Good to Grow:
Greetings WHPE Members,
As an educator, who doesn’t love the month of February? It’s a short month, there’s a holiday to celebrate at least every week, and you can feel the calm before the craziness of standardized testing and spring break that happens in March. Plus it has the honor of being one of the most misspelled words in the English language.
Kindness is the simple act of helping someone. It is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. In my opinion it should start with being kind to yourself. Some would see this as taking time for themselves, grabbing a special treat, or giving yourself grace. The practice of kindness to oneself should be done daily. It helps reduce stress, brings a fresh perspective and positive energy that helps deepen friendships. Kindness to ourselves can prevent shame from corroding our sense of identity and help boost our self-esteem. Kindness can even improve feelings of confidence and optimism.
Kindness to others can take the form of random acts, doing something for someone we know, or deliberately planning it into our daily lives. Being kind to yourself or others boosts serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters in the brain. They are responsible for feelings of satisfaction and well-being, and cause the pleasure/reward centers in your brain to light up. Endorphins, which are your body's natural pain killer, can also be released.
Research tells us that small acts of kindness mean the most and last the longest. It releases positivity. We feel better and the recipients of our acts feel better, which then makes them more likely to be kind to other people. Creating a more positive culture/community.
Here is an article you might want to look at to see how kindness traditions vary around the world. https://www.rituals.com/en-us/mag-kindness-for-you-discover-10-kindness-traditions-from-around-the-world.html
This year Monday Feb 13th is World Kindness Day and Friday Feb. 17th is Random Acts of Kindness Day. This month I challenge you to help grow kindness by inviting kindness into your life and sharing it with others. What can you do?
A simple freeze tag game for warm up where saying something kind about someone gets them unfrozen? A cooperative game? A kindness wall? The possibilities are endless. A little kindness can sure warm up a cold day or spread sunshine where there is none.
Be Kind,
WHPE President
@prideandjoyMary
What a Sweet Heart! Thanks for helping us grow Karen Cain!
In memory of her late husband Larry Cain, a former WHPE President, Karen Cain sponsored three Janesville teachers (see below) to attend the WHPE convention this past fall.
This sponsorship gift will benefit the lives of youth in the Janesville area! Thank you Karen for your continued support of the WHPE Health and Physical Education community.
Danielle Heitsman-Wilson Elementary
Thank you Karen for helping to provide the opportunity to attend the WHPE Convention this October!
The skill building battles seminar was fun to watch and keep students engaged. I already tried it with my own students and they seem to love it and it encourages whole group engagement. Plus, using visuals/GIFs to allow students to have a constant image of what skill you want them to accomplish.
Abbey Stinner-Adams Elementary
Your kindness and selflessness means more than you know to myself and the PE community! I was able to gain so many new perspectives and unique ideas that I look forward to implementing in the gym that will engage both myself and more importantly my students.
Jake Negus-Van Buren Elementary
I cannot thank Karen enough for sponsoring the WHPE convention fee. Being a first year teacher, I learned so much and have been able to apply it to my classes to help the kids learn better.
My biggest takeaway from the convention was from a presentation called "Connection is Crucial" which discussed how important it is to connect with students and build relationships with them.
Winter Wisdom! Wednesday February 8th!
Starts at 7pm! Check your email for zoom link!
Matt Pomeroy (Southeast District Coordinator) is offering a session on:
Standards based learning and assessment in physical education
Doug Bradley (Southwest District Coordinator) is offering a session on:
Visuals and Environment in PE
Nathali Jones (Central District Coordinator) is offering a session on:
E-Learning
Molly Dado (Northwest District Coordinator) is offering a session on:
Mindfulness Tips
Allisha Blanchette (Northeast District Coordinator & Jo Bailey ( A Past President of WHPE) are offering a session on:
Meaningful PA in PE & Health
** All Future Professionals are invited to attend a session organized by Ann Hocket (Future professionals advisor) There will be a Guest Speaker: Judy LoBianco - You say "Future Professional," I say "Ultimate Life Changer"
Time to Get your GAME ON! MaryLee can show your school and your community the money!
