Welcome to Coordinated School health programs

The students are first and foremost at Dedham School. Superintendent Richard Norton, the principal and school staff make physical activity and physical education an integral part of the school culture and are very supportive with their time, energy, and resources.

There is a full time physical educator even though there are less than 190 children in grades K-8. The physical educator goes above and beyond and reaches children at all levels of ability and invites all to participate. Students are able to discuss the connection between physical activity, paying attention, and learning as well as assess their own level of fitness.

The level of respect for one another, administrators, teachers, staff, and students is noticeable. Older students work well with younger students and serve as important role models.

It is evident how much the majority of K-8 students enjoy dancing. Third graders are part of a weekly dance program that goes throughout the school year. The innovative, diverse and interactive physical education program takes advantage of outdoor resources and includes ice fishing, snow shoeing, canoeing, and kayaking. Parents who have moved into the district talk about how much their children love physical education in Dedham.

The curriculum is aligned with the Maine Physical Education Standards and local assessments are administered. Technology is used for diagnostic teaching, and individual reports on children’s fitness levels are sent home at the end of the school year with positive feedback and ideas for summer activities. Students are very articulate about what they learn in physical education and think that it is fun.

Student physical activity is noticeable throughout the school day. Dedham School emphasizes the development of lifelong physical activity and incorporates Take Time physical activities into their classrooms. There are high levels of participation in after-school sports teams and the hiking club.

Congratulations to Dedham School for receiving the 2006 Exemplary Award in Physical Education and Physical Activity.

Dee Frederick has been a teacher at Dedham School for 17 years. She has been a member of the Comprehensive School Health Education Committee as well as the Dedham School Wellness team. As a health educator for fourth and fifth grades, she works with the physical education teacher to coordinate health studies with applicable physical education units. For example, the students may study the circulatory and respiratory systems of the body at the same time they are involved in a cross-country skiing unit in physical education. Hoops for Heart and Maine in Motion are just two of the many physical activity opportunities Dee has provided for her students. Dee succeeds in creating an environment that promotes healthy, active, fun-filled learning. Congratulations to Dee Fredrick for receiving the outstanding leadership award.

Richard Norton has been a part of Dedham School for over 30 years. Dick has been instrumental in creating an exemplarily school that meets students’ physical, emotional and social health needs. In his many years at Dedham School, Dick has served as a teacher, coach and principal and is currently the Superintendent of Schools. When Dick first started at Dedham School, there were no athletic fields, no gymnasium and no school sports teams. After he moved into administration, Dick became a strong advocate for keeping students active and healthy. Dick advocated physical education becoming a full-time position as well as oversaw the construction of a gymnasium and new athletic fields. Dick consistently follows the advice he gives his staff by making decisions based on what is best for the kids. Congratulations to Richard Norton for his outstanding leadership.

Tim Pearson has been the physical education teacher at Dedham School for the past 12 years. Tim developed and teaches a comprehensive skills-based physical education curriculum, that ranges from basic movement concepts and skills to team sports and lifetime fitness activities. Tim has introduced Dedham students to many physical activities including in-line skating, archery, snowshoeing, line dancing, skateboarding and cross-country skiing. Tim is a strong advocate for physical education and physical activity for all students. Tim teaches adapted physical education to students with special needs and coaches the Dedham athletes who participate in Special Olympics. Tim also encourages students to be active after school by leading the hiking club and coaching extracurricular sports. He has successfully created a physical education program where all students have fun staying active and healthy and we recognize Tim with this outstanding leadership award.

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