#AdaptedPE Newsletter 13 (Week of 11/4/2024)

Welcome to the Adapted PE Newsletter! This weekly resource is designed to inspire and equip you with innovative teaching strategies, practical tools, and the latest trends in adapted physical education. By subscribing, you’ll gain access to curated content that makes your work easier, from engaging activities to equipment recommendations and professional development opportunities. Whether you’re looking for new ideas or ways to enhance your students’ experiences, this newsletter will keep you informed, motivated, and ready to make a positive impact. Subscribe now and stay connected all year long!

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Teacher Spotlight: Melissa Orgera

This week, we’re excited to spotlight Melissa Orgera, who was recently awarded the 2024 Maryland Adapted PE Teacher of the Year! Melissa, a dedicated educator in Howard County, Maryland, is known for her creativity in making physical education accessible and enjoyable for students of all abilities. She frequently shares her brilliant adaptations on Twitter, inspiring others in the field to enhance inclusion in their programs.

Contents

Teacher Spotlight: Melissa Orgera Adapted PE News Assistive Technology in Adapted P.E.Talking Adapted PE Podcast: Jenn Heebink Talks Unified PE Professional Development Earn Your Master’s Degree in Adapted PE – UNH & UW-La Crosse Programs!2024 Adapted PE Conferences:2025 Adapted PE Conferences:APENS Study Group for CAPE Certification:Support and Stay Connected Support Our Site with Super Cool Merch!Stay Connected Newsletter Archive

Join us in congratulating Melissa and follow her on Twitter @morgera10 to see some of her fantastic ideas!

So proud of our member @morgera10 for being named the 2024 @SHAPEMaryland #AdaptedPE Teacher of the Year!!!

That's our former president Katie Prichard, her district supervisor, celebrating with her! pic.twitter.com/ml9e6ccnh1
— MAPEC (@MAPEC_Members) October 28, 2024

This student is working on dribbling a soccer ball using small taps with the insides of his feet while using his wheelchair and participating in a group activity with his peers. #PhysEd #adaptedPE #inclusion pic.twitter.com/zOiP5jH7DP
— Melissa Orgera (@morgera10) November 22, 2019

With a bowling ramp, baseball bats, noodles, and some tape, this student is able to kick a soccer ball with the inside of his foot with greater force to send it to a partner or target. #PhysEd #adaptedPE #inclusion pic.twitter.com/V2IItsDQp9
— Melissa Orgera (@morgera10) December 9, 2019

This student with cerebral palsy is working on his upper body and grip strength by climbing under equipment with the help of connected scooters while using the Whittle climbing equipment. He loved participating in climbing like his peers! #physed #AdaptedPE #inclusion pic.twitter.com/dI0iaaOkr4
— Melissa Orgera (@morgera10) January 16, 2020

Adapted PE News

Stay informed with the latest news, professional development opportunities, and research advancements in the world of Adapted Physical Education.

Assistive Technology in Adapted P.E.

This week, I’m excited to be presenting for the first time with Nicole McCoy (@NMcCoy_APE) and Jeff Watkins (@LongviewAPE) at the SHAPE Pennsylvania Conference on November 7-8! Our session will dive into Assistive Technology in Adapted PE, where we’ll explore tech tools and strategies that support inclusive learning for all students.

Don’t forget! If you’re looking for a great conference to attend with a wonderful group of people and lineup of professionals, @SHAPE_PA is happening Nov 7-8. Come hang with @LongviewAPE @DigitTheAPE at our session on Assistive Tech in APE!🔌〰️🔴https://t.co/TjOdmTSddg pic.twitter.com/UxoyajFtHf
— Nicole McCoy (@NMcCoy_APE) October 17, 2024

I encourage you to wait. Believe in the power of wait time for our students. Believe that they CAN do it and don’t jump in just because it’s not happening fast enough. This is effort and hard work for some… honor the time it takes because the ability is there! #AdaptedPE pic.twitter.com/3jo3KxJZUW
— Nicole McCoy (@NMcCoy_APE) October 28, 2024

I’ll also be leading a second session, Just Adapt It, which will focus on non-tech adaptations with plenty of practical ideas and resources that APE teachers can use right away. If you’re in the area, come join us for some engaging discussions and hands-on tips!

