Louise Elston gets the ultimate sense of satisfaction when she goes through the cafeteria line at Margaret Mead Elementary and she sees her teaching in action.
“They watch my plate,” said the physical education teacher, of her students. “’Mrs. Elston, look I’m getting spinach, I’ve got peas here, what are you getting?’ They get the connection, it’s great.”
It’s that passion for health education that earned her recognition last Friday when she received the 2012 Lake Washington PTSA Council award for Outstanding Educator. She was the lone selection of the district’s 31 elementary, 13 junior high and nine high schools.
“I felt so honored, I love my job and it felt so special to be recognized for something you enjoy doing,” said Elston, who has been at the school that last nine years. “It was very much a surprise.”
Several of Elston’s accomplishments were highlighted, including being the driving force behind the school’s annual Walk-a-thon fundraiser. She not only played a key role in the planning of the second-year event, but also created the entire obstacle course.
Elston also organized a running club nine years ago — something she volunteers for after-school and recess time without any compensation. The club has continued every year, running in the fall and spring. There are often 100 or more kids involved in the program, which ends with a “fun run” against other Plateau schools.
Among other innovative programs, Elston has helped organize a monthly fitness calendar, a food calendar, a healthy snack contest and is in the process of developing a family fitness night.
“Louise has really helped to develop a culture focused on good health at Mead,” principal Sandy Klein said. “Not only do the students hear her message at school, they are encouraged to keep daily logs at home tracking health and fitness habits. She communicates frequently with the parents of her students, integrating lessons at school with practice and parent support at home.”
Elston also co-chairs the Student Advisory Council, which implemented a school recycling program that drastically reduced the amount of garbage produced by the school. The SAC is currently pursuing participation in the Sparrow Club, which the pairs up with Children’s Hospital to provide support to sick children and their families.
Elston certainly has no trouble staying busy, but it’s the satisfaction from her daily duties as a P.E. teacher that she always comes back to.
“It’s the best feeling because you get to connect what you’re teaching to what they’re going to apply to their daily lives,” she said. “It’s really a fun job.”
