Latest news with #DanPalmer
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Local teachers recognized for nature-focused education efforts
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – Four local teachers were recognized by Five Rivers MetroParks for incorporating nature into their classrooms and encouraging students to explore the natural world. The OUTstanding Teacher Awards honored Dan Palmer, John F. Kennedy Elementary; Patricia Lewis, Roosevelt Elementary; Shari Litte, Fairborn Digital Academy; and René Hick, Learning Tree Farm Nature Preschool. 'Nature is so foundational to many of the disciplines that are taught in school, from science to art,' said MetroParks Outdoor Education Coordinator Pam Lyons Gromen. 'The teachers who are making it a priority for kids to experience nature today are ensuring both their students and the environment have a better future.' Dan Palmer, John F. Kennedy Elementary, Kettering City Schools, Lifetime Achievement Award (More than 20 years of teaching experience) Dan Palmer led a trout-raising project for his third-grade students. The kids were able to learn about the life cycle of fish by raising trout from eggs in his classroom. Then, they were able to go on a field trip to release the fish into a local stream. Palmer often creates opportunities for his students to learn about nature, using hikes, field trips and immersive lessons to encourage them to explore. Patricia Lewis, Roosevelt Elementary, Dayton Public Schools, Leader Award (10 to 20 years of teaching experience) Lewis teaches her second graders to appreciate and respect nature by taking them outside as often as possible. Her kids learn about science through gardening. Lewis established a community garden in which students grow fruits and vegetables. This produce is used in lessons and also donated to families within the school. To work around the fact that students are often not in school durning summer, Lewis uses a greenhouse, where students can learn about hydroponic systems. Shari Little, Fairborn Digital Academy, Rising Star Award (Less than 10 years teaching experience) Little is an art teacher and a gardener who brings nature into her students' lessons. Most of Fairborn Digital Academy's core curriculum is online, but students can visit the campus for tutoring and support. Little's garden encourages the students to visit the campus through her gardening class. This class teaches the kids vital life skills. Little's art is based on nature and displayed throughout the school. René Hick, Learning Tree Farm Nature Preschool, Early Childhood Education Award. (Three years teaching experience.) Hick is the first to receive an OUTstanding Teacher Award in the Early Childhood Education category. She is a director and lead teacher at Learning Tree Farm. Her students enjoy nature walks and learn about wildlife. Hick works to support other preschools and share opportunities with them to experience nature. Thousands of new fish introduced to Deer Meadow Pond These teachers were given an awards package containing: Natural educational materials Items for their school's outdoor learning space EECO (Environmental Education Council of Ohio) membership and money to use toward the 101 Conference at Camp Kern. A one-year membership to the James M. Cox, Jr. Arboretum Foundation and transportation for their class for a field trip to Cox Arboretum MetroPark. The OUTstanding Teacher Awards are funded through the James M. Cox, Jr. Arboretum Foundation. Community volunteers, with a background in outdoor education, judge and choose to winners. To learn more about the OUTstanding Teacher Awards, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tahs given harsh feedback ahead of Brumbies battle
World Cup assistant coach Dan Palmer has described the NSW Waratahs' defensive failings as "slow and lazy" with the Brumbies likely licking their lips ahead of their Super Rugby Pacific clash. A low point in the Waratahs' 35-15 loss to Queensland last round came late in the first half when NSW failed to defend the Reds' rolling maul that marched 20 metres down-field for Richie Asiata to score an easy try. Scrum guru Palmer, who worked under Eddie Jones at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and earned one Wallabies cap in 2012, said the players had taken the harsh feedback on board. He was expecting to see a reaction at Allianz Stadium on Saturday night. Unstoppable momentum by the Reds 😤#SuperRugbyPacific | #REDvWAR — Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) March 15, 2025 "We were slow, lazy, and didn't get our roles right," Palmer said. "We addressed it head-on in training, and I expect a far better response this weekend. "The Brumbies are built on a strong set-piece, structured play, and breakdown dominance. "They've had a core group together for a long time, and their fundamentals are excellent. "We know what's coming - it's about how well we prepare for it and how we impose our own game." During his career Palmer played for both the Brumbies and Waratahs and said the Sydneysiders needed to bring an 80-minute performance. NSW currently sit in fifth spot, one behind the Brumbies, who are coming off an impressive win over Fijian Drua. "It's a massive game for both teams," Palmer added. "I know how important it is for both the Brumbies and the Waratahs and we're preparing as best we can to put in a strong performance. "We don't need fire and brimstone early in the week, but we will be up for this one. "The key is bringing controlled aggression and executing our plan." Waratahs flanker Charlie Gamble, who will play his 50th Super match, said the rolling maul try was a "wake-up" for his previously undefeated team. "We reviewed the Reds game, and there were some hard truths," the 28-year-old said. "That rolling maul try was a wake-up call for us as a forward pack. "We've drilled it hard this week, and we won't let that happen again. "After a disappointing loss, you want to respond immediately, and there's no better team to test yourself against than the Brumbies."
