Woodstock or Woodcock

The first thing to look at is the movie itself. It is meant to either bring
controversy or millions of dollars in revenue. The actors are prime time
with many accolades from past performances. Now , why can't PE be perceived
the same way.That is , what are our past performances? Will thousands of
students come in droves to "watch" our PE class ? What was presented? Was
there an exemplary DIRECTOR (PE teacher) ? Was there an exemplary EDITOR (
developmentally appropriate lessons) ? Was there a PRODUCER , who could
develop an interesting movie(class) so the students would beg for more and
can't wait for the next MOVIE(class).
In my case , all I could remember was paddle ball , a Marine Fitness Test
and throwing things at people.(tennis balls). At that point , I didn't mind
because I was swift of foot and hid behind all the obese students( not
really). Most of us walked to school or between buildings in the snow , in
the rain and any inclement weather. There were NO law suits because we got
wet or the conditions were sub par. We just went through the paces . When we
had to talk to somebody we did and that was without the ubiquitous cell
phone .
Yes, times have changed , but unfortunately , the way "gym" class is
perceived has been better , but the sins of the past still lurk over us. I
can feel and see the difference the moment I retired . The leadership has
waned terribly, in fact , in one short year , there are no more special
programs( Gym Show and Junior Olympics), no more staff meetings , and no
more school subject that has fallen by the way side in respect. As mentioned
in the past Woodcock message , "the same people are doing most of the work ,
a small group ." There are heaps of us from the listserv, but even more who
are picking up paychecks for doing absolutely nothing . Whether it be the
emphasis on testing , large classes , leadership or the occasional movie
(Dodgeball) , the bottom line is public relations from within . And that
means results . What will the teachers of today prove that we belong in the
same breath as the core subjects or at least , a different attitude of what
we teach is as important as anything else.
Yes, Woodcock will bring the movie-goers a good chuckle. Susan Sarandon and
Billy Bob will act their way through a drab movie . But amidst the popcorn ,
juju-bees, Raisenettes , licorice , cheeseburger , M&M's ,will be a diet
Coke( that cracks me up) will be a BELLY laugh . The trailer for the movie
is probably the best part of the celluloid cunundrum. Throw in some sexual
innuendoes and you have the perfect movie . It's only a movie and far beyond
the ratings, we must then invite teachers , school board , Principal
parents ,etc. to see what really goes on in P.E. class. Woodstock changed a
whole genre of thinking .Why can't we make our own movie ? It will be on
display everyday in our classes. I can remember inviting the Principal into
my classes at any time of day.It became apparent that something different
and special was taking place. In fact , it was so moot , that when she
evaluated my class( 2 times a semester),she stayed for only 15 minutes. From
there, the word was spread to other administrators. The teachers knew I was
using part of their units as integration, the parents knew I volunteered for
everything , the school board knew what (we) did was important.The students
performed for them at their meetings. The community knew when they went to
the annual Gym Show . The newspaper subscribers knew when they saw us on the
front page of the local paper. The students knew ,too. I saw it in their
eyes , felt it in their body language and most importantly , I heard it in
their voices," Do we have to leave now , can we stay here all day." The
credits roll by and a heap of names are mentioned , but the story doesn't
end here , please look for the sequel , it's all about YOU . Who will be the
next Cecil B. DeMille?
Gerry Cernicky
http://igreen.tripod.com/gerpe