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Schools

Turkey Creek P.E. teacher focuses on student health

By HELEN ANNE TRAVIS
Published December 30, 2005

Tucked away in a cubby off the gym, Turkey Creek Middle School physical education teacher Tecca Kilmer-Almskog shows off pictures of her students participating in various activities - activities that she spearheaded.

Some are from Olympic Day, an annual event she created that encourages teamwork and fitness, and incorporates FCAT into the physical education program.

The students write essays about the Olympics and create brochures advertising the event, all within FCAT guidelines.

Other pictures are from the Wellness Center, a program she set up to monitor students' health throughout their time at Turkey Creek.

Then there are the pictures from Families Involved Together, or F.I.T., a monthly night inviting parents and the community to get involved in the students' health. Kilmer-Almskog, 34, helped set that up too.

Despite her dedication to the health of her students, the teacher of 11 years said she was surprised when nominated for Hillsborough County's teacher of the year.

"I think it might have been the first time in my life I was truly speechless," said Kilmer-Almskog, who earned her master's degree from USF in adapted physical education.

She said her favorite part of the job is working with the special needs students at Turkey Creek.

"The special needs students are part of the reason I'm here," she said.

Kilmer-Almskog also credits her administration and the familylike atmosphere of the physical education department for her success.

She said she felt that support upon her initial interview at Turkey Creek 11 years ago, and since then, nothing has changed.

[Last modified December 29, 2005, 08:39:05]