The Fifteenth Jack London Awards ceremony at Sonoma State University this week handed the annual trophy to Lisa Fogg and Keith Bergman, teachers in the Washington Elementary School Physical Education Program in Cloverdale.
The program was recognized for its educational excellence not only in teaching sports, fitness, and games, but its emphasis on teamwork and cooperation among students in grades in 4-6. The physical challenges of the program are part of the California curriculum framework and standards. The delivery, however, is very special.
Students in the "Muscle-Purpose Room" learn about a new bone and muscle every week. Students, teachers and staff wear pedometers to track physical activity levels. "Washington School Walks Around the World" is a school-wide, interdisciplinary project in which everyone's cumulative distance is logged.
The school moves that distance on a world map on a virtual journey circumnavigating the globe. Studies of these countries, ocean exploration, and geography are a part of this virtual journey.
Parents are involved too, with Family Fitness nights, that bring together over 150 students and parents.
Lisa Fogg, the program coordinator, said that "all students can have a fulfilling age-appropriate physical education experience that can be carried on for a lifetime." Douglas Earl, one of the Jack London judges who visited Washington School to observe the program, is a professor of kinesiology at Sonoma State. He gave the program high praise: "I am trying to have all of our kinesiology majors who are interested in teaching go to Cloverdale and observe this exceptional physical education program."
Past Jack London award winners have included Walter Gloshinski, coordinator of a special education program at Santa Rosa Middle School; Kathy Huffstutter for the Dolphin Kings Chess Club at Stevens Elementary school; Jan Sofie of the Art Quest program at Santa Rosa High School; and Ginger Dale for the student exchange program at CaliCalmecac School in Windsor.
Phyllis Fernlund, Dean of the School of Education at Sonoma State, said "the Jack London Awards are an opportunity to honor all of the dedicated, passionate educators who have created innovative program that are having a positive impact on students."
Dean Fernlund identified the Jack London awards criteria for selection including programs with novel and creative approaches, measurable student outcomes, excellent communication with parents, and adaptability to other schools."
Other nominees honored at the ceremony include Maria Carrillo High School (Santa Rosa) senior poetry project, Mariposa Magnet School (Sebastopol) literacy program, Petaluma High School multicultural literature program, and Washington School (Cloverdale) reading program.
