More than a Conference!

Often when I hear someone speak about SCAHPERD, they are usually referring to the annual conference we have in Myrtle Beach. For example, “Are you going to SCAHPERD this year?” Yes, the conference is always great with exceptional sessions and presenters, and I leave inspired, re-energized and recommitted to being the best teacher I can be.  What I have found is often people only associate SCAHPERD as being just that, only a conference. SCAHPERD is More than a Conference!  We are the state professional organization for health, physical education, and dance teachers!  Our goal is to be the GO-TO professional organization for all of these educators!  

When I reflect on (Hindsight 2020) who we are and what we provide for our members, there is no question, we ARE more than a conference!  SCAHPERD member benefits include $1,000,000 in general liability insurance, which covers all work related activities before, during and after school! It is incredible members do not pay any additional fees to have this insurance policy. Members also get discounted, or often FREE, quality professional development. Professional development in the upcoming months includes: the OPEN Curriculum Workshop at Winthrop University, June 8, the PEAK Workshop at Crayton Middle School, August 5, the SCDancing Festival at Charleston School for the Arts (held March 7^th-8^th), SCAFP workshop, and yes, the 93^rd Annual SCAHPERD Conference in Myrtle Beach, November 13-15. New opportunities include a PALO Sports Workshop in September that is FREE for SCAHPERD members (details forthcoming) and SCAPES webinars (dates and times TBA). For next spring, we are working on doing regional workshops to include pickleball and lacrosse. We continue to actively advocate, contacting and meeting with state officials and legislators. We will continue to update members regarding legislative issues, calls to action and other pertinent information through our website, social media and email blasts. We continue to recognize & award outstanding teachers providing opportunities at the state, district, and national level. There is value in a SCAHPERD membership with these benefits and more to come…we are More than a Conference!

We continue to grow SC FitMe! This educational, fundraising program has expanded to include a number of schools this year, and we saw great success at each program level. The focus of the individual campaigns are to promote a physically active, healthy ME, which impacts my school, my community and my state. This program allows the school to keep 60% of the total funds and gives the schools great flexibility. Schools can choose the type of event they want to have, the incentives they want to give and the non-profit or cause they want to support by donating 10% of the money raised to that organization. Teachers also receive professional development “give back” incentives based on the amount of money they raise. We are already beginning to sign up schools for the 2020-2021 school year.  More information can be found in the SC FitMe section in this newsletter and on the SC FitMe page at www.scahperd.org. Yes…we are More than a Conference!

SCAHPERD members make us who we are. Together, on a daily basis, we positively impact the lives of children and adults to promote physically active, healthy lifestyles. There is no question…WE ARE, More than a Conference! 

Here’s to a healthy, active future,

Kym Kirby

SCAHPERD, Executive Director

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