WHPE Update May, 2021

"Reach Everyone"

Greetings Everyone,

With the calendar turning to May, people in education start thinking about the end of the school year. The month of May starts to bring the light at the end of the tunnel into view. With this current school year being quite different than any other year, the anticipation of the end is understandable.

College and university folks are starting to wrap up the year now. Some institutions had their last week of classes last week. Others may be having their last week of classes this week or next. Regardless, the college/university year will be over by the middle of May or shortly after.

Folks at the elementary or secondary levels have a longer wait until the end of the school year. Most have five or six weeks left. In some ways, that may seem like a long time. Looking at it differently, it is five or six weeks to continue molding your students and impacting their minds.

Regardless of a person’s individual situation, staying focused until the end of the school year is critical. Each of us still has things to do: lessons to teach, exams to give, meetings to attend, and students to educate. I’m sure each of you has your students as priority number one.

Best wishes. Have a warm and happy May.

Dan Timm

WHPE President

dtimm@education.wisc.edu

Reach Everyone

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Shannon Maly – National Teacher-of-the-Year

Congratulations to WHPE High School Division Vice President Shannon Maly for being selected SHAPE America National High School Techer-of-the-Year! Shannon was announced as the winner of this award during the week of the SHAPE America National Convention in April. A great honor for a great teacher. WHPE is proud of Shannon and everything she has done for her students and the profession.

Have You Requested Time Off for Convention?

The 2021 WHPE Convention will be October 27-29. Have you requested from your school/district to have off those days so you can attend convention? In many locales, teachers have to submit their requests in the spring for days off the following year. We don’t want you to miss convention because you had not submitted your request in a timely manner. This year’s convention is shaping up to be outstanding! Don’t miss it! http://whpe.us/whpe-annual-convention

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Congratulations, Sandee Ortiz!

Congratulations to WHPE National Board Certified Teacher Liaison Sandee Ortiz for being elected to the SHAPE America Midwest District Leadership Council. Sandee will be joining professionals from other Midwest states to lead the district forward in the coming years. A teacher and coach, Sandee will use her talents to benefit students and the profession in all six Midwest district states.

Thank You Tammie Fick and Welcome Susanna Swenson

Tammie Fick had been serving WHPE as the Southwest District Coordinator. Unfortunately, she had to step down from that position. We will miss Tammie’s enthusiasm and dedication to the Board of Directors and her service to Southwest District members. Susanna Swenson graciously volunteered to step in and was approved as the new Southwest District Coordinator by the Board of Directors in April. Susanna has been in contact with Southwest District members and is ready to represent them in WHPE business. Welcome, Susanna!

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Executive Director Contract Renewed

The contract of Executive Director Penny Kroening was renewed for another year at the April Board of Directors Meeting and Penny has accepted the offer of renewal. Thank you Penny for all you have done for WHPE in your first year as Executive Director. Looking forward to your leadership during your second year.

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Facebook Group

Have you been on the WHPE Facebook page lately? Under the leadership of Adapted Physical Education Division Vice President Sadie Brown, the APE Division has a Facebook Group where it can network and collaborate. Any WHPE member may join by answering the group questions when requesting access to join. https://www.facebook.com/groups/whpeape

National Board Certified Teacher Assistance

Is becoming a National Board Certified Teacher in your future? Whether you had given thought to becoming certified but during the past year found teaching through COVID was the number one priority, or had not given certification any thought until reading this SMORE item, WHPE can provide assistance to you. Sandee Ortiz serves as the NBCT Liaison to the Board of Directors and is available to offer assistance regarding the NBCT process. If you have applied for certification or are thinking about it, contact Sandee at sortiz@sunprairieschools.org She will be glad to help you.

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DPI Health Education and Physical Education Consultant

Tacara Lovings is the new Health Education and Physical Education Consultant for the Department of Public Instruction, having accepted the position in April. Congratulations, Tacara! Best wishes in your new position.