What did you learn this summer?

I learned the importance of taking time off from work to spend more time with family and friends. I spent Mondays at matinees or at the lake with my boys. I jumped on a plane to meet my best friend for her birthday. I learned to make memories.

I learned how to find my zen. It is statistically impossible to spend more time with family and not have arguments, mental breakdowns, and messes (So. Many. Messes). I learned to let it go and to breathe instead of yell. In the words of Doris Day, que sera, sera.

I learned how WE are improving the lives of so many children. I was fortunate enough to attend thefirst annual Active Schools Summit at the University of Northern Colorado. Folks from across the continent attended and we learned from the best. My favorite speaker was Mike Kuczala, author of The Kinesthetic Classroom. If we want administrators, other teachers, families, policy makers to realize the value we bring when we get kids moving, we must talk about the Body Brain Connection. I hope you check out Mike’s 15-minute Ted Talk for simple talking points on the science of how physical activity improves cognition, behavior and overall health. I plan to integrate these messages in every presentation, training and meeting I have, and I hope you do the same. We must learn to communicate the value we bring and the impacts we have.

The Active Schools Summit has me warmed up and excited for the upcoming 2023 SCAHPERD Conference, November 17-19! Brian and the Conference Planning Committee have been hard at work these past 6 months recruiting presenters for another year of quality professional development and networking. While national conferences are a great way to meet new people in a new place, I love our state conference. It feels more like a family reunion every year I attend and I love it when our local teachers and public health professionals get to share their successes with others. I hope to see you all at the beach!

Erica Ayers

SCAHPERD President

Ayersee@dhec.sc.gov

Return to Front Page