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  2. Mr. Burke

Mr. Burke

Coach Michael Burke

K-5 Elementary PE Teacher; 7th-grade Health; High School Health

I graduated from Mattoon, IL High School in 1985 where I played football all four years, baseball and basketball my freshman year, and wrestling my sophomore year. I was also member of the Army JROTC program achieving the rank of Cadet Major where I commanded the Firing Detail and lettered on the Infantry Drill Regulation team.

Graduated from Indiana State University in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism. I was member of Sigma Phi Epsilon social fraternity, the Indiana Statesman student newspaper and yearbook. 

I received my elementary teaching certification from Eastern Illinois University in 1995.

I have coached football at the youth, high school and semi-pro levels since 1995. I am currently on staff with the Plow City Horsemen out of Canton, IL 8-man semi pro football team.

Along with teaching, I have assisted coaching softball here at Lowpoint Washburn and run the afterschool weightlifting. As well as 2023 Senior Class sponsor. 

I have 2 daughters, Jessica and Kristin. Jessica and her husband Trevor have 3 children, Allura, Alex and Avaya. Kristin and her husband Dane have their furbabies. 

My favorite quote is an old Irish proverb: “A man never wore a scarf as warm as his daughters arm around his neck.”

Outside of Lowpoint Washburn, I enjoy football – especially the Seattle Seahawks. Any kind of racing, although MotoGP and dirt track racing are my favorites. As well as watching anything Bigfoot related.

 

Contact at: burke@lwcusd21.com

Jessica, Avaya, Alex, Trevor and me
Jessica, Avaya, Alex, Trevor and me
Kristin, Jessica, me and my late Corgi Fiona
Kristin, Jessica, me and my late Corgi Fiona
Me, Kristin and Dane
Me, Kristin and Dane
Coaching with the River Valley Falcons
Coaching with the River Valley Falcons

K-5th Grade PE

Schedule:

4th-grade: 11:05-11:35 am

5th-grade: 11:35am-12:05pm

Kindergarten: 12:55-1:20pm

1st-grade: 1:25-1:50pm

2nd-grade: 1:55-2:20pm

3rd-grade: 2:25-2:50pm

Main Objective: To engage students in physical activity to help foster a healthy active life style as they grow older.

Fitness Gram/PACER: (4th and 5th grades only) will be measuring students in strength, flexibility and aerobic capacity 3 times this year. The first is to establish a baseline, with a mid-line assessment scheduled in to establish improvements and a final assessment in the Spring. 5th-grade scores are reported to the State.

All grades are assessed in multiple categories in regards to Grade Level Outcomes and Illinois State Goals. This achieved through various activities including individual, partner and team sports and activities. 

Sports skills are basic fundamentals to help introduce different sports to all students.

Top Priority is SAFETY. Students are shown how to engage in physical activity in as safe as possible manner.

To help parents understand how I am assessing their students please refer to Grade Level Outcomes

K-5 Grade Level Outcomes

 

7th-grade and High School Health

Main Objective: To help students learn about their overall health as they are growing and changing and becoming young adults.

Many topics covered include Physical Health, Social Health, and Mental/Emotional Health; avoiding risk behaviors such as tobacco, alcohol, and drugs; different functions of the body’s many systems.

One thing we will do is called the “5-Minute Journal”. Students will have a notebook that is kept in class. That they will be asked about various health topics. Their answers do not have to follow correct gramar or spelling standards, but will be a way to introduce the topic of the day. They receive 1 point for answering the question. Both the 7th-grade and high school students will be asked to do this.

For a brief description and schedule of topics to be covered, please see the following 2022-23 school year curriculum guide.

7th-Grade Health

High School Health