![Meet the P.E. Teachers]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1696528993/ravenscroft/n3xfv2tosd3xvysy9plw/FIT_Collage_V23.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1696528993/ravenscroft/n3xfv2tosd3xvysy9plw/FIT_Collage_V23.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1696528993/ravenscroft/n3xfv2tosd3xvysy9plw/FIT_Collage_V23.jpg","width":650}])
- Fit
In addition to the curriculum, which is aligned with Ravenscroft’s broader mission and places an emphasis on lifelong habits of health and wellness, the department’s work is grounded in Lead From Here.
The members of the Ravenscroft Physical Education Department spend their days teaching skills and mindsets around health and wellness that our Ravens will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Department co-chair David Myers said their work is grounded in a statement of philosophy that he summed up this way: “To have our students foster a love for fitness and wellness. We want to give them an activity to help them develop skills for the rest of their lives.”
“We are invested in what they do on campus and off campus,” co-chair Roxane Roberts added. “Whether their passion is gymnastics, horseback riding or cheerleading, we hope they feel supported.”
And while these teachers have a lot of fun doing this important work with their students, it’s more than just playing games. In addition to the curriculum, which is aligned with Ravenscroft’s broader mission, vision and values and places a strong emphasis on lifelong habits of health and wellness, the department’s work is grounded in Lead From Here — what Myers called “the heart of the mission of the P.E. Department. Every day we utilize these important characteristics in our curriculum to give our Ravens the foundations they need to succeed.”
The department’s 13 members comprise both veteran Ravenscroft educators and a few brand-new faces. Here, they share with us some fun facts about themselves — and the reasons they love to do what they do every single day.
Clockwise from top left: Sophia Armstrong Cole ’11 demonstrates a ligamentous stress test with Josh Shepherd ’24 and other students in her Sports Medicine II class last spring; using a lollipop paddle, Rhonda Landwehr demonstrates a tennis stroke to students in her fourth-grade P.E. class; Upper School P.E. teacher Jim Gibbons works with students during their unit on orienteering.
Jump To
David Myers
Teaches: PreK through third-grade P.E.
Coaches: Junior varsity field hockey
Where did you attend college, and what were you like as a student?
West Virginia University. I was focused and driven to succeed. Since I was a little older than most of my classmates, I felt like a mentor at times.
How long have you been at Ravenscroft?
This is my 19th year.
What do you love about teaching Physical Education and/or being a coach?
Seeing kids accomplish things they never imagined were possible. I also enjoy the challenge of every day being different and being able to implement a “Plan B” at a moment’s notice.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
The ability to teleport.
David Myers
Roxane Roberts
Teaches: PreK through third-grade P.E.
Coaches: Junior varsity field hockey and Middle School girls basketball; mentor for Student Athlete Leadership Training
Where did you attend college, and what were you like as a student?
Ithaca College. Jim Gibbons and I went to school there at the same time. He played football, I played basketball. I was energetic!
How long have you been at Ravenscroft?
Twelve years.
Who or what inspires you?
My family.
What is your favorite movie?
“The Sound of Music.” It brings me memories of my family getting together and watching it together. It’s not the movie itself, but it has so many great memories attached to it, and that’s why I like it. “The Sandlot” is also a favorite because it reminds me of my middle school experience. I am still friends with my team from middle school, and I have kept in touch with my coach.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
The ability to make myself taller like Ant-Man and stretch far like Elastagirl.
Department co-chairs David Myers and Roxane Roberts
Roxane Roberts
Meegan Horn
Teaches: First- through fifth-grade P.E.
Coaches: Varsity field hockey and varsity lacrosse (assistant)
Where did you attend college, and what were you like as a student?
I attended Roanoke College and got my master’s in teaching at Manhattanville College. I was a high-energy, competitive student who loved to ask questions.
How long have you been at Ravenscroft?
This is my second year.
What do you love about teaching Physical Education and/or being a coach?
The thing I love most about teaching P.E. is the wide range of ages we teach. I love being able to teach the younger students and eventually get to coach them as they get older.
What is your favorite book or movie?
My favorite book is “To Kill a Mockingbird” and my favorite movie is “Miracle.”
Do you have any advice for future coaches or P.E. teachers?
My future advice for coaches and PE teachers is to have fun and embody joy in what you do. I feel like we have the best job and the most fun doing what we do — so if we show that to our students in how we teach and coach, then they will do the same!
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
I would be able to teleport anywhere in the world whenever I wanted.
Meegan Horn
Brittany Schutte
Teaches: Fourth- and fifth-grade and Middle School P.E.
Coaches: Varsity cross country (assistant), Middle School girls basketball and varsity baseball (assistant); mentor for Student Athlete Leadership Training
Where did you attend college, and what were you like as a student?
