Teachers win grants for special programs
Two Libertyville Elementary District 70 teachers will receive Trustmark Grants for special programs this year.
New physical education teacher Michael Kolar will receive a $750 grant to bring Gaga Ball to Rockland School. Adler Park Learning Center Director Erin Carr will receive a $947 grant to create a Virtual Health Fair at the school.
“Gaga Ball is an intense swatting and dodging game that people of all ages will enjoy,” Kolar said. It’s played in an octagonal shaped pit with walls that are 24 inches tall. There is no limit to the number of people who can play the game in the pit by swatting a ball with an open hand. Adler Park School has a Gaga pit that is used outside during nice weather.
“By teaching Gaga Ball, our students will experience an intense cardiovascular workout while enjoying a fun and innovative game,” Kolas said. “Introducing this game will provide teachers a unique opportunity to discuss the health benefits associated with getting a good cardiovascular workout, and it will promote the importance of living an active lifestyle well into adulthood.”
The game will teach students many essential life skills including teamwork, use of strategies, creative decision-making, problem solving, fair play, and self-officiating.
“By incorporating this activity into our school environment, our students will be more physically active before school and at recess than they are today,” he said. “Currently, our playground is outfitted with only traditional playground equipment, and by adding a Gaga pit we will certainly have a new level of excitement when it comes time to enjoy the outdoors.”
For Carr’s Virtual Health Fair, students will be paired to research a question they have related to health, such as “Why do I bruise,” Carr said. The answers to the questions will be researched through online resources as well as books that will be purchased for the school library with the grant monies.
“Students will design a poster using a computer program that asks and answers their question,” she said. “The posters will be added to the school’s website.”
Other classes, families, and the community will be invited to the Virtual Health Fair by visiting our school’s website.
“The expected outcomes are an increased understanding of important health issues, the embedding of research skills,” she said. “This project will also increase awareness of available health resources, especially important as this age group approaches puberty.”