Michael Capers, a physical education teacher at Beauvoir Elementary School, has been named one of 10 recipients of a $1,000 grant from the Mississippi Power Education Foundation.

Coach Capers introduced Dance-Dance Revolution by incorporating technology and the Wii system. He worked with the school nurse to promote Health Awareness Week, scheduling activities to teach students about the food pyramid and how to design healthy meals, incorporate exercising for physical fitness, and practice yoga techniques with meditation.

Coach Capers also created a walking track around the playground area so that students are able to use the track during recess.

“His push to truly build the physical education plan is being implemented in a positive, fun fashion,” said Dr. Melanie R. Nelson, principal at Beauvoir: “Students look forward to attending physical education and Coach Capers does a great job daily improving instruction the way it is designed according to the state department.”

Nelson also said that Capers uses movement to teach direction, counting, discipline, and health. Students develop motor skills and movement patterns. Students are also taught how to take personal responsibility for living a healthier lifestyle. In addition, he develops their social behavior to teach self-respect and motivation.

Outside of physical education, Coach Capers assists the computer lab teacher with the school news station. He creates commercials and interviews with students. His best creations were videos from the events of Dr. Seuss week and the Great Turkey Race in 2008.

To see photos from the grant presentation and to learn more about Beauvoir Elementary School, click here.