what teachers say . . .

Hear from teachers who have taught their students in "Fishing in Schools"

FROM MINNESOTA (lAND OF 10,000 LAKES)...
This is what we call "The Horner Corner"
FROM THE WEST...
"I was very impressed with the lesson plans and activities. This course was definitely designed by educators who understand how a student learns. I'm very excited to start teaching this in the fall. Also, every email/question was promptly answered. Thank you." June, 2022 Phil Orbell NFSP Cast A Fly, Catch A Student Level 1 Teacher Riverton Middle School, Riverton, Wyoming email: porbell@fremont25.org Course: NFSP Level 1 Cast A Fly, Catch A Student Teacher Training CourseRate course: Very goodExpectations vs outcome: I learned more than I thought I would going inOverall, the course was: Very effectiveCourse navigation was: Clear and conciseAfter the course, I need: Can go on my own from hereCourse length was: About right
FROM THE eAST...
"I think the curriculum was excellent. Also, the assistance from Katie was critical for my first time and her presence had a great impact on the students. Also partnership with Trout Unlimited was key to our success." September, 2013 Wanda Oliver-McKenzie McKinley Technology High School Lanham, Maryland
FROM THE CENTRAL U.S. ...
"I have run a fly fishing program for years. While I have had success on an individual basis with teaching casting, this was the first time that I saw 15 students learn fundamentals of a cast within 45 minutes. I was very impressed! Now that I am certified, I hope to get the purchasing process going to join NFSP. My goal is to start the class this January. I already have 15 students signed up. Please let me know what the next step is." October, 2012 Bryon Borgelt, PrincipalSt. John's Jesuit Academy Toledo, Ohio
from the North Northwest...
"Just wanted to send pix of our F.I.S.H. culminating event that we had for 3rd-12th grades as part of our National Fishing in the Schools Program. Thank you for your guidance and support during the past few years ... next year I plan to move the program down to the Kinders. I will need a ton of parent support, however, I believe I will have it as parents came out in full force to support the F.I.S.H. derby day!! "
May, 2022 Ben England NFSP Cast A Lure, Catch A Student Level 1 TeacherK-12 Fitness and Health SpecialistInchelium SD #70 Inchelium, WA bengland@inchelium.net
from the Northwest...
"My students really enjoyed it, and I cannot wait to roll it out next year with a F.I.S.H. Event involved. It is very comprehensive, and I was able to pick lessons that would fit within my delivery window for my class rotations. It will run much better once we have more than the 12 fishing rods we were provided, so that kids can work in partners instead of larger groups. Thank you for all the support everyone has provided me while wading through the logistics problems. You all made it worthwhile and easy, and the responsiveness was outstanding." June, 2022 Rachel Sullivan NFSP Cast A Lure, Catch A Student Level 1 Teacher Hazel Wolf K-8 Seattle, Washington rasullivan@seattleschools.org
from the Midwest...
"The CALCAS curriculum was very user friendly and engaging for my students. Using this curriculum, ANY teacher (regardless of experience level in fishing) can feel confident enough to teach the basics to their students and provide them a positive fishing experience.
My administrators loved the fact that I could teach all of the lessons indoors during a typical class period. My students loved the challenge each lesson brought. I had a wide variety in my classroom in regards to experience level, but felt that each and every student gained new fishing knowledge from the course. It soon became a fan-favorite...students are looking forward to PE and more fishing experiences to come!"
July, 2022Brandon Siegel Nebraska SHAPE PresidentNFSP Cast A Lure, Catch A Student Level 1 TeacherFullerton Middle SchoolFullerton, Nebraskabrandonsiegelpe@gmail.com
(Gees these are BIG fish! The management.)
An Eastern school district says...
May, 2022 Mark Brandenburger Health, Physical Education Specialist Henrico County Public Schools Henrico, Virginia mabrandenbur@henrico.k12.va.us
Sorta South...
"Last semester was a real eye opener for a lot of my students. They found a lot of success flyfishing in the gym and catching the FishTargets. They absolutely had a blast! A few of my students went to Bass Pro over the Christmas break, bought a fly rod combo, a few flies, took the flies we tied in class and went trout fishing at Meremec Springs. Several of my other students asked for fly tying kits for Christmas. Your equipment kit was the key. With all the tools to turn on students who would otherwise be playing video games. It's great to see a program like this in the schools. I hope more schools across the state and country can find a way to incorporate this course into their curriculum." January, 2012 Jake La Manna Holt High School Wentzville, MO jakelamanna@wentzville.k12.mo.us
Jake La Manna
From a Lifelong fly fisher...
