Shady Side Academy Junior School physical education teachers Karen DiFiore and Kim Disbrow are teaching golf to students in grades PK-3 using the The First Tee National School Program after receiving training and certification in the program.

The First Tee National School Program provides physical educators with training, equipment and curriculum lesson plans that integrate golf skills, motor skills, core values and healthy habits. The Junior School was fortunate to receive funding for the program through a generous donation from SSA parents Wendy and Spencer '89 Todd and SSA grandparents Jamee and Tom '60 Todd.

Through safe, fun activities, students are learning the basic skills of the lifelong sport of golf: how to hold and swing a club safely, and how to putt, chip and pitch using the putter and wedge clubs.

Each lesson incorporates one of The First Tee Nine Core Values, which parallel SSA's own Guiding Principles: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgement. For example, when students are preparing to practice a golf skill, they must first walk to their "caddie," introduce themselves and shake hands. They then return to the golf tee and prepare to swing, but first ask their caddie if the area is clear. The caddie surveys the area to make sure there are no students who will interfere with his/her swing and respond "clear."

The students take these manners and safety procedures seriously, and athey re doing a great job and having fun learning the game of golf!