University of Florida. I was a quiet student and would do my best to earn A’s.
How long have you been at Ravenscroft?
This is my third year.
What do you love about teaching Physical Education and/or being a coach?
Sports have played a huge role in shaping who I am today. The most rewarding part about being a teacher/coach is seeing your student-athletes overcome challenges.
Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by the students I get to teach each day and seeing their growth over the years.
What is your favorite book or movie?
My favorite movie is “The Incredibles.”
Do you have any advice for future coaches or P.E. teachers?
Create connections and relationships with your student-athletes that allow them to not be afraid to fail.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation — the idea of being able to be/go anywhere you want instantly seems pretty awesome to me.
Meegan Horn and Brittany Schutte
Brittany Schutte
Greg Long
Teaches: First- through fourth-grade P.E. and eighth-grade P.E.
Coaches: Junior varsity football and junior varsity baseball
Where did you attend college, and what were you like as a student?
I first attended Louisburg College and then transferred to UNC-Greensboro. I enjoyed the college experience, but I also did well in my classes. This surprised me at first because many of our science and anatomy classes were the same for P.E. majors as pre-med majors. I was surprised, not because I didn’t think I could do it, I just knew I had to budget my time and study some every night. I also had some really good study partners!
How long have you been at Ravenscroft?
This year I start my 40th year.
What do you love about teaching Physical Education and/or being a coach?
Being able to teach and coach young people and see them improve and observe the “aha” moments when they get it!
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
The power of flight.
Greg Long
Rhonda Landwehr
Teaches: Fourth- and fifth-grade P.E. and Middle School P.E.
Coaches: Junior varsity cross country
Where did you attend college, and what were you like as a student?
St. Cloud State University and University of St. Thomas, both in Minnesota. I was a hard worker and a perfectionist.
How long have you been at Ravenscroft?
This is my first year.
What do you love about teaching Physical Education and/or being a coach?
Seeing the students learn something new or try something different. It is great to see their eyes light up when they get it.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Teleporting.
Greg Long and Rhonda Landwehr
Rhonda Landwehr
Jeremy Chaitin
Teaches: Fourth- and fifth-grade P.E. and Middle School P.E.
Coaches: Junior varsity volleyball and Middle School boys basketball
Where did you attend college, and what were you like as a student?
UMass-Amherst for my undergrad and Manhattanville College for my master’s. As a student, I was very competitive and always wanted to get ahead.
How do you show your school spirit?
My school spirit is shown in attending our school sporting events and encouraging students to represent the school as athletes as well.
Who or what inspires you?
My inspiration is my little brother, Otis, along with a great support system of friends and family.
What is your favorite book or movie?
My favorite movie is “Forrest Gump” — and it’s not close. Between his loyalty, hard work and persistence, Forrest is the definition of resolute.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
My superpower would be super speed so I can achieve more and relax more, a true win-win.
Jeremy Chaitin
Greg Warren
Teaches: First- through fifth-grade P.E., Middle School P.E. and Upper School Lifeguard Training
Coaches: Varsity boys and girls swimming
Where did you attend college, and what were you like as a student?
UNC-Wilmington. I won the year-end P.E. award my senior year of high school!
How long have you been at Ravenscroft?
Nineteen years.
What do you love about teaching Physical Education and/or being a coach?
Seeing student-athletes improve.
How do you show your school spirit?
I try to go to as many athletic games and fine arts performances as I can.
What is your favorite book or movie?
“Harry Potter.”
Do you have any advice for future coaches or P.E. teachers?
Patience. Everyone is not on the same level, so you have to teach and coach accordingly to get the most out of each student.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Flight.
Greg Warren and Jeremy Chaitin
Greg Warren
Sofia Armstrong Cole ’11
Teaches: Seventh- and eighth-grade P.E. and Upper School Sports Medicine I and II
Head athletic trainer
Where did you attend college, and what were you like as a student?
I attended UNC-Chapel Hill for undergrad and East Carolina University for graduate school. You could probably ask my teachers who still work here [what kind of student I was in high school]! I was a dedicated student who spent a lot of time studying. I was involved in the Key Club and school musicals.
Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by the possibility of shaping the course of someone's life. My life has been impacted by many of the teachers I’ve had, and I hope to do the same for my students.
What is your favorite book or movie?
I love all of the books written by Jodi Picoult. My favorite movie is “Pitch Perfect.”
Do you have any advice for future coaches or P.E. teachers?
Do what you love to do! It will still be work, but you will enjoy doing it.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
X-ray/MRI vision. It would be so helpful as an athletic trainer to be able to see injuries this way to help with my evaluation and treatment!
Sofia Armstrong Cole ’11
Sean Thomas
Teaches: Upper School Sports Medicine I and II
Athletic trainer
Where did you attend college, and what were you like as a student?
