Dodge P.E. teacher Kim Morrissey teaches students some soccer skills. 
Dodge's P.E. program receives national recognition
The P.E. program at Dodge Literacy Magnet has received national recognition.  Dodge has been named a STARS school by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education for its outstanding physical education program. Dodge is the first school in Kansas to receive the STARS recognition.

Dodge P.E. teacher Kim Morrissey and Cindy Johnson, who now teaches at Pleasant Valley Elementary, went through an extensive application process and provided documentation on different components of their P.E. program. They received feedback on the program about what they are doing right and what can improve.

“I’m excited for our school,” said Morrissey. Morrissey says she uses a variety of activities to keep kids engaged in her classes.

“Kids come in all shapes, sizes and abilities. They may never play organized sports, but we can get them excited about being active, and we give them an opportunity to succeed.”

Some of the feedback she received from the STARS application was providing more parent communication. She developed a monthly newsletter sharing what students are doing in her class and sends home notes when students are doing well with a skill or lesson. She said parents are excited to know what their children are learning in P.E.

Dodge will be honored as a STARS recipient during the National American Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance convention in March.

In 2008, Dodge received the Model School Award for its P.E. program from the Kansas Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.



October 5, 2009