Brown Deer School District Brown Deer, Wisconsin PEP Grant – Falcons Project Challenges, Opportunities, and Successes Dr. Deb Kerr - Superintendent February 24-26, 2011

Three Schools on our Campus Dean Elementary School 555 students K4-4th grades Brown Deer Middle School 506 students – 5th-8th grades Brown Deer High School 647 students – 9th-12th grades

Our Mission We are a learning community committed to graduate students with skills and a sense of purpose to adapt, thrive, and excel in a changing world.

Vision We aspire to be a world-class educational community that honors diversity, promotes high expectations for life-long learning and leadership, preparing all students to reach their fullest potential. Brown Deer is a vibrant community – a wonderful place to learn and grow….and with your help there’s no reason we can’t become a world-class school district.

Our Students K-12 1708 Students in District Special Education 10 different disabilities English Language Learners 140 Students-25 languages 32% Free and Reduced Lunch We have great students and families…..it’s important to understand who we are educating today as our school and community population has changed over the past 10 years. Open Enrollment In – 187 Students Out – 88 Students Chapter 220 – 13 Students

Our Physical Education Staff A great teaching staff that services all K-12 students through varied programs: physical education, adaptive physical education, health and coaching.

PEP Grant Process How we got started Team approach - partnership Grant writer – written into grant Gathering the data and research Collaboration - staff development using substitutes during school day Leadership and implementation Choosing our partners Communication with school community

The Falcons Project PEP Grant Fitness Activity Learning Cooperation Outdoors Nutrition Standards

The Falcons Project Goal To improve the overall health and fitness of all K-12 students as evidenced by: Improved PE program with State standard benchmarks Enjoyable participation in daily activity Students and families with the knowledge, attitudes, skills and confidence to maintain a physically active and healthy lifestyle

Areas of Emphasis Fitness education and assessment Varied instructional practice to enhance the whole child – physical, mental, social-emotional development Employ best practices in PE that supports life-long healthy lifestyle Through physical activity develop positive social and cooperation skills Instruction in healthy eating habits and good nutrition Professional development of staff in latest research, issues and trends

Getting the News Notification – no award Phone call from State Fast track for training Communication with board and community Off and running!

Our Challenges Involving the entire PE team Storage and efficient use of existing space Technology integration and training Teaching and transforming our curriculum at the same time Shift of teaching philosophy

Our Challenges Developing community partnerships Bringing community resources and services together for the first time Time needed to research and fully develop lessons and units K-12 Patience and perseverance

Our Challenges Weekly meetings with district office staff Setting up the PEP grant accounts for transparency How to spend the funding for long-term success Implementation of grant to fidelity Meeting with district advisory committee Accountability of PE staff decisions and agreements

Our Challenges Fitness testing and assessments Collection of data – analysis of data Reporting out results to students and parents How to correlate to achievement proficiencies Schedules and time management Added professional responsibilities

Opportunities Increased student and staff engagement New learning opportunities Expanded classroom experiences – field trips Students have better understanding of fitness through on-going assessments Students have better understanding of fitness through on-going assessments (PE-Rti)

Opportunities Motivation New equipment = new learning experiences Developing a 21st century skills curriculum Interdisciplinary connections Improved teaching and job-embedded training Community partnerships Enhanced professionalism

Our Successes Fitness is a priority and essential Students experience sense of accomplishment Reaching all students – not just the athletes Teachers have become leaders in our district

Our Successes More collaboration with department and district staff Expanded PE offerings – more choices Cross-curricular planning - integration of fitness in classrooms

Our Successes New fitness center iDance Updated curriculum and on-going assessments More variety of learning experiences Splash program with YMCA/Park & Rec Life-long practices – healthy lifestyles

Lessons Learned Developing our own PE Common Core – 21st century skills curriculum and learning targets Professional development and release time critical – on-going support Plan for use of technology (including connectivity) for both students and teachers – there is a learning curve

Lessons Learned Sustainability Equitable distribution of resources On-going refinement of practice Challenge to find next project – Campus trail, Safe Routes to School, etc. Professional development must be on-going Enjoy and have fun long the way! Continue to reflect upon best practice and what’s best for our students

Questions

“Continue to inspire a passion for fitness, healthy lifestyles, and the joy of learning through physical activity” Thank You