North Carolina Central University. I was a hard worker in my classes.
How long have you been at Ravenscroft?
Seven months.
What do you love about teaching Physical Education and/or being a coach?
I like teaching new things to students that can help them in the future. I’m not a coach, but I love being an athletic trainer. I enjoy helping athletes return from injury back to competition.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Time travel.
Sean Thomas and Sophia Armstrong Cole ’11 (with training room resident Indiana Bones)
Sean Thomas
Mike Rice
Teaches: Upper School Fitness Education I and II
Athletic trainer
Where did you attend college, and what were you like as a student?
I did my undergraduate work at James Madison University and my graduate work at the University of South Carolina. In high school, I was a student-athlete and played soccer and lacrosse. I was a respectful and motivated student in class. I excelled in science classes and discovered my passion for sports medicine/athletic training my sophomore year.
How long have you been at Ravenscroft?
This is my third year at Ravenscroft.
What do you love about teaching Physical Education and/or being a coach?
I enjoy teaching students the basics and more advanced points of fitness and weight training. It is a skill that they can carry with them in life that can help them achieve or maintain their personal and physical goals. As an athletic trainer, I love building professional and trusting relationships with student-athletes and educating them on injuries and injury prevention and rehabilitation.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Super healing powers
Mike Rice
Frank Regalbuto
Teaches: Sixth- and seventh-grade P.E. and Upper School P.E.
Coaches: Varsity football (assistant) and junior varsity baseball (assistant)
Where did you attend college, and what were you like as a student?
SUNY Cortland for my bachelor’s in Physical Education and SUNY Brockport for my master’s in Health Education. As a middle school student, I was slightly more rebellious than I care to admit. In elementary school and high school, I was a great student. Academics didn’t come easy to me (except for math), but I worked hard and did what I had to do in order to get good grades. Socially, I was a very outgoing person willing to hang out with anyone and everyone.
How long have you been at Ravenscroft?
I am in my third year at Ravenscroft.
What do you love about teaching Physical Education and/or being a coach?
I love teaching Health and P.E. because the knowledge, skills and abilities will truly last a lifetime. I love coaching because it allows me an opportunity to see the students in a different light, one which they have a passion for. Additionally, this provides me an outlet to further instill life lessons through sport.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
If I could have any superpower, it would be the ability to fly.
Jim Gibbons, Frank Regalbuto and Mike Rice
Frank Regalbuto
Jim Gibbons
Teaches: Upper School P.E.
Coaches: Varsity football and varsity baseball coach; lead mentor for Student Athlete Leadership Training; Assistant Athletic Director
Where did you attend college?
I earned a B.S in Exercise Science at Ithaca College and an M.S. in Student Personnel Administration at Buffalo State College.
How long have you been at Ravenscroft?
Sixteen years.
What do you love about teaching Physical Education and/or being a coach?
The opportunity to pay it forward to current students and athletes.
What is your favorite book or movie?
I enjoy watching sports with my kids — hockey with my son, Ward ’34, and Women’s World Cup with [wife and Ravenscroft Sports Hall of Fame member] Liz ’96 and daughters, Weezie ’30 and Libby ’30.
Do you have any advice for future coaches or P.E. teachers?
Invest your time. Don’t spend it.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
The ability to predict the future.
Jim Gibbons
Longtime P.E. teacher and head junior varsity football coach Greg Long talks to his team earlier this season.
Physical Education Departmental Philosophy
Faculty in the Physical Education Department work toward shared goals that are captured in this philosophy statement:
The Ravenscroft Lower School Physical Education program fosters the development of positive attitudes, encourages active participation, develops problem-solving skills and provides children of all abilities and interests a foundation of movement experiences that will lead to active and healthy lifestyles.
By the end of Lower School, a student should be able to:
- Demonstrate developmentally mature form in fundamental movement skills: locomotor, non-locomotor and selective manipulative skills.
- Demonstrate applications combining locomotor, non-locomotor and selective manipulative skills to accomplish developmentally appropriate play and fitness activities.
- Demonstrate basic skills to be applied to activities and games.
- Recognize the benefits of exercise.
- Develop a positive self-image through personal participation in Physical Education activities.
- Develop an understanding of responsible citizenship, a sense of fair play and acceptable social behavior through participating in a variety of activities.
The Ravenscroft Middle and Upper School Health and Physical Education program provides students with the knowledge and practice of fitness principles, sports skills and personal wellness.
A Middle and Upper School Physical Education student should:
- Develop a positive attitude toward lifetime wellness.
- Have a desire and an understanding of how to achieve personal fitness.
- Acquire developmentally appropriate skills, rules and strategies that can be applied to activities, games and sports.
- Develop an understanding of responsible citizenship, a sense of fair play and acceptable social behavior through participating in a variety of activities.