Gone Phishing at SRHS

And for Credit, Too!

By Mary Waterman

Something new is being added to the physical education program at South Roaylton School.

They’re calling it "Physh Ed."

Fly fishing, fly tying, spin casting, and ice fishing will all be added to the physical education program at the school, thanks to the vision of PE teachers, Jeff Thomas and Jim Hewitt, and a national grant award.

This summer Thomas was selected to attend a week-long training at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City. The school also received a $3500 grant to help purchase fishing equipment. It is hoped that donations will also supplement the program.

The award letter stated, "Congratulations on being selected to be part of a unique group of educators across the country that will bring exciting new learning opportunities to their students through fishing and boating! We are very excited to have you on the team!" Among the 90+ teachers selected, Thomas was the only Vermont educator to receive the award.

During the free training in Michigan, the teachers worked on conservation activities and developing student lesson plans, plus gained skills in teaching fly casting, fly tying, spin casting, and paddling. Mr. Thomas returned excited about the potential of this new program. Plus, he caught some big fish, made new friendships, and gained excellent contacts for sport fishing and boating.

Hewitt was enthusiastic. "We’re focusing on a lot of outdoor education," he said of the phys ed department. "This is the Green Mountain state—let’s get the kids outdoors."

In addition to learning how to catch fish, the students will learn about aquatic life, fishing ethics, different kinds of bait, water and ice safety, releasing fish and cleaning fish. They will also learn the fine art of tying lifelike flies.

Thomas gave credit for the idea to Lincoln Clark of South Royalton, an experienced fly fisherman who contacted Scientific Anglers/3M of Michigan, resulting in the donation of 15 fly rods, reels, lines, and leaders. Cabela’s donated five fly-tying kits and further discounts. Trout Unlimited via Ron Rhodes also donated 10 fly rods.

He also gave Ted Rogers of South Royalton credit as a "huge influence in introducing me to fishing and to Principal Shaun Pickett who has been a great advocate of outdoor education, from teaching skeet shooting to hosting the Bert Snow Annual Fishing Trip for 20 years."

The Physh Ed National Fishing and Boating Education Initiative is the result of cooperative sponsorship by the Future Fisherman Foundation, the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education. The purpose of this initiative is to enable schools to incorporate new and/or improved fishing and boating programs into the physical education curriculum.

Thomas acknowledged that the grant award is a great start, but to effectively educate over 100 students annually will require assistance via donations. Contact Jeff Thomas if anyone can donate supplies or time, or if you know of someone with resources to offer. He can be reached at jthomas@sroyalton.k12.vt.us or 763-7740 x212.