Program Enhancement

At UCLA Health Sound Body Sound Mind, we are dedicated to supporting schools and PE teachers in delivering high-quality physical education. The Program Enhancement initiative has grown from a single project into a collection of resources designed to re-engage schools and teachers with our program. Our goal is to support every school in our network with the tools and training necessary to maximize the impact of their fitness centers and physical education programs.

Program Enhancement Initiatives

Under the Program Enhancement umbrella, we offer multiple opportunities to re-engage schools maintain their fitness centers, enhance instruction, and strengthen engagement with the Sound Body Sound Mind program.

Free Preventative Maintenance Program

Our Free Preventative Maintenance Program helps schools maintain their fitness equipment by regular, basic maintenance such as providing lubrication and calibration of machines. A technician conducts the service and provides the school with a report on any issues requiring attention. While SBSM does not cover repair costs, we strongly encourage schools to request repair estimates and share them with their administration. Schools are encouraged to schedule an additional maintenance visit each year through our preferred vendors. Vendor contact information is available in the school binder provided during professional development or by reaching out to our team. 

School Assessment Visits and Action Plans

In the 2023-2024 school year, our team conducted visits at every school in our network. These visits provided an opportunity to meet with teachers and administrators, evaluate how the fitness centers and the SBSM curriculums are being used, and to document equipment conditions. In the 2024-2025 school year, we have been working closely with teachers to implement customized action plans based on those visits. Our goal is to ensure schools remain engaged with our program, have access to professional development, and receive the support needed to sustain their fitness centers and curricula. Schools that successfully complete their personalized action plan will have the opportunity to receive financial assistance from our team.

Mini Professional Development Sessions

We understand the importance of ongoing learning and providing teachers with updated strategies and tools. Our mini professional development (PD) sessions offer targeted training in specific areas to help enhance physical education instruction. This academic year sessions included:

1. Inclusive PE Classrooms (Virtual) 

Join Dr. Melissa Bittner, from the Department of Kinesiology at California State University Long Beach for an informative 1.5-hour virtual training session. Join us as we focus on equipping you with essential knowledge and strategies to create inclusive PE environments for students with disabilities in general education PE classrooms. Participants will delve into effective approaches and exploration of practical exercise modification techniques for sport and games. This session is intended for general education physical education teachers. 

2. Indoor Cycle Bike Training 

Gain expert insights from Matrix Fitness Master Trainer Jeff McMullen on optimizing your use of the Matrix CXC indoor cycle bike. Learn bike setup for student comfort, refine basic riding techniques, and discover effective strategies for leading engaging cycling classes. Although this demo will be on the Matrix CXC bike, training content will be applicable toward other indoor cycle bikes. 

1. Mindfulness Practices in the PE Classroom (Virtual) 

Imagine a classroom where both you and your students are calm, focused, and energized, regardless of external stressors. In this online session, you’ll discover simple but effective techniques to reduce stress, boost athletic performance, and foster a positive, centered learning environment. You’ll leave with practical exercises you can implement right away, along with the chance to ask questions and customize mindfulness strategies for your specific PE setting.

2. Nutrition Curriculum Focused Session 

Join Denise Alvey, Registered Dietitian at UCLA Health Sport Performance Powered by EXOS, for a concise 3.5-hour in-person training session. Gain insights into successfully implementing the SBSM Nutrition Curriculum, deepen your understanding of healthy eating, and enhance your proficiency in teaching nutrition. Participants will leave with the newest edition to the SBSM Nutrition Curriculum and a healthy recipe to Elevate your skills and make a lasting impact on your students' well-being!

Upcoming Fitness Center Enhancement Opportunity

Our past Program Enhancement project, which focused on fitness equipment repairs, is being restructured into the Fitness Center Enhancement Project. This opportunity will be available to schools that demonstrate strong engagement with SBSM initiatives, including professional development, action plans, and curriculum participation. Teachers interested in contributing to curriculum development can reach out to our team for more details.

We look forward to continuing to support PE teachers and school administrators in strengthening physical education programs across our network. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how SBSM can support your school, please reach out to our team.

Applications

SBSM will be notifying schools directly of eligibility for Program Enhancement in fall 2025. For questions, please reach out to Paola, Assistant Director of School Programing: [email protected]