About
The mission of the University of Texas Elementary School is three-fold: (1) to develop students into lifelong learners through rigorous, research-based curricula, individualized instruction, high expectations, and a nurturing environment that includes parental and community involvement; (2) to provide opportunities for professional development and outreach for The University of Texas at Austin’s academic units; and (3) to serve as a model of an exemplary educational program for diverse learners.
Our Vision
The vision of the University of Texas Elementary School Wellness Program is to build a community of dedicated families, teachers, companies, and organizations to create an environment that promotes a healthy and active lifestyle and also provides opportunities for students to actively explore the benefits of this way of life.
Components
The Healthy Families Initiative, a coordinated school wellness approach, is intended to promote physical activity participation and healthy nutritional behaviors among students and families. We offer a variety of experiences for our students and families to reach this goal.
Wellness Instructors
Bob ‘Coach K’ Knipe III is one of the revolutionary health and physical instructors at the University of Texas Elementary School. Robert received his Bachelors of Science at Montclair State University where he was recognized as the National Association of Sports and Physical Education (NASPE) Major of the Year. He was then accepted into a graduate program called the Polar Scholar Program. This program, masters in physical education: Teaching with Technology, prepared him to implement the newest technology and techniques into the classroom. The Polar Scholar Program promoted advocacy for healthy lifestyles for not only the children it served in the schools, but also the parents, teachers, administration, public officials, and business owners in the community. This advocacy is based on the principle that schools do not exist independently of the larger community of which they serve. Mr. Knipe is playing his part as a wellness instructor in this demonstration school to show best practices both in the classroom and helping to organize the coordinated approach that is being implemented. To add one of the major pieces of a complete wellness program, Mr. Knipe will be opening the doors of UT Elementary just as they are closing each day to serve the students of UT Elementary School and their families through a pilot program called the WellNest. Mr. Knipe was recognized in the 2010-2011 school year at the University of Texas Elementary School Teacher of the Year.
Contact Bob “Coach K” Knipe
