Governor's Council on Physical Fitness & Sports

Principal In The Spotlight

Eileen Smith
Loma Verde Elementary

BRONZE MEDALIST

The following rationale for consideration was submitted for this Spotlight Award:

During the three years Eileen Smith has been principal of Loma Verde School, she’s ridden her bike to work three to five days per week, making the 26-mile round trip from her home in the Glenwood neighborhood of San Rafael. The results of her positive modeling inspired Loma Verde students to win the first annual Green Ways to School Award for highest achievement in the 2009/10 school year.

Mrs. Smith obtained funding for a new fenced, paved closure at Loma Verde in which students can store their bikes during the day. The bikes will all be locked in there together, eliminating the need for individual bike locks.

Mrs. Smith shares academic and health benefits of physical activity by having the children walk laps around the school on rainy days. During STAR Testing Mrs. Smith requires children to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of school to walk around the school campus. She has expanded the curriculum for the 2011/2012 school year adding an hour of before school instruction with a focus on physical education for the upper grades.

Mrs. Smith worked with PTA to hire a person to organize structured games and activities that are physical in nature during recess and lunch breaks. She supports the FIT Club established by the physical education teacher that also hosts organized games and exercise during lunch recess. Mrs. Smith encourages teachers to require the students to increase their endurance through sustained running weekly. She also supports the Running Club and associated awards for milestones achieved.

Principal Eileen Smith received the Principal of the Year award from the Marin County School Administrators Association in May 2010 in recognition of her leadership role, guiding Loma Verde to its 50-point jump in Academic Performance Index test scores, increasing their API to 842 from 729.

More Principals In The Spotlight

San Joaquin

Khushwinder Gill George Kelly School
GOLD MEDALIST The following rationale for consideration was submitted for this Spotlight Award: Mrs. Khushwinder Gill is an inspirationale principal who creates a warm, caring relationship with each student and maintains high expectancies for performance, fitness and behavior. Since she came to George Kelly School in November 2008, she has focused on extracurricular activities along with academics which results in 40 points jump in Academic Performance Index scores. She ... Read More »

Orange

Debra Schroeder Melbourne A. Gauer Elementary
SILVER MEDALIST The following rationale for consideration was submitted for this Spotlight Award: I am a volunteer running team coach and have worked with and known Dr. Schroeder for over twenty years. Her efforts at promoting physical fitness and nutrition have benefited her students as a teacher and as a principal. With her support and continued encouragement, we have offered running teams at several different schools in Anaheim. As ... Read More »

Award Winners by Year: 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011

| | | | |

| | | |