"I have been fly fishing for over 50 years. I have in my video library just about all of the available instructional videos. Your in person demonstration puts all of the videos that I have to shame. I had a great time and really enjoyed all of the presentations. Keep smiling. Thanks again." April, 2010 Dale Smith Dolores High SchoolCortez Colorado
Dale Smith
From aways back...
April, 2010 Bonnie Mendenhall (now retired) NFSP Cast A Fly, Catch A Student Level 1 Teacher Falcon Middle School Peyton, Colorado
Bonnie Mendenhall
From a 1st-Timer...
October, 2022 Stacey Nelson brand new NFSP CALCAS Level 1 Teacher Griffin Elementary School Olympia, Washington
Hi Katie, we have already begun the NSFP curriculum. The kids are LOVING it. Today we were able to do our first day of catch and release. I honestly think the kids would have stayed all day had they not had to go to their next class. SO FUN. Also, the kids made their own practice plugs out of paracord. (See photo) The "lure" was able to slide and land where they were casting and not bounce. Just thought I'd let you know how we modified.
We have a local resident who is allowing my three classes to walk to his house to fish off of his beach into the bay here. The kids can hardly wait. Even though we live near water, most kids have actually never had the chance to fish.
We so appreciate this program. And the parents are thrilled as well and can hardly believe their kids get to do this in school. They all say they wished they had something like this when they were in school.
Thanks for everything,Stacey Nelson
From A Multi-Year Veteran...
May, 2015 Lis Brenden NFSP CAFCAS & CALCAS Level 1 Teacher Lincoln Southwest High School Lincoln, NE
About the Teaching Aids...
"FishTargets are amazing! They make learning how to fish more realistic. They are fun and engaging. FishTargets look so lifelike that it helps with identification of species." May, 2021 Ryan Bierlair NFSP Cast A Lure, Catch A Student Level 1 Teacher Pocahontas Middle SchoolRichmond, Virginia
Ryan Bierlair
Netting a FishTarget
From A seasoned Vet...
"Hi Katie - Was just looking at planning our Fly Fishing unit for this upcoming spring, and forgot that we never connected on this email below…Here are the answers to questions you had for me… (And I have reached out to some past students to answer the questions you had for them.) I will send those along to you when I hear back from them."
Interview questions for Jacob Benson Kinard Middle School, Ft. Collins, Colorado
1. How long have you been teaching “Fishing in Schools”? "Not sure - Maybe 2011?"2. Why did you want to teach a program like “Fishing in Schools? "Fly Fishing is a big passion and hobby of mine, and I wanted to share that passion with my students."3. What makes “Fishing in Schools” a good program? "Gives great curriculum to teach the fundamentals to students. The curriculum kit is amazing and has everything you need."4. How is it unique? "Love the process. From the paracord used to teach knots, to the entomology (learning about bugs), to the identification of fish and flies with the target practice, and the FishTargets are so much fun. We end the unit by partnering with local fly shops that donate flies, a private neighborhood lake near our school that lets us use their water to have a fly fishing field trip!"5. How has it impacted your students? "Some of my students have developed such a passion for this that it has lead them to a profession in the fishing world (Guides, Fly tying… etc) Other students learned a skill they have never tried before, and taught their families. Has bonded families together."6. How has it impacted your teaching? "This makes teaching so much fun for me. I love sharing with parents and future parents of kids at our school what our PE program looks like. I get lots of comments like… “Wait…What?, You have a fly fishing unit?)"7. Do you feel it has effectively met your educational goals? "Yes and this has sparked other passions of mine that I also incorporate into my PE class. Its has also challenged me to learn something new I have never done. (I now also teach archery in PE.)"8. Does it meet standards you are required to teach? "Yes it covers a lot of the Colorado State Standards!"9. Would you recommend the program to other teachers? Why? "YES!!! There is probably a big demographic of students who have never fished. This not only teaches a new skill that they can take with them for a lifetime, but it is so much fun and gets you out of the classroom walls."10. Do you have a story you’d like to share about your experience teaching “Fishing in Schools”?"Part of me, just wants to send you a bunch of pictures and videos just so you can see the look in kids’ eyes when they catch a fish. Also, love the connection that happens when I have parents jump in as volunteers for our field trip! We also now have a fly tying club at our school that meets tonight actually! My favorite stories are the ones that I hear years later. High school, or college age kids that send me pictures and share experiences they have."

