ONE CLASSROOM AT A TIME

Indiana is on the top of the list as being the most overweight state in the US. Remember that report that came out recently? Physical Education Instructor Mark Hageman believes that he can improve the image of Indiana, one class at a time. That is, with the support of Principal Kent Marz, teachers, parents, and the students at Waynedale Elementary.

Mr. Hageman knows that a healthy and active body fosters a sharp mind and good attitude. Waynedale Elementary is combining biophysical concepts and motor skill development along with positive sportsmanship and competition. “Kids at Waynedale Elementary (for the most part) enjoy coming to school and feeling successful. We have very little discipline problems mostly in part due to the type of programs we are offering to the students,” reports Hageman.

The biophysical program starts in second grade. Golf, bowling, karate, badminton, a physical learning center and swimming are just a few of the lifelong sports that the students are experiencing. All of these sports are also integrated with their academics. During Mr. Hageman’s golfing program, students actually played a round of golf. The last week of September, fourth and fifth graders from Mr. Allen, Mrs. Overmyer, Mrs. Sprague, Mr. Turner, Ms. Oatts, and Mrs. Ehrhardt’s classes played a scramble at Brookwood’s Par 3 Course. They spent a little over an hour putting to use what they learned in their classroom—-their driving, chipping, and putting. Then, to incorporate the golf program into academics their spelling exam included words like tee, course, and fairway.

“Our students today are getting the unique opportunity to learn the game of golf and then experience it. Many of them probably wouldn’t get this chance,” commented Physical Education Instructor Mark Hageman. “Our program’s goal is to show students how the body works, how to keep it healthy, and have fun doing it.”

Mr. Hageman was a student at St. Therese, a graduate of Bishop Luers High School, and has taught at Waynedale Elementary since 1988. He believes that his students will improve the image of Indiana starting right here in Waynedale. Along with Principal Kent Marz, teachers, staff, and parents, Mr. Hageman is committed to bringing out the best in every student.