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Page 24 January 2018 The Catoctin Banner Newspaper www.TheCatoctinBanner.com Published by www.EPlusPromotes.com

s C h o o l news

Sarah Palmer and Chris Barnhar t Thurmont Spirit Show Choir Prepares

Receive Awards for “A Stroll Down Memor y Lane”

Theresa Dardanell Theresa Dardanell

Teachers Sarah Palmer and Chris Barnhart were chosen to receive the Photo by Theresa Dardanell
prestigious 2017 Simon McNeely Award from the Maryland Association of
Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (MAHPERD). Palmer has
been teaching PE for twenty years, eleven of those at Emmitsburg Elementary
School. Barnhart, who has been teaching PE for twenty-five years, has been at
Thurmont Primary for seventeen years.
Palmer (pictured right) received this Photos by Theresa Dardanell
award for her creativity and innovation.
In a joint project with the STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering and Math)
teachers in her building, Palmer worked
with fifth grade PE students to design and
build an indoor miniature golf course,
using their STEM skills, together with
the golf skills learned in PE classes. The
golf course is part of the annual field day
activity, which is a community event in
Emmitsburg. She has shared her lesson
ideas and strategies with other Frederick
County Public School (FCPS) PE teachers. Berna LaForce and Thurmont Spirit Show Choir.
She said that the best part of her job is
getting to know the students, watching them grow and be successful, and “...it is The Thurmont Spirit Show Choir during the “Stroll Down Memory
fun to see them try different things and get those aha moments.” (TSSC) is a performing arts group Lane” shows at the Middle School,
Barnhart (pictured left) was chosen for of Thurmont Middle School (TMS) as well as in competitions.
this award for his work on curriculum sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade This year, there are forty
development and leadership in elementary students, who participate in local students in the TSSC. These
physical education. Because Thurmont and regional competitions. They also students must demonstrate good
Primary students are Kindergarten sing and dance during the annual character, keep up good grades, and
through second grade, Barnhart focuses talent show, as well as in the winter be willing to work hard during the
on teaching skills such as kicking, and spring programs at TMS. weekly practices.
throwing, catching, punting, and other The performances have LaForce said that she is
skills related to sports. He also combines themes, such as broadway songs, impressed with the talent of these
vocabulary with PE by teaching the contemporary music, popular music, students. Carrie Payne, one of the
words related to the sports skills they or love songs. To commemorate the presidents of the TSSC booster
are learning. Health and nutrition eighteen years that Berna LaForce, organization, said that, “Berna
lessons include cleanliness, handwashing, TMS music and theater arts director, Laforce goes above and beyond
brushing teeth, and other healthy habits. has been directing the TSSC, the all the time for these children. She
Barnhart said that there are so many group will be performing many of spends so many hours to help these
things he enjoys about his job. He said, “It’s awesome. The students love coming LaForce’s favorite songs and dances kids bring their talent out.”
to PE. Everything you teach them they want to go home and tell mom and dad.
The impact I can have on them is what overwhelms me.”
According to Jamie Hitchner, Curriculum Specialist for Elementary PE and
Health, both Palmer and Barnhart also participate in leadership teams and
staff development with FCPS. He said, “Both Mr. Barnhart and Ms. Palmer
exemplify the outstanding work that our programs accomplish for the benefit of
our students and community.”