what teachers say . . .

Hear from teachers who have taught their students in "Fishing in Schools"

FROM MINNESOTA (lAND OF 10,000 LAKES)...
This is what we call "The Horner Corner"
FROM THE WEST...
"I was very impressed with the lesson plans and activities. This course was definitely designed by educators who understand how a student learns. I'm very excited to start teaching this in the fall. Also, every email/question was promptly answered. Thank you." June, 2022 Phil Orbell NFSP Cast A Fly, Catch A Student Level 1 Teacher Riverton Middle School, Riverton, Wyoming email: porbell@fremont25.org Course: NFSP Level 1 Cast A Fly, Catch A Student Teacher Training CourseRate course: Very goodExpectations vs outcome: I learned more than I thought I would going inOverall, the course was: Very effectiveCourse navigation was: Clear and conciseAfter the course, I need: Can go on my own from hereCourse length was: About right
FROM THE eAST...
"I think the curriculum was excellent. Also, the assistance from Katie was critical for my first time and her presence had a great impact on the students. Also partnership with Trout Unlimited was key to our success." September, 2013 Wanda Oliver-McKenzie McKinley Technology High School Lanham, Maryland
FROM THE CENTRAL U.S. ...
"I have run a fly fishing program for years. While I have had success on an individual basis with teaching casting, this was the first time that I saw 15 students learn fundamentals of a cast within 45 minutes. I was very impressed! Now that I am certified, I hope to get the purchasing process going to join NFSP. My goal is to start the class this January. I already have 15 students signed up. Please let me know what the next step is." October, 2012 Bryon Borgelt, PrincipalSt. John's Jesuit Academy Toledo, Ohio
from the North Northwest...
"Just wanted to send pix of our F.I.S.H. culminating event that we had for 3rd-12th grades as part of our National Fishing in the Schools Program. Thank you for your guidance and support during the past few years ... next year I plan to move the program down to the Kinders. I will need a ton of parent support, however, I believe I will have it as parents came out in full force to support the F.I.S.H. derby day!! "
May, 2022 Ben England NFSP Cast A Lure, Catch A Student Level 1 TeacherK-12 Fitness and Health SpecialistInchelium SD #70 Inchelium, WA bengland@inchelium.net
from the Northwest...
"My students really enjoyed it, and I cannot wait to roll it out next year with a F.I.S.H. Event involved. It is very comprehensive, and I was able to pick lessons that would fit within my delivery window for my class rotations. It will run much better once we have more than the 12 fishing rods we were provided, so that kids can work in partners instead of larger groups. Thank you for all the support everyone has provided me while wading through the logistics problems. You all made it worthwhile and easy, and the responsiveness was outstanding." June, 2022 Rachel Sullivan NFSP Cast A Lure, Catch A Student Level 1 Teacher Hazel Wolf K-8 Seattle, Washington rasullivan@seattleschools.org
from the Midwest...
"The CALCAS curriculum was very user friendly and engaging for my students. Using this curriculum, ANY teacher (regardless of experience level in fishing) can feel confident enough to teach the basics to their students and provide them a positive fishing experience.
My administrators loved the fact that I could teach all of the lessons indoors during a typical class period. My students loved the challenge each lesson brought. I had a wide variety in my classroom in regards to experience level, but felt that each and every student gained new fishing knowledge from the course. It soon became a fan-favorite...students are looking forward to PE and more fishing experiences to come!"
July, 2022Brandon Siegel Nebraska SHAPE PresidentNFSP Cast A Lure, Catch A Student Level 1 TeacherFullerton Middle SchoolFullerton, Nebraskabrandonsiegelpe@gmail.com
(Gees these are BIG fish! The management.)
An Eastern school district says...
May, 2022 Mark Brandenburger Health, Physical Education Specialist Henrico County Public Schools Henrico, Virginia mabrandenbur@henrico.k12.va.us
Sorta South...
"Last semester was a real eye opener for a lot of my students. They found a lot of success flyfishing in the gym and catching the FishTargets. They absolutely had a blast! A few of my students went to Bass Pro over the Christmas break, bought a fly rod combo, a few flies, took the flies we tied in class and went trout fishing at Meremec Springs. Several of my other students asked for fly tying kits for Christmas. Your equipment kit was the key. With all the tools to turn on students who would otherwise be playing video games. It's great to see a program like this in the schools. I hope more schools across the state and country can find a way to incorporate this course into their curriculum." January, 2012 Jake La Manna Holt High School Wentzville, MO jakelamanna@wentzville.k12.mo.us
Jake La Manna
From a Lifelong fly fisher...
