Kinetic Wellness
KW 2016 Curriculum
*Currently in the Curriculum Review Cycle
The Winnetka Public Schools uses the Understanding by Design approach to curriculum development and documentation. This framework is used to design learning experiences and assessment with the end in mind: student outcomes. The identified student outcomes are categorized into three types: Know, Understand and Do (KUD). Transfer goals and essential questions are also part of the Understanding by Design framework as well. Transfer goals consider how and when students will use the skills, knowledge and understandings learned in particular units to other learning and life experiences. Whereas essential questions are thought-provoking questions that will foster inquiry, meaning-making, and transfer.
To view the transfer goals, essential questions, as well as “KUDs” for this content area, please click the link below. To view the “KUDs” by grade level, please visit the grade level “Curriculum Summaries” in the left-hand menu.
Mission
The mission of the Winnetka Kinetic Wellness department is to maintain a program that fosters growth of the whole child in the physical, cognitive, and social and emotional domains by exposing our students to a wide variety of health, sport, fitness and team-building concepts to instill a love for life-long activity, fitness, and recreation.
Meet the Teachers
Andy Becker- Washburne School
Mr. Becker started teaching in Winnetka in 2008. He has taught at Washburne, Skokie, and Greely Schools over this timeframe. His passion for working with kids started as he worked at a YMCA day camp while in College. He graduated from Grand Valley State University with a BS in Movement Science and minor in Health Education. He later received his Masters from Concordia University in Educational Administration. In addition to teach Kinetic Wellness, Mr. Becker also coaches volleyball, basketball, and track and field at Washburne.
In his free time, Mr. Becker enjoys running, cycling, playing basketball and pickleball, birding, and traveling around the world. He also likes to share his passion for the outdoors with his wife and two children.
Patrick Dunafin- Greeley School
Mr. Dunafin became a member of the Winnetka 36 family in 2022 and has been a kinetic wellness instructor for 20 years and is currently the Head of Aquatics at the Bernard Weinger JCC in Northbrook. Prior to joining Greeley, Mr. Dunafin taught KW for 16 years in Chicago and Wilmette and was also the Director of Athletics at his school. Mr. Dunafin is a native Michigander and graduated from Michigan State University with a BS in Kinesiology and a minor in History. While at MSU, Mr. Dunafin was a Teaching Assistant in the Anatomy Cadaver Lab and for the Adapted Physical Education program. Mr. Dunafin has coached at all levels, high school and lower, for a multitude of sports; Tennis, Basketball, Soccer, Cross Country/Track, Volleyball, Flag Football, etc.
When not at school, Mr. Dunafin, is a “semi-professional” sports/event chauffeur for his three children and keeps active by playing ultimate frisbee, disc golf, golf, tennis, swimming and cycling. He loves to spend time with his family & friends through sports and exercise, hanging out and never turns down a good card or board game.
Candice Florance- Washburne School
Candice Florance has been teaching in Winnetka since 2001 and taught at the highschool level for two years prior to coming to Winnetka. Candice knew since her high school years she wanted to be a KW teacher. Candice attended North Park college and studied Physical Education and minored in Health. Candice also holds a Master degree in Educational Leadership and obtained her Type 75 certificate. Candice regularly presents and attends the IAHPERD Convention to enhance her professional growth. Candice played volleyball, basketball and ran on the track & field team at North Park College. She has coached volleyball at the high school and middle school level and is currently the Cross Country and Track & Field Coach at Washburne Middle School. During her free time Candice volunteers as a Coach for her daughters travel softball team and is a Board member for the Warren Township Girls Softball Organization, she loves to run in races, weight training, plays volleyball in an adult league and loves spending time in her garden.
Mike Hynes- Skokie School
Michael Hynes came to Winnetka in the spring of 1997 and has been working in the district since. Mike has enjoyed working with his 5th and 6th grade students since 2000 when he made the move from Greeley. Mike holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of North Park and a Master’s degree in Leadership from National Lewis University. Mike has a family of 5 and lives in Libertyville, IL. Outside of school, Mike enjoys golfing, watching his kids participate in their activities, and working on a variety of projects.
