A Good Day Gone Bad...

Adaptive Physical Education.

It's a pretty unusual position I know. It absolutely has it's challenges. Less than 5% of the people I know actually understand what in the world I do! I'll try and phrase it as simply as I know how!

I make adaptations and modifications in physical education for students with special needs.

With this, I work with a broad spectrum of disabilities and motor issues. I typically work with students in four different ways. 1. In a special APE class where all students in the class qualify for APE, are currently on my caseload and it's found to be the most appropriate environment for the students (this is the same for all of my students regardless of where they are serviced). 2. In the regular physical education classroom. 3. In a pull out or one-on-one atmosphere. or 4. On a consult basis which means that they are probably on their way to me dropping them from my caseload as their motor skills are high enough to participate without assistance in regular physical education.

IEP's (Individualized Education Plan's) are really the tedious part of my job. I typically have 1-7 meetings with parents, other staff and administration on students. The paperwork itself isn't overly difficult, but it is a little difficult to squeeze in and it has many legal implications. Details of an individual are kept very private even within the district. Overall, in comparison to Trinity, my job is fairly laid back. Just take care of the details and your set.

Ok, that was boring!

I accepted my current position in Campbell County for a variety of reasons! Some I'm pretty forthcoming about and others that I am probably not!

However, one thing that I knew about when I accepted the position last October was that there was a good chance that along the way we might lose a student. I don't know that it's really crossed my mind to much in the last few months. I guess maybe you just don't think about it to much. I have had two or three students that have been given a pretty short leash by the doctors, and that has really made my job a challenge. I h to make sure that I have the student do nothing to compromise his/her health.

Well, the worst possible became a reality Friday. One of my students passed away.

I really have a great deal sorrow for the family. I viewed them as a family who really "got it" when it came to the educational realities of the situation. They are a good family and I am definitely saddened by their loss.

It is a testament to the teachers and staff in the district. There are many negative thoughts towards public education in our world today. I know a few that hate it, some that don't trust it, and many that don't care for it. I believe I became a teacher to help change those thoughts toward education.

Apparently a lot more than just me did the same thing. I am proud of that! Although we'll be one less than the 8,400 students that went to school on Friday, education will continue and several lives will undoubtedly change thanks to a student that graced us with his life!