Lisa Curtin

Principal
01095
Phone: (413) 596-9311
599-1742
To Whom It May Concern;

Soule Road School

300 Soule Road

Wilbraham, MA
Fax: (413)

It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation for Mr. Quinn
McKenna. I had the distinct pleasure of being his supervising practitioner January
21, through May 11, 2015 here at Soule Road School in both Health and Physical
Education.
During the spring semester practicum experience, Quinn taught many units in
Physical Education for grades 4 and 5. The units consisted of lessons in basketball,
badminton, lateral rock wall, scooter hockey and jump bands. The lessons that he
taught in Health Education were in nutrition. Quinn assisted and eventually
assumed full responsibility with the instruction in the new bullying curriculum from
the Committee from Children for both grades 4 and 5. This says a great deal about
his ability to deliver lessons in a sensitive area such as bullying. Prior to the start of
the unit in Puberty and Human Development, Quinn assisted me in my parent
presentation.
Quinn began each lesson with an engaging warm up and delivered instruction in a
very enthusiastic manner. He is organized in his lessons and emphasized both
physical and emotional safety for all students. He excels in introducing, modeling,
and creating extensions for new games and activities. Quinn was very attentive not
only to various learning styles but also the special needs of all students. His
interactions with students were always extremely professional and patient.
Because we use the Fitnessgram for physical fitness testing, it was necessary for
Quinn to take part in administering various tests. He has experience in the flexed
arm hang, sit and reach and the Pacer test for both 4 th and 5 th graders.
Quinns patient, empathetic and nurturing style encourages all students to take
risks; therefore, the learning environment he creates is safe, both physically and
emotionally. He connects easily with students as well as the staff. He has shown
great motivation to improve and is well on his way to becoming an excellent
teacher.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you need more information.

Sincerely,
Susan S. Laing, Health and Physical Education
413-519-2777 slaing@hwrsd.org