September PE Class Newsletter: What We Are Learning

The September PE newsletter is introducing the physical education program to families who may not have a clear sense of what happens in that class beyond sweating and being picked for teams. A strong first-of-year newsletter reframes PE as a structured learning environment with a real curriculum, real goals, and real outcomes that matter for every student.

Introduce yourself and your approach to physical education

Tell families your name, your background, and what you believe physical education should accomplish. A sentence about your teaching philosophy, that every student deserves to feel capable in physical activity, or that PE is about lifelong wellness not athletic competition, sets the tone for everything else.

Map the year's curriculum units

Name the major units planned for the year: individual sports, team sports, fitness training, dance or movement arts, outdoor education, or health concepts. Give families a sense of how the curriculum is sequenced and why. Families who see a structured curriculum take the class more seriously than families who assume it is mostly free play.

Explain dress code and equipment expectations

State the dress code requirements clearly in September so there are no surprises. Name what students need: appropriate athletic shoes, non-restrictive clothing, whether specific colors or types are required. Address locker room use if relevant. Cover what happens if a student forgets their PE clothes. The more specific this section is in September, the fewer individual emails you receive in October.

Describe the fitness assessment process

If your program includes a fitness assessment, introduce it in September. Explain what it measures, when it happens, and what students and families receive from the results. Frame it as a personal benchmark, not a competition. "Every student will have a baseline score in September and a follow-up score in May. The goal is that every student's May score is better than their September score. That growth is what we celebrate."

Sample newsletter template excerpt

Dear PE Families,

Welcome to physical education. I'm Coach Williams, and this is my fourth year at Lincoln Elementary. This year we will cover four main units: soccer fundamentals in September and October, basketball in November and December, fitness and wellness in January and February, and team games and cooperative activities in March through May.

Students need athletic shoes and non-restrictive clothing for every class. Dress code reminder letters are not sent. If a student arrives without PE clothes, they participate in an alternative activity.

Address medical accommodations proactively

A brief section on medical accommodations tells families with students who have chronic conditions, asthma, joint issues, or other health considerations how to communicate those needs. Tell families who to contact, what documentation is helpful, and how the class accommodates different physical situations. This section is especially important in September when the accommodation process is easiest to set up.

Tell families how to support physical activity at home

End the September newsletter by naming two or three things families can do to support physical development outside of class. Walk to school when possible. Limit screen time in favor of outdoor play. Encourage your child to try one new physical activity this month. Simple, specific suggestions that do not require equipment or expertise are the ones families actually implement.