Carolina Cabe

Position: Physical Education TeacherSchool: Oakland Elementary SchoolSchool District: Spartanburg School District TwoCity, State: Inman, South Carolina
About the Nominee: Carolina Cabe was nominated by her principal, Josh Patterson.Carolina Cabe is not simply a PE teacher; she is an ambassador for educating the whole child. A 27 year veteran of teaching, Mrs. Cabe goes above and beyond in all she does to ensure improved student/faculty/community health and well-being! She deeply understands that health and wellness directly impacts a student's success in school and life! Under Mrs. Cabe's leadership, students at Oakland Elementary School have many opportunities to be physically active.At the start of each day, students are invited to the gym for “Morning Jump Starts.” This daily ritual is co-facilitated by Mrs. Cabe and Oakland's Fitness Ambassadors, a group of 40 fourth grade students who work closely with Mrs. Cabe. Throughout the instructional day, brain breaks are incorporated that allow for movement and an opportunity to regain academic focus. Mrs. Cabe also oversees Oakland's efforts in Walk to School, Jump Rope for Heart, Subway’s Fit for Life Challenge, Fuel Up to Play60 and other various events.To support student nutrition, Fitness Ambassadors are asked to facilitate a weekly mini-lesson for every class within the school. Mrs. Cabe works with the students to plan and prepare the weekly lesson. As a C.A.T.C.H. (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) school, Oakland students and staff constantly speak the language of “Slow, Go, Whoa” foods to encourage habits of proper nutrition. South Carolina may be known for having the third highest obesity rate in the nation, but the Oakland community is working to change this because of Mrs. Cabe's leadership.Over the last four years, Oakland received 1st and 2nd place in their county’s Walk to School events. This recognition is given by Spartanburg’s Partners for Active Living, a local nonprofit organization that encourages and promotes a healthier community. Furthermore, Oakland was named a 2015 “Let’s Move! Active School” for providing at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Additionally, Oakland was recognized as a 2015 National Healthy School by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation in Washington, D.C. The Oakland community is thankful for Mrs. Cabe and her commitment to teach, support,and advocate for the whole child. She truly is a LifeChanger![nominee_videos nominee_email="Carolina.Cabe@spartanburg2.k12.sc.us"]