave with practical ideas, accessible materials, and fresh inspiration to empower your students with skills that truly make a difference.