Vermont Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.
President’s Report to the 2009 EDA Convention Assembly

I. Professional Development

Our annual Conference in Killington, Vermont attracted over 350 participants. The theme of our conference was “Play Well, Teach well, Live well, and we witnessed one of the largest turnouts in several years. Dr. Robert Pangrazi served as our keynote speaker. In keeping with our theme as the Green Mountain State, we implemented “green speakers’ notes”. Like several other EDA states, we handed out external thumb drives as our conference give-way. Computer stations were available for to attendees to download notes. This green initiative turned out to be very well-received, and we encourage other states to do the same at their conferences.

State workshops scheduled for 2009 include a two day tennis clinic for teachers and coaches, held at Norwich University in January, 2009. Forthcoming is a NASPE Pipeline P.E. workshop to be held March 26th at Norwich University, a teaching health through literacy workshop at Castleton State College in April, and, a “Brain Dance” 3-Day Workshop with Theresa Goetz of Seattle’s Creative Dance Center, to be held in June in Waterbury, VT. Information about these events are posted on our VTAHPERD website.

II Advocacy / Promotional Projects

This past May, 2008, VTAHPERD will sponsored its Eight Annual Intergenerational Walk at the State House in Montpelier. Our ninth annual Walk is scheduled for May, 2009.

A Wellness Walk Essay Contest titled  “Living Healthy Active Lifestyles” for children grades 3-12 coincided with this Intergenerational Walk.

VTAHPERD will again sponsor in 2009 a middle school fitness competition, to be held this May at the University of Vermont. In 2008 this “sold-out” event attracted several dozen teams from around the state.

This past June, 2008, our Executive Director Janice Lange and current President Dr. Lisa Pleban attended the AAHPERD Legislative Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. Janice 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.

VTAHPERD President Lisa Pleban, through help from our state’s Department of Education, received a grant from the American Cancer Society to attend the National Health Education Standards Implementation Training of Trainers, in Phoenix, February 5 and 6th, 2009.

This spring at the 2009 AAHPERD Conference in Tampa, Dr. Pleban will represent the State of Vermont by presenting two separate sessions titled Sport, Activity, and the Presidency: An Anecdotal Retrospective, and, Strategies for Building a Safe Classroom for Your GLBTQ Students. EDA members attending the national conference are cordially invited to attend these sessions.

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. In 2008 the AHA launched the Sneakers for FIT Kids Act and solicited member’s messages to our legislators to support quality PE.

This past year also saw an increase in the commitment from the First Tee National Golf program to help fund and provide golf instruction in fifteen of our state schools.

IV. Recognition of Members

VTAHPERD’s Teacher of the Year Program (TOY) honored three individuals at this year’s conference , Rick Newton, Elementary School TOY, Jeff Thomas, Middle School TOY, and Trina Hosmer, Layperson of the Year.

This past year Milton Elementary School became the first Vermont school, and the only school in New England during 2008, to receive the prestigious STARS award sponsored by NASPE.

Two Vermont districts received PEP grants in 2008. There are; the Addison Northwest Supervisory Union, and the Hartford School District.

V. Recognition of Students & Opportunities for 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. Four grants of up the $300 each are available on a yearly basis.

Lindsey McGinness served as our Student Representative on the VTAHPERD Executive Council. Her organizational effort towards the state conference was noted as indispensable.

Two Castleton State College students, Lindsay McGinness and Ted Panasci, received financial support from VTAHPERD in order to attended the 2008 EDA Student Leadership Conference in East Stroudsburg, PA.

VTAHPERD introduced two Outstanding Future Professionals during our 2008 Fall Conference, Norwich students Kyle Kenia and Arturo Diaz.

VI. Board Structure

In 2008 VTAHPERD elevated the position of Vice President for Adapted Physical Activity to their Executive Board. This signifies our commitment to enabling people from all walks of life to enjoy physical activity and recreational opportunities that meet their individual needs.

Lisa Pleban– President - VTAHPERD