“A good PE coach builds connections and relationships. I’m with these kids five, six years. I try to be a ray of sunshine in their life.”
It’s not about wins and losses. It’s how you play the game. We could all learn a thing or two from Clear Spring Elementary School PE Coach Michele May. She plays the game the right way, and her students are better for it.
“My philosophy is: It’s my job to help you be strong physically, mentally and emotionally,” said Coach May. “I’m real close to my families. When I call a parent, I want them to trust me and know I love their child and I’ll do right by them.”
Coach May has been a ray of sunshine at Clear Spring for the past 11 years. Trust has been paramount to her success. So has conversation. She’s determined to meet the kids where they are. There’s Star Wars memorabilia and posters in the gym. There are also cool down spots for students who need to take a break. Coach May also loves to throw around a conversation cube with fun ice breakers to help build connections. There’s also Fun Family Fitness Nights.
“I do a Fun Family Fitness once a month. I’ve done it since I’ve been here, 11 years. The first one I’ll never forget. Eight people showed up. Now we hit well over 100 each time. Connection. That’s what it’s all about.”
There’s no shortage of good things going on in Coach May’s gym. Her newest initiative is called Pride Tickets. If a student shows great love for their teammate or school by helping, encouraging or going beyond normal expectations, they can earn a ticket. The more tickets earned, the more chances each student has to be celebrated and even recognized during the campus Synergy Rally.
Thank you, Coach May, for building connections and inspiring campus pride #theNEISDway.