1. Book a meeting with MaryLee to learn more about our Game On! Program.
2. Book a Game On event with MaryLee for some time this 2022-23 school year.
That’s it - simple, easy, fun! Earn money for your school and community. Just email MaryLee at MaryLee.Flannigan@Pop4kids.org to set up a meeting.
Look who made the news! WHPE Member Ryan MacKinney
Congratulations to Ryan MacKinney who is making a difference in the lives of his students and being a part of a brain research program. He is making the news in San Francisco! Way to go Ryan! 👏
Check it out here:https://www.ktvu.com/video/1160223
Have you received recognition for your program? Let me know at wentland@lakelandunion.org
We all do great things. Let's celebrate them together.
WHPE
Currently teaching 7-12 PE/Health/APE at Waupun Area School District
Fun Fact: I didn't originally go to school for PE, until the suggestion of a high school classmate because I was involved in sports and healthy stuff, that I should be in PE. Now, 24 years later, here I am.
I also completed Ironman WI
At a Glance
I am in my 15th year of teaching (all being K-5 PE). I am a Wisconsin native and grad but taught for my first 5 years in South Carolina and the last 10 in Jefferson, Wisconsin.
Fun facts: I have a Black Belt in American Freestyle Karate and I am a professional DJ for fun as a side gig.
WHPE
10th grade Health, Advanced Health, Physical Education teacher at Antigo High School
Fun fact- I am an old lady at heart; might have grown up in the wrong generation. I love gardening, landscaping, and preserving food to feed my family.
Worth Your Time
Erika's Lighthouse is a great mental health resource for videos and lessons. Take a look here:
https://www.erikaslighthouse.org/
Mike Graham elementary teacher in Illinois offers a great website for Physical Education games/activities/lessons. Check it out here:
DPI – News, Grants, Trainings
WI 21st CCLC Grant Applications Available!
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is pleased to announce that applications for Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) grants are available for funding beginning in the 2023-24 school year. The 21st CCLC grant is a federal grant that funds before-school, after-school, and summer programs across the state of Wisconsin.
The purposes of the program are to:
- Provide opportunities for academic enrichment to help students, particularly students attending low-performing schools, to meet challenging state academic standards;
- Offer students a broad array of additional services, programs, and activities designed to reinforce and complement the regular academic program of participating students; and
- Offer the families of students served by community learning centers opportunities for active and meaningful engagement in their children’s education, including opportunities for literacy and related educational development
Public school districts, private schools, charter schools, and community-based organizations (including faith-based organizations) targeting students enrolled in schools eligible for Title I, schoolwide programs are invited to apply.
Applications are due on or before 4:00 p.m., February 10, 2023. More information and application materials are available on the DPI’s 21st CCLC Competition website.
**Please note, this application is intended only for new applicants or current grantees in the final year of their grant cycles. Current WI 21st CCLC programs in years 1-4 of their grant cycles SHOULD NOT participate in this competitive grant process.**
The DPI will be hosting web-based workshops to assist writers in developing grant applications. Information about the workshops are available on DPI’s 21st CCLC Competition website.
For further information, please contact Nathan Werley at 608-266-3856, Jake Wilson at 608-264-9327, or Alison Wineberg at 608-267-3751.
2022-2023 Wisconsin School Health Program Award and Coaching
The Wisconsin School Health Program features an Award Program and a Coaching Program. This coaching opportunity will help schools identify and address health disparities present in their school environment and receive assistance in implementing their action plan.
Both programs (award and coaching) will utilize the Registration Form, Action for Healthy Kids Assessment, DPI Supplemental Questions, and Application. The Award Program will use a portfolio of evidence (attached) and the Coaching Program will use an action plan template. All parts will be due by 2/31/23.
