May 18, 2022 Vo l . 6 6 I ss u e 31
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Woodridge 68 teacher named Middle school pe Teacher of the year Thomas Jefferson Junior High School PE teacher Gail Hartig was recently named the Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (IAHPERD) Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year. We asked Hartig to reflect on her teaching and what receiving this well-deserved award means to her. What is your philosophy of teaching? Hartig: I believe students and teachers should enjoy the school day and be comfortable enough to take risks and experience success. I hope to inspire my students to love learning while helping them value a school community where teachers are caring, respectful, supportive, and have created challenging curriculum that will help them grow academically, socially, and physically. Why is physical education important and how is it different from when you were in school? Hartig: When I was in school, PE was based solely on sports, picking teams, survival of the fittest- literally. Everyone else was not noticed and sort of faded into the background. There was little development of the non-athlete. I am not aiming to create athletes in my classes. Instead, I strive to help ALL students gain the basic skills they need to perform in a variety of activities with confidence. When students feel confident in their abilities, they will continue to participate in activities that will enhance their health and their lives. Exposing students to team & individual sports, dance, individual fitness skills, and recreational activities allows me to see a great deal of interest, excitement, and motivation! What does winning this award mean to you? Hartig: When we highlight the good that is happening, people notice the awesome things happening in our schools and with our curriculum. I am, of course, extremely honored and humbled by this fantastic award, but I could not do it without my people- my students, their families, and of course, my current and former colleagues. The IAHPERD Middle School Teacher of the Year award is
undoubtedly the biggest professional award of my career and I am so grateful to have received this honor. These awards are given in recognition of outstanding instructional performance for elementary, middle, and secondary school physical education as well as in adapted, dance, health, and adventure education. Selected individuals have shown their great ability to motivate today’s youth to participate in a lifetime of physical activity. Ms. Hartig will be honored at the annual IAHPERD State Convention at the Tinley Park Convention Center on December 1. The Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (IAHPERD) is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) educational organization, which through the action of its members, continuously strives to fulfill the following mission: The Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance will provide professional support and guidance to educators throughout the state as they develop and conduct educational programs.
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obITuary sloWInsKI On May 1, 2022, Robert “Bob” Slowinski of Plainfield, IL, ascended to his heavenly home at the age of 89. Bob was born June 10, 1932, in Chicago; on June 18, 1960, he married the love of his life, Bernadette S. Slowinski. The two shared an affection for camping, square dancing and socializing. Bob received his master’s degree in physical education from Southern Illinois University. Bob retired as a physical education teacher from Hinsdale Jr. High after 35 years of dedicated service. He coached many teams of his students over the years. As a sports lover, he played football, basketball, tennis and golf. He got
3 holes in one! Bob is preceded in death by his wife, his parents and six siblings. He is survived by his two children, Joyce Roberts, Mark (Robin); five grandchildren, Lauren (Larry), Emma, Alec, Ryan, Oliver; and one great-granddaughter, Peyton. In lieu of a service, the family asks you to take a moment to remember the good times you had with Bob. Bob didn’t want people to be sad for him in his passing but to be happy that he is off to a better place. Arrangements by Olson’s Quiram Sycamore Chapel, 1245 Somonauk St., Sycamore, IL 60178; 815895-6589. Visit www.olsonfh. com to share a memory or leave a condolence.
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