An Interview with PE Instructors from Shady Hill Elementary in Florida
Name: Michelle Michael, Kacy Paul, Carrie Palmeter
Position & Grade
Level: PE teachers, K-5
School: Shady Hill
Elementary, Marion County, FL
Subject(s) that you
currently teach: Elementary Physical Education
How many years in
education: Michelle – 24 yrs; Kacy – 7 yrs; Carrie – 3 yrs
Tell us about the impact Fitness Finders product(s) have had on your students or your job.
“Since
the start of our Mileage Club, provided by Fitness Finders/ EZ Scan, we have
witnessed our students not only becoming dedicated to our run club at school, but they
are active participants in the local running community.
Other students who have struggled at the
beginning of the year have progressed to a faster walking pace or have become
avid joggers. All of our students have
excelled in the Mileage Club and are meeting their goals. They love to run and watch their miles add
up.
The necklaces and tokens have been
an excellent way to reward them for their achievements. Throughout the 2019/2020 school year Shady
Hill Elementary has hosted three different run events. In the Fall, we held a
Pumpkin Run which was a one-mile track run where even the staff wore inflatable
pumpkins or dressed up for the occasion. The Turkey Trot was held before Thanksgiving break. The “Trot” consisted of a cross-country
course around the field.
Once again our
teachers and administration showed their support and came out to run with the
kids! The Winter “RUNderland was a team
building run event as we incorporated obstacles throughout the course. This was a fun way to provide the skills children
need to learn to work together to solve problems as well as showcase their
locomotor skills.
“The students of Shady Hill Elementary wear their Fitness Finder necklaces with pride! Some have quite the collection. We’ve awarded the students with a holiday charm upon the completion of our three events. As they build up their miles they receive a toe token for every five miles.
There are other ways to earn charms throughout the school year. We use the incentive charms to award a student who lends a hand, does an awesome job, has a terrific day, and is a hard worker to name just a few ways. This has not only impacted our student’s behavior but has also motivated students to try their best – every day!
As PE teachers, this makes our hearts smile as we love to see our kids gain confidence in their abilities.”
Question #2:
What is your go-to strategy/lesson plan when you have an unexpected class?
“That is a lucky day for
our students! We do fitness stations and Mileage Club.“
Question #3:
What is your wish for 2020?
“Shady
Hill Elementary Physical Education department would wish to host a 5K event to
serve the entire community. The course
would take place on the school campus and out into our community which is
surrounded by beautiful horse farmland.Shady
Hill strives to encourage a healthy lifestyle and environment for our students
to thrive. So, as we incorporate and
encourage families to participate by walking or running together, we all are
helping to promote FITNESS FOR LIFE!”
Date: 01/24/20