Talking Adapted PE Podcast: Jenn Heebink Talks Unified PE

This week we have 2023 National Teacher of the year, Jen Heebink, from Minnesota. I first connected with Jen during Covid when we shared resources back and forth. Jen’s passion comes through in this episode, especially when discussing Unified PE. Enjoy the show!

Chris Ahrens 1 · Episode 5 – Jen Heebink and Unified P.E.

Professional Development

Stay up to date with the latest workshops, training sessions, and resources designed to enhance your skills and knowledge in Adapted Physical Education. Explore opportunities for growth, learn new strategies, and connect with experts to continue improving your teaching and support for all students.

Earn Your Master’s Degree in Adapted PE – UNH & UW-La Crosse Programs!

Looking to further your education in Adapted Physical Education (APE)? Two fantastic opportunities are available for Fall 2025!

University of New Hampshire (UNH) is offering a fully funded Master’s in APE for Fall 2025, covering tuition, conferences, books, and more.
➡️ Apply now!
For more information, contact Scott McNamara at Scott.McNamara@unh.edu.
UW-La Crosse is seeking 5-6 students to join their 4-semester, face-to-face Master’s in APE program starting in mid-June 2025. This program offers excellent hands-on experience working with children with disabilities, and financial support through graduate assistantships. Students can earn $21,500, plus up to $13,000 in non-resident tuition waivers for out-of-state students.
➡️ Watch this 2-minute video to learn more
For inquiries, contact Dr. Brock McMullen at bmcmullen@uwlax.edu.

Don’t miss these incredible opportunities to advance your career in Adapted PE!

2024 Adapted PE Conferences:

Conference Name	Date	Location	Link
North Texas APE Conference	November 7-8, 2024	Richardson, TX	Link
SHAPE PA State Conference	November 7-8, 2024	Manheim, PA	Link
Virginia AHPERD 87th Annual Convention	November 8-10, 2024	Virginia Beach, VA	Link
Tether Conference (Physical Activity for Visual Impairments)	November 15, 2024	Kutztown University, PA	Link

2025 Adapted PE Conferences:

Conference Name	Date	Location	Link
National Adapted PE Conference (with CAHPERD)	January 22-25, 2025	Pasadena, CA	Link
Fairfax County’s Fourth Annual Adapted P.E. National Conference	February 2025 (Exact Date TBD)	VIRTUAL	TBD
Colorado Adapted Physical Education Conference	May 18-20, 2025	Mt. Princeton Hot Springs, CO	Link
JMU CTA Adapted PE Conference	June 23-27, 2025	James Madison University, VA	Link
NCPEID Annual Conference	July 14-16, 2025	Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport, Arlington, VA	Link
Minnesota Annual Adapted PE Conference	October (Date TBD), 2025	Minnesota	Link

APENS Study Group for CAPE Certification:

The study group uses gamification for review, rotating standards each month. Attendees will receive a Quizzizz for future study. The remaining Fall semester dates are November 11, and December 9, with sessions held at 5:30 pm PST / 8:30 pm EST. The group is hosted by CSU Long Beach Project CAPE and UW-LaCrosse Scholars.

Join via Zoom: https://csulb.zoom.us/j/85372672032.

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Thank you for taking the time to read our Adapted PE newsletter! Your dedication to creating inclusive and engaging physical education experiences is what makes our community so strong. We’re always looking to collaborate and would love to feature your innovative ideas and success stories in future editions. Together, we can continue to improve and inspire each other. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an update, and let’s keep the conversation going!

Teacher Spotlight: Melissa Orgera