Darrell Dinneen
John Prasch Health and Physical Fitness Award
About the Award: This award recognizes an educator each year who has made a significant contribution to students' lives by promoting health and physical fitness.
Awarded Amount: $1,000
Nominated By: Julie Ehlers and the other 3rd grade teachers at Sheridan Elementary School.
Briefly describe how this educator has made a difference in peoples' lives by promoting health and physical fitness. Please be as specific as possible concerning the outstanding contribution of the nominee as evidenced by commitment and innovation. Darrell is the heart of our building. When students have trouble focusing in class or modeling positive behaviors, Darrell makes a plan for them to come down to the gym to shoot baskets with him. He also advocates on their behalf for a TeamMate. Other times, he will have students help younger grade levels with the P.E. lesson. This gives them the opportunity to see themselves as leaders instead of trouble-makers. They get the extra attention they need and Darrell is the icing on the cake; working to smooth them into the best versions of themselves.
Darrell helps the whole school improve their health and wellness with fun, motivating challenges. He has earned grants for our school through Fuel Up to Play 60 and has worked with our PTO to provide more recess equipment for each classroom during these unpredictable times.
Darrell takes every opportunity to help kids learn and grow outdoors. He teaches them games that will not only keep them active, but also help them build friendships. He shares his love of wildlife; teaching them about the Mississippi Kites in our Outdoor Classroom. He cheers them on at the Pumpkin Run, Jump Rope for Heart, etc. Darrell is an awesome photographer who captures the joy of happy, healthy kids and shares the prints with our families. The kids know they will always have Mr. Dinneen rooting for them.
You would be hard-pressed to find a kinder, calmer, more motivating physical educator. As Darrell approaches retirement, we want to be sure to celebrate the many contributions he has made as an educator and friend.
