Email: karafinney@sbsd.net

About Coach Kara: Throughout my life I have always had a passion for sports and physical activity, whether it be as a participant, spectator, coach, student, or teacher. I was born and raised in Hummelstown, PA and moved to San Diego, CA in 2009. I currently live in Pacific Beach with my fiancé Kevin, our daughter Fiona, and our cat Pumpkin. I provide Adapted Physical Education Service to preschool through 6th grade students at all the school sites within the Solana Beach School District and have been the district's A.P.E. teacher since the 2018/2019 school year. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, being active, going to the beach, traveling, crafting, and going to concerts. 

My Philosophy: My philosophy as an Adapted Physical Education teacher is to provide developmentally age-appropriate and standard-driven physical education to all students, which is designed to suit the child’s individual needs and goals.  The most important lesson I learned during my teaching experiences is that every student has different abilities and needs, and therefore walks a different path to success. My primary goal as an A.P.E. teacher is to help each student find their avenue, and to ultimately build lifelong physical activity skills and health habits. This is achieved by using a variety of different teaching techniques, thus allowing each individual student to grow and learn in his or her own way. 

Links:

• Physical Education Framework for California Public Schools
• National Physical Education Standards
• Adapted Physical Education Guidelines In California Schools
• A Parent Guide to Understanding The CA Physical Fitness Test and FITNESSGRAM

Adapted Sports & Recreation Opportunities Within the Community:

• Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego
• The Miracle League of San Diego
• Top Soccer
• Challenged Athletes Foundation
• Shine Project Foundation
• United States Adaptive Recreation Center
• Surfing Madonna
• The Joy Connection - Programs & Events
• REINS (Riding Emphasizing Individual Needs and Strengths)
• Ivey Ranch Park Association
• Wheelchair Dancers Organization
• Special Olympics Southern California
• Therapeutic Recreation Services