Tade Kemnitz- Hubbard Woods School
Coach K has been teaching KW in Winnetka 36 since 2018. He has taught at Hubbard Woods, Greeley, and Crow Island. He is currently at Hubbard Woods. Coach K is also a Certified Personal Trainer and coaches wrestling at New Trier. He resides in Wilmette with his wife and three sons.
Coach K grew up in Lebanon, Wisconsin. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Master’s degree in Sports Administration from University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. He enjoys reading, fishing, and spending time with family and friends.
Scott Klipowicz- Hubbard Woods School
Scott came to Winnetka 36 in 1998. He grew up in Rolling Meadows, IL. He attended the University of Evansville for his undergraduate degree (1997) He then went on to receive his Master’s in Curriculum for St. Xavier University in 2001.
Scott also enjoys coaching as he has been asst. varsity baseball coach at New Trier since 2003. Scott also enjoys spending time with his family. Scott has been married to his wife Cherise since 2000. He has three kids Tyler, Camryn, and Chase.
Cassie Mendoza- Crow Island School
Mrs. Mendoza has been teaching KW in Winnetka since 2022. She began her teaching career after graduating from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology in 2015. In her free time, Mrs. Mendoza enjoys playing volleyball, cooking, reading, playing board games, going to musicals, and spending time with her family and dogs.
DeAnna Selander- Washburne School
DeAnna SeLander is a recent graduate of Northern Illinois University where she received a master’s degree in kinesiology and physical education. This fall she will be beginning her first full year of teaching at Washburne. Prior to teaching, Ms. SeLander graduated from Carroll University with a degree in sports management and worked in the sports industry for professional soccer and baseball teams. Ms. SeLander hopes to help develop physically literate students who have the competence and confidence to engage in lifelong physical activity!
Outside of school, Ms. SeLander enjoys staying active by running, weight lifting, playing tennis, and golfing. Ms. SeLander also spends her time coaching cross country and lacrosse, reading, baking and going to country concerts.
Andrea Strening- Skokie School
Mrs. Strening has been teaching KW in Winnetka since 2013. She has taught at every Winnetka Public School except Washburne. Mrs. Strening received her undergraduate degree from Hampshire College in Massachusetts and completed her Masters in Education at UIC Chicago. She loves all games, most sports and uses her experience as a performer and teacher at The Second City to inform her teaching in KW.In her free time Mrs.Strening enjoys swimming, biking, hiking, gardening, movies, vacations with her family and chasing her naughty dog around the neighborhood.
Bob Sweene- Crow Island School
Bob Sweene came to Winnetka in 2000 and teaches Kinetic Wellness at Crow Island School. He grew up in Ohio, pursuing his undergraduate degree at Bowling Green State University and later receiving his Master's in Educational Leadership from National Louis University. Bob takes part in professional development by attending and presenting at the IAHPERD conference yearly.
In his personal life, he has a wife and three kids. His twin boys are studying Business and Marketing at Miami University in Ohio, and his daughter is in High School. When not in the classroom, he enjoys engaging in sports, outdoor activities and spending time with family and friends.
Kate Wilkinson- Greeley School
Mrs. Wilkinson joined the Winnetka kinetic wellness department in 2005. She graduated from Indiana University with a BS in Kinesiology and later completed her MEd from Concordia University in Curriculum and Instruction. In addition to her teaching credentials, Mrs. Wilkinson is also a certified athletic trainer (ATC) as well as a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS). She enjoys sharing her love for movement, and fitness with her students. Mrs. Wilkinson also takes part in professional development for adults through presenting at various conferences and teaching team building courses to peers.
During her free time, Mrs. Wilkinson enjoys staying active through kayaking, running, playing volleyball, and spending time with her husband and two daughters.
Curt Wilson- Skokie School
Mr. Wilson started his teaching career in 1997 in Silvis Illinois at the Silvis public schools. He came to the Winnetka Public Schools in 2000 accepting a teaching position at Greeley School. In 2004 Mr. Wilson accepted a teaching position at Skokie school and has been there ever since. He graduated from Western Illinois University with a BS in Physical education K-12. He received his Masters in Educational Leadership from National Louis University. Mr. Wilson also coaches baseball and golf at New Trier High School.