WHPE Update March 2024

"Good to Grow"

Greetings WHPE Members,

What a weird winter we have had in the Northwoods. For the first time since anyone can remember the snowmobile and cross country trails never opened in Minocqua. Hopefully you were able to enjoy the winter season with your family, friends, and students. I saw numerous posts about people getting out and enjoying golf in February, and playing in the 60 plus degree weather.

As we welcome the arrival of spring, I hope you are excited to embark on a season of growth, renewal, and inspiration. Just like athletes gear up for spring training to enhance their skills, we, as educators and students, have our own version of spring training to cultivate a vibrant learning environment for ourselves so that we can finish the school year strong.

The challenge this month is to fuel a passion.

1. Gardening Galore

Springtime and gardening go hand in hand. Whether you're a seasoned horticulturist or a budding plant parent, there's something undeniably therapeutic about tending to your own patch of green. From planting colorful flowers to cultivating your own veggies, embrace the joy of watching your garden come to life.

2. Outdoor Adventures

As the weather warms up, it's the perfect time to break free from the indoors and explore the great outdoors. Whether it's a leisurely stroll in the park, a brisk bike ride, or a hike through nature trails, let the fresh air invigorate your spirit. Don't forget to capture the beauty of spring on camera and share your snapshots. Let's inspire each other to get moving and appreciate the wonders of the season.

3. Culinary Delights

Spring ushers in a bounty of fresh, seasonal produce. Take advantage of the abundance of fruits and vegetables to whip up delicious and nutritious meals. Experiment with new recipes, host a spring picnic, or organize a virtual cooking class with friends. Let's celebrate the flavors of the season and make our kitchens vibrant hubs of creativity.

4. Creative Expressions

Spring sparks creativity, and it's the perfect time to indulge in artistic pursuits. Whether you're a painter, writer, musician, or simply someone who enjoys DIY projects, let the blossoming world around you inspire your creations. Share your masterpieces and let the artistic energy flow.

5. Mindful Moments

As nature reawakens, take a cue to rejuvenate your mind and body. Embrace mindfulness practices like stretching, meditation, or simply finding a quiet spot to unwind. Let's prioritize ourselves and share our tips for staying centered in the midst of life's hustle and bustle.

Spring is a season of growth, and I invite you to embrace your passions and share the joy within our WHPE community. Let's make this spring a time of inspiration, connection, and endless possibilities.

Wishing you a spring season filled with love, laughter, and the pursuit of your most cherished passions!

Play Ball!

Mary Wentland

WHPE President

wentland@lakelandunion.org

@prideandjoyMary

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Thank you to 3 WHPE Members for continuing to "Grow" Quality Health and PE

Katie Mulloy Blog post in PE Blog for Gopher

https://blog.gophersport.com/its-time-for-something-new-a-journey-to-fundraising-success/

Tim Mueller Blog Post

https://blog.gophersport.com/elevate-student-fitness-with-the-hula-hut-team-challenge/

Kris Fritz article for SHAPE America

https://blog.shapeamerica.org/2024/02/lessons-learned-from-decades-of-advocating-for-health-and-physical-education/?fbclid=IwAR2YbK4wKxSusgSowYGFfn6GPVIl0eeVn001RPnFpM70dyo1fc7zEtNgzj4

Mark Your Calendars for March 6th Winter Wisdom at 7:00 p.m.

Enjoy an evening with Midwest SHAPE TOY and National Board Certified Teacher, Jo Bailey, as she shares with WHPE how to grow your HPE experiences in 2024.

Future Professionals, learn from a panel of experts on how to navigate through student teaching and beyond.

Watch for the Zoom link in your inbox, on Tuesday, March 5th at 3:00 p.m. or see link below.

March Winter Wisdom Zoom Link

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81938457531 (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81938457531)

Meeting ID: 819 3845 7531

Passcode: 805868

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Have You Taken a look at Candor Health Education

Candor Health Education is a non-profit organization that teaches puberty and sex education programs to students in 4th-8th grade.

Our science-based programs focus on teaching young people about their bodies & how they work while providing the skills needed to navigate their changing bodies & maintain healthy relationships as they grow.

Our programs are 90 minutes and are taught by our health educators, who are experts at teaching these topics and trained to handle the questions and challenging conversations that can follow.

Our mission is to provide as many students as possible with medically accurate, age-appropriate information about their bodies so they can make decisions that positively impact their health now and in the future. Contact us to talk about how we can work with your school. https://candorhealthed.org/

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How would you like to challenge yourself? Maybe try something new? WHPE needs you.

Just a reminder, the WHPE Board of Directors needs your help to make our 2024 WHPE convention a success! Please consider sharing your best program/teaching practice with fellow members at the 2024 WHPE Convention, October 23-25, 2024 to be held at the Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, Wisconsin Dells. If you have a health, physical education, and/or adapted physical education session you are interested in presenting, please complete the WHPE Convention Session Proposal via this link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdeUkvE4hgizQTguyBg...

Proposals are due March 15, 2024. As in the past, the lead presenter (1) for each session will receive a discounted WHPE Convention registration fee of $75.