Vermont Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. I. Professional Development Our annual Conference was held November 12 and 13, 2009, in Killington, Vermont. The theme of our conference was “Healthy Bodies, Active Minds”. The 2009 attracted over 320 participants who attended over 80 possible session, including keynote presentations from AAHPERD President Dr. Dana Brooks, and Dr. Irene Cucina. In keeping with our theme as the Green Mountain State, we implemented electronic session notes, which were available on our website. A number of professional workshops were conducted during 2009. These were promoted by VTAHPERD and through the Vermont Department of Education through electronic and print communications. Professional development opportunities included, but were not limited to the following; * A two day tennis clinic for teachers and coaches, Norwich University II Advocacy / Promotional Projects This past May, 2009, VTAHPERD sponsored its Ninth Annual Intergenerational Walk/Run at the State House in Montpelier. A Wellness Walk Essay Contest titled “Living Healthy Active Lifestyles” for children grades 3-12 coincided with this Intergenerational Walk. VTAHPERD sponsored the 2009 a middle school fitness competition, held this May at the University of Vermont. For the 2010 school year, the competition will be split into a “north” and “south” division to accommodate more participants. This past June, 2009, our Executive Director Janice Lange, current President Louise DeGuise, and Past-President Dr. Lisa Pleban attended the AAHPERD Legislative Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. Janice, Louise, and Lisa met with representatives from our Senator’s and Congressman’s offices. We are happy to report that all three leaders support physical activity and healthy nutrition in our schools. This event coincided with the national AAHPERD Leadership Conference. On February 8th, the University of Vermont Clubs sports program sponsored a National Girls and Women in Sports Day essay contest with the theme Stay Strong, Play On! III. Professional Partners The American Heart Association, through their Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart programs, continues to be one of our leading partners and solicited member’s messages to our legislators to support quality PE. VTAHPERD is partnering with the State Director of Advocacy for the AHA, Nicole Lucas, who will serve as the VTAHPERD PRALL. This person will provide VTAHPERD with consistent, direct access to the legislators in the Vermont State House. The Vermont Department of Education, VTAHPERD, and the American Heart Association have begun discussion about strategies to improve the quality and quantity of physical education in the state. Beginning advocacy goals are to open dialogue and explore opportunities for influence. Vermont schools received continued financial commitment from the First Tee National Golf program to help fund and provide golf instruction in an additional dozen state schools. IV. Recognition of Members In March 2010, Executive Director Janice Lange will be recognized at the 125th Annual AAHPERD Conference in Indianapolis, as the 2010 R. Tait MacKenzie Award Winner. VTAHPERD’s Teacher of the Year Program (TOY) honored the following individuals at their November awards reception. VTAHPERD Elementary School Teacher of the Year Tammy Charboneau, Champlain Elementary School; VTAHPERD Middle School Teacher of the Year Phil Joyal, Barre Town School; VTAHPERD Dance Teacher of the Year Rebecca McGregor, Lyndon Institute, VTAHPERD Recreation Person of the Year Nancy Heydinger, Girls on the Run, VTAHPERD Laypersons of the Year Josh Carlson, Concept 2, and, Lindsay Simpson, Vermont Department of Education. For 2009-2010, eight Vermont schools were awarded grants for the purchase and implementation of technology in physical education. Projects range from use of pedometers and heart rate monitors to exergaming equipment that engages students and is used to assess learning. Awards were supported by both state and federal funding. V. Recognition of Students & Opportunities for Future Professionals
Norwich University student Erica Rate, and Castleton State College student Nathan Mirke were recognized as the 2009 Vermont Outstanding Future Professionals Through the generosity of Malcolm Spencer, a long-time Vermont educator, a professional development grant bearing his name was established to assist state pre-service students who need financial assistance to attend development opportunities such as conferences and workshops. A $300 grant was awarded to Nathan Mirke, a Castleton State College Student, to attend the 2009 AAHPERD Convention in Tampa. Kaleigh Soule of the University of Vermont served as our Student Representative on the VTAHPERD Executive Council. She received financial support from VTAHPERD in order to attended the 2009 EDA Student Leadership Conference VI. Board Structure In 2009 VTAHPERD developed and is in the process of implementing a four-year strategic plan to redefine board member’s responsibilities and goals for the organizations. VII. Highlights for 2010 The following Vermont events are being planned for the year 2010: Annual Conference to be held November 11 and 12, 2010, in Killington, Vermont Tenth Annual Intergenerational Walk/Run at the State House in Montpelier in May 2010 middle school fitness competition, to be held at two site (Burlington and Castleton) 2010 Unified Basketball State Competition in April, at Castleton State College February 17, 2010 announcement by Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell that the state will launch a "multidisciplinary public initiative" to find ways to complement what the state Department of Health and the state Department of Education already do to curb obesity. Lisa Pleban– President - VTAHPERD |
Home :: President's Message :: About :: Executive Board :: Contact Us :: Join :: Events :: Awards :: Conferences :: Newsletters :: Resources |