Day Two- an exclamation point

This morning started off with an early start...we met today to get our titter assignments for the day. If you want to connect on twitter or Instagram find me as fizzed2000

So today everyone was encouraged to join in on a early walk through UNC-Asheville campus and hiking trails. Here are some pics! It was fabulous and a little bit of a mile workout. We even got a free ECKO pedometer !! Way cool!

Our first keynote speaker is the highlight of the Institute for me! Joey Feith was so inspirational and on target with physical education. He did a presentation that just blew everyone away. I love technology and ways to connect with others using Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. There was a group that met last night and did small talks of using it specifically in our settings. He had great suggestions. 

The first breakout session was focused on nutrition instruction and holding kids accountable for their learning. Andy showed ways to break groups up and ask short questions while rewarding the students that got the answers correct. LOVED !!

During lunch I ventured out to a place that I hold dear to my heart. I spent many weeks during middle and high school attending Blue Ridge Leaders School. I rarely get to this area of the state and I make sure to always go by. It was much more emotional for me this time.i know with out a shadow of a doubt that I ended up in this career because of my weeks at BRLS. When I left I was a blubbering mess! Ha! I didn't not spend more than an hour but loved every minute. In the comments below let me know if you have a place like that. 

Here are some pictures... Isn't it just beautiful.

While at the BRLS I missed lunch and my duty for the twitter desk! YIKES! Thankfully I have great friends and fellow fellows and Chris Walker saved me! Thanks friend! Chris has been a great PE friend and we we're NC SPARK trainers a couple of years ago. He rocks...and hugs a lot! 

Just a few minutes ago I met Shannon Miller and Olympic Gold medalist. She was so nice! 

The final keynote of the day was by yet another Canadian. Guy spoke on Physical Literacy. His emphasis was on whether or not we are really preparing students for a lifetime of wellness. Are they able to create their own fitness plans and evaluate their health. He really hit a home run.

Following the end of the keynotes and breakout session the day ended up with a social a local brewery hosted by US Games. It was a blast! SO MUCH FUN! I cut a rug a time or two. I learned a couple of dances as well. Really a great night.

After the social I joined fellow fellows at the chocolate lounge. We enjoyed dessert and walking downtown Asheville. I'm looking foward to wrapping it up tomorrow and heading back home to see my sweet family.

Day One-what a treat!

Today bright and early...did I mention it was bright and early when I started the day! As a fellow we were asked to help out at registration this morning. I had such a good time meeting those that I found name tags for. I was blown away by the distance that many traveled. There were 17 from one district that came for the conference and several internationally. WOW, is that I kept saying...that and "Welcome to NC...so glad to have you."

The first Keynote speaker was Jean Blades. She did a great job and had the research to back it up! So much knowledge. I got to chat with her afterwards about somethings. She was a doll and so personable.

I went to a breakout session this morning that was a town hall meeting. It was on Adapted PE...so glad to know that I am not alone in this area. We are making progress in our district and I found out that we are moving in the right direction. Such good news! After that session I was approached from several in the group that were very encouraging! So cool.

Chip Candy was up next! I always make sure to catch his sessions. So energetic..we do have to work on getting his music on an itunes account. The man is still using cd's to run his music. Come on Chip! You can do it!

After lunch it was off to another Adapted PE session. Great modification ideas for adapted assessment were shared. Good stuff! The presenter also had great examples of adapted equipment. I loved this soccer ball.

The final keynote speaker for the day was. Dr. George Graham. Now let me first say if you know anything about physical education you will recognize this name. Dr. Graham is the founder of pecentral. He was the guru of PE at Virginia Tech (Go Hokies). Today he gave a great 6 pt message on what physical education needs to be. Well, at the end we watched him walk off the stage for the last time. It was quite emotional. He received a standing ovation and I was on the front row for it all. Such a special moment for me! He shared that leaving his 'shoes on the mat' for the last time was a symbol of his exit. Quite emotional if you must know.

Last night I did not sleep well so I am calling it an early night. My final thoughts of today: At one point today I had an overwhelming feeling of being totally blessed. Being here at the Institute with people that "get what I do" is a rare thing. You have to really attend a conference or workshop for PE teachers to understand what I am saying. So often I sit through workshops and have to advocate for my program. Not today, I was in a auditorium where if I were to advocate I would be preaching to the choir. It was so nice to be in sessions that were the nicest, kindest, energetic people in the country. Today was just an overwhelming sense of blessings to be able to attend this National Institute.


Here are a couple of pictures that I have taken around the hotel and area. Enjoy!

Arrival Time

It was quite the trip to Asheville today. The weather was awful but I arrived safe and sound. When I arrived everyone had already started on introductions. We quickly finished up introductions and got a tour of the facility. It is a beautiful state of the art facility nestled in the mountains of Asheville. It has several floors that include fitness centers, dance rooms, a teaching kitchen and gyms.

 After we received the news that we needed to be back to the Arena at 6:30AM, I went to the hotel to check in. I quickly checked in and met up with other Fellows.

We decided to head down town to find a place to grab a bite to eat.We found a great local place the Farhouse Burger. It was a laid back spot to grab a good burger. We had fun talking about the different struggles and successes we have as physical education specialists. After dinner we found ourselves in the restaurant with a terrible storm so we waited out the storm for about 20 minutes.

We then headed back to the hotel to the night time social. Because of the storm we were a little tardy. I hope that the next two nights will not have any tardy slips. Off the bed as it is almost midnight and a full day is expected bright and early. Tomorrow Jean Blades opens the conference. Looking forward to her expertise. I've mapped out my day and looking forward to the day.