"I have been fly fishing for over 50 years. I have in my video library just about all of the available instructional videos. Your in person demonstration puts all of the videos that I have to shame. I had a great time and really enjoyed all of the presentations. Keep smiling. Thanks again." April, 2010 Dale Smith Dolores High SchoolCortez Colorado
Dale Smith
From aways back...
April, 2010 Bonnie Mendenhall (now retired) NFSP Cast A Fly, Catch A Student Level 1 Teacher Falcon Middle School Peyton, Colorado
Bonnie Mendenhall
From a 1st-Timer...
October, 2022 Stacey Nelson brand new NFSP CALCAS Level 1 Teacher Griffin Elementary School Olympia, Washington
Hi Katie, we have already begun the NSFP curriculum. The kids are LOVING it. Today we were able to do our first day of catch and release. I honestly think the kids would have stayed all day had they not had to go to their next class. SO FUN. Also, the kids made their own practice plugs out of paracord. (See photo) The "lure" was able to slide and land where they were casting and not bounce. Just thought I'd let you know how we modified.
We have a local resident who is allowing my three classes to walk to his house to fish off of his beach into the bay here. The kids can hardly wait. Even though we live near water, most kids have actually never had the chance to fish.
We so appreciate this program. And the parents are thrilled as well and can hardly believe their kids get to do this in school. They all say they wished they had something like this when they were in school.
Thanks for everything,Stacey Nelson
From A Multi-Year Veteran...
May, 2015 Lis Brenden NFSP CAFCAS & CALCAS Level 1 Teacher Lincoln Southwest High School Lincoln, NE
About the Teaching Aids...
"FishTargets are amazing! They make learning how to fish more realistic. They are fun and engaging. FishTargets look so lifelike that it helps with identification of species." May, 2021 Ryan Bierlair NFSP Cast A Lure, Catch A Student Level 1 Teacher Pocahontas Middle SchoolRichmond, Virginia
Ryan Bierlair
Netting a FishTarget
From A seasoned Vet...
"Hi Katie - Was just looking at planning our Fly Fishing unit for this upcoming spring, and forgot that we never connected on this email below…Here are the answers to questions you had for me… (And I have reached out to some past students to answer the questions you had for them.) I will send those along to you when I hear back from them."
Interview questions for Jacob Benson Kinard Middle School, Ft. Collins, Colorado
1. How long have you been teaching “Fishing in Schools”? "Not sure - Maybe 2011?"2. Why did you want to teach a program like “Fishing in Schools? "Fly Fishing is a big passion and hobby of mine, and I wanted to share that passion with my students."3. What makes “Fishing in Schools” a good program? "Gives great curriculum to teach the fundamentals to students. The curriculum kit is amazing and has everything you need."4. How is it unique? "Love the process. From the paracord used to teach knots, to the entomology (learning about bugs), to the identification of fish and flies with the target practice, and the FishTargets are so much fun. We end the unit by partnering with local fly shops that donate flies, a private neighborhood lake near our school that lets us use their water to have a fly fishing field trip!"5. How has it impacted your students? "Some of my students have developed such a passion for this that it has lead them to a profession in the fishing world (Guides, Fly tying… etc) Other students learned a skill they have never tried before, and taught their families. Has bonded families together."6. How has it impacted your teaching? "This makes teaching so much fun for me. I love sharing with parents and future parents of kids at our school what our PE program looks like. I get lots of comments like… “Wait…What?, You have a fly fishing unit?)"7. Do you feel it has effectively met your educational goals? "Yes and this has sparked other passions of mine that I also incorporate into my PE class. Its has also challenged me to learn something new I have never done. (I now also teach archery in PE.)"8. Does it meet standards you are required to teach? "Yes it covers a lot of the Colorado State Standards!"9. Would you recommend the program to other teachers? Why? "YES!!! There is probably a big demographic of students who have never fished. This not only teaches a new skill that they can take with them for a lifetime, but it is so much fun and gets you out of the classroom walls."10. Do you have a story you’d like to share about your experience teaching “Fishing in Schools”?"Part of me, just wants to send you a bunch of pictures and videos just so you can see the look in kids’ eyes when they catch a fish. Also, love the connection that happens when I have parents jump in as volunteers for our field trip! We also now have a fly tying club at our school that meets tonight actually! My favorite stories are the ones that I hear years later. High school, or college age kids that send me pictures and share experiences they have."