Contact Tacara Lovings, Tacara.lovings@dpi.wi.gov with any questions!
So Many Books So Little Time...........
You might want to consider reading:
http://kellymcgonigal.com/the-cover-story
Dopamine Nation by Anna Lembke
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU – CULTIVATING THE POWER OF POSITIVITY
The new year is a time to make resolutions. Commonly, these center around our physical health, eating better, exercising more, etc. But what about making a resolution that focuses on our mental wellbeing? What about making a resolution to have a more positive mindset? As we enter into a new year with the various stressors that we all continue to encounter, it is more important than ever that we learn to focus on what we can control and lean into optimism and positivity.
If you have ever found yourself fixated on what is wrong in your life or on a mistake that you made, you are not alone. People tend to pay more attention to negative events than positive ones, learn more from negative outcomes or experiences and make more decisions based on negative information. This is due to biological science – our brains more actively process negative information and therefore it can shape our attitudes and behaviors more. (Verywell Mind, April 2020)
Though the human brain naturally tends to focus on the negative, research shows that positive thinking can be cultivated. Here are a few proven strategies to help “train” your brain to focus on the positive:
Positive Self-Talk
What is it? Everyone engages in self-talk, it’s our inner
voice that we often” hear” even though it is not saying
anything out loud. We practice positive self-talk when we
focus on our strengths, and we look at things with an
optimistic attitude.
How do you practice it? Listen to what your inner-voice is
saying. Is there any evidence for it? What would I say to a
friend in a similar situation? Instead of saying “I’ll never be
able to do this.” Ask yourself, “is there anything that I can do
that will help me do this?” Try making a list of things that
you are good at and post it somewhere that you will see it
daily.
Reframe the Situation
What is it? This is when you reflect on what has happened and put it in a more positive light. You recognize that you cannot change what has happened, but you take it in and push forward.
How do you practice it? Do a reappraisal of the situation. Consider what you will learn or what you will gain from going through a challenging situation. For example, the pandemic has been tough and stressful at times, but what have been some good things that have come from it, such as more time with family and more
flexible work schedules. What are some of the strengths and knowledge that we have gained from one situation that we can carry with us into future situations?
Gratitude
What is it? Gratitude is being appreciative of the good things in our lives.
How do you practice it? Keep a gratitude journal and be intentional about writing about things you are thankful for each day. Focus on your senses. Through our ability to see, hear, touch, and taste we gain an appreciation of all the wonders around us. Share your gratitude with others –thank them and let them know what you appreciate about them.
Studies have shown that by making a conscious effort to focus on the positive you will find that you improve your self-esteem and that you are better able to navigate through life’s challenges. There are other genuine health benefits to positive thinking as well, including improving your immune system and decreasing stress
and anxiety. So, as you set your goals for the new year, I urge you to consider these wise words from the Dalai Lama:
“It is very important to generate a good attitude, a good heart, as much as possible. From this, happiness in both the short term and the long term for both yourself and others will come.”
Written by: Katie Gallagher-Director of Education, Candor Health Education
Health and Physical Education Online Resources
WHPE Fall Newsletter – Newsletters always contain good ideas
22_Fall_Newsletter.pdf (secureservercdn.net)
WHPE Facebook Page - Connect with us
https://www.facebook.com/wisconsinhealthandpe/
WHPE Mini-Convention – Presentations are available for viewing
WHPE ZOOM Recordings - More good ideas
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11twx8VzmcqIQ7qQCuYOQZjuahheMLtgi
WHPE Culturally Responsive Health and Physical Education Articles - Connect with your students
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1eCBKWeyswGnH05kIW8qHdczqTwQW3-5p
WHPE Blog – Members sharing thoughts and ideas
Blog – Wisconsin Health and Physical Education (whpe.us)
HPE at Home Resources - On the WHPE web site
SHAPE America HPE at Home Resources - From the national organization
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1O2J_qP--IbKb0f9Bznle7TyPqzOSAjbu
