As schools across the state continue to navigate serious budget pressures, the Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF) is providing Michigan educators with complimentary one-year access to EPEC Moves K–5: Foundational Units as part of Michigan Moves Month. The statewide campaign encourages residents throughout Michigan to increase their physical activity during May.

“We are committed to supporting the health and wellness of Michigan’s children by ensuring educators can continue offering quality physical education programs, even during times of financial strain,” said MFF President and CEO Amy Ghannam. “As a nonprofit focused on healthy living and expanding access to physical activity, we are proud to make this curriculum available to educators across the state.”

EPEC Moves is a modern digital physical education program built around the principles of physical literacy and aligned with SHAPE America National Physical Education Standards. Through its physical literacy approach, the curriculum helps students develop the abilities, understanding, and confidence necessary to participate in a wide range of physical activities throughout their lives.

“EPEC Moves provides educators with flexible online resources that work in a variety of learning environments,” said MFF Vice President of Programs Marci Scott. “Its unique structure, carefully planned lesson progression, and well-organized content allow teachers to customize the curriculum to best fit their classrooms and students.”

Michigan educators who participate will receive:

The EPEC Moves K–5: Foundational Units package features eight instructional units and 40 lessons for every grade span. Developed using research-based practices, the lessons support students as they progress through age-appropriate skill development at a pace suited to their individual growth. This approach helps children gain confidence, reach their potential, and build lifelong healthy activity habits.

Click here if you would like to sign up.

Cultivating curiosity through gardening
At ScottsMiracle-Gro, our mission to GroMoreGood takes shape in many inspiring ways. One standout moment unfolded in Ohio with Columbus City Schools, where a simple idea blossomed into something far more impactful. What began as a gardening project grew into a powerful movement—one that nurtures a deeper connection between children and the natural world. This program beautifully reflects the essence of GroMoreGood, inspiring a new generation to build lifelong bonds with nature.

Planting the seed
When teacher Katie Young posed a thought-provoking writing prompt—“Do you know where food comes from?”—she was surprised to find that none of her students identified the earth as the source. Determined to change this perspective, Katie helped bring about a meaningful shift.

In 2018, the Farm to School program in Columbus City Schools was launched through a partnership with ScottsMiracle-Gro, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, and The Ohio State University Extension. Equipped with gardening tools and Miracle-Gro products, educators began teaching students how to grow and care for gardens filled with fresh vegetables.

Nurturing growth
The program was warmly welcomed by both teachers and students. As enthusiasm spread, more schools joined the effort, and the results quickly surpassed initial hopes.

Unexpected rewards
Beyond learning about plants and healthy eating, students began to experience a range of emotional and mental health benefits.

High school students shared how gardening provided a calming, therapeutic outlet and brought a sense of tranquility.

In some schools, students even worked to involve their communities, expanding the gardens’ reach beyond the classroom.

Meanwhile, younger students delighted in tasting new fruits and vegetables—sometimes enjoying them as-is, other times blended into smoothies or used as toppings on homemade pizzas.

Click here to know more ScottsMiracle-Gro and the partnership with the Columbus City Schools.