Robbie DePerro
Position: Physical Education Teacher
School: Perry Elementary School
School District: San Diego Unified School District
City, State: San Diego, CA
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Robbie DePerro was nominated by his colleague, Gena Britt.
Coach DePerro’s creativity and passion for his job has enhanced his school community in many ways. He introduced the Running Club for parents and students to run together before school. He has even implemented a digital tracking program to add some competition among classrooms. Coach DePerro further includes parents with, “Dance Fitness Fridays” and encourages parents to remain with their children to participate in lively line dances with step-by-step instructions for each song.
Coach DePerro understands the need for additional funding to make his physical education program successful, so he holds an Annual Turkey Trot to raise funds for the equipment. He was also awarded a grant to develop a motor lab which has been used as a model for San Diego Unified School District.
The Wellness Committee is Coach DePerro’s most recent endeavor. As the chairperson, he has empowered parents and teachers to work together to refurbish the staff lounge with fresh paint, relaxing chairs, and motivational “wellness” type posters to remind people to eat better.
"The term 'LifeChanger' truly belongs to Coach DePerro," Britt said. "He cares about the health and well-being of students, staff, and parents of the Perry Elementary School community. He understands the unique needs of our military community and has created the, 'Rock Garden' for students whose military parents have been given orders to relocate. Each child is asked to select a rock from the garden on their last day at Perry Elementary School as a memory of our school. We are fortunate to have Robbie DePerro as a LifeChanger in the Perry Elementary School community."
Coach De Perro and I began working at Perry Elementary School ten years ago. Over the course of the last ten years he has done so much to improve our school and effect change on not only the lives of our students and families but on the staff as well. It began slowly, redesigning recess with age appropriate games and activities while painting the needed courts and games onto our blacktop himself or working with the district to implement his vision. His vision is not limited to just PE, he considers and works to improve the entire school. Because of him we have a Motor Lab. Through this motor lab Coach De Perro has provided our students with additional opportunities to be active and healthy. But why stop there, he didn't. He then collaborated with classroom teachers in order to integrate fitness with academics. So while students are bouncing on hoppy balls they are reading and spelling their classroom spelling words. He implemented Running Club. A time for students and their families to get fit together. Our older students get to be a part of a real team because Coach invites them to join, holds practices and arranges games through his lunch league. Coach De Perro can be seeing through out the day setting up music to dance to during recess, tending the Rock Garden, interacting with parents and teaching and encouraging students. His current work with Student Council includes collecting shoes for those in need while instilling service and responsibility to the students under his guidance. Our school and community is a better place because it's been touched by the care and dedication of Robbie De Perro, a true LifeChanger.
Although I have not met Robbie DePerro, as a former teacher, it is heartwarming to hear of a teacher who goes above and beyond to contribute to the success, development, and well-being of others. Most touching to me, was to hear of his "Rock Garden" which supports the families of military personnel. What a wonderful idea! Refurbishing the staff lounge goes above and beyond and would be a great support to the morale and well-being of teachers and staff. His fundraising and physical fitness efforts for both students and parents show his dedication to his school community. He is to be commended for going above and beyond and for positively touching the lives of so many.
Coach De Perro’s achievements and his commitment to the transformation of physical and mental well being of others in the educational community is uplifting and deserving. I know his mother who reached out to hosting foreign exchange students as a model of service. I was touched by his Rock Garden. While I too have not met coach, he has my vote for Life Changer of the Year. Congratulations to coach, he’s already a winner.
I’ve been knowing Robbie DePerro since 1999. He’s the most dedicated teacher I’ve ever met. I’m pleased to see our upcoming next generation in such good hands. Keep going Rob!
I have known Robbie DePerro since he was 8 yrs. old. He has always been an upstanding young man, one with good character, morals and great leadership qualities.
Congratulations Robbie on your nomination. I wish I had you as a teacher when I was young. Your students are so fortunate to have such a caring teacher and wonderful role model. You are truly an asset in the educational community.
I do not know Robboe very well however after
reading all he has done for his students parents and colleagues he sure has my vote for teacher of the year????
Robbie DePerro is also an awesome husband, father and baseball coach. He truly is a winner! Congratulations.
Congratulations on your nomination for a job well done. Your dedication shows with the you accomplishments you have achieved. Keep it up. I know the kids love all you do
We have never met Coach De Perro, but we have known his mother for many years. She is a fine women and very dedicated to her beliefs and we can understand why Robbie is now being nominated for Life Changer of the Year.
Good luck Coach De Perro.
John and Phyllis Krooskos
Coach De Perro brightens up my day!
truly and amazing and remarkable teacher....he goes beyond the required "classroom" and engages the entire family!
As the Mother of Robert De Perro, I could not be more proud of his accomplishments. Robert's Father passed away from military service injuries due in most part from 40 months spent in Vietnam when Robert was 14 years old (a very important time in a child's life). He is not only an excellent teacher, he is an outstanding husband and father. He also is very involved in nurturing children in baseball, soccer and basketball.
Coach De Perro is truly a life changer for the students of Perry Elementary School. Coach De Perro starts his day by having students run with their parents in the morning, while doing this he is also running the recycling program and directing student ambassadors. Trying to keep up with Coach De Perro during the day is difficult because he is busy running around the school teaching students the value of physical exercise and proper nutrition. He spends his lunch time running lunch leagues. Coach De Perro is the chair person of our Wellness Committee that is model for other schools. I am truly fortunate to work side by side with Coach De Perro and the amazing things he does for all the students at Perry Elementary School.
Micheline Morales-Principal
Coach DePerro is an outstanding role model both in and out of the classroom. He is an exceptional human being. I for one am thankful that he’s part of my tribe.
Robbie DePerro does so much for our school! Our students are so lucky to get such a high quality P.E. program! He even coaches "Lunch Leagues" during lunch time for students to get to be part of a team. They learn how to work together, how to have good sportsmanship, how to work hard, and have fun at the same time! Many of these students are not on sports teams outside of school and this is an amazing opportunity for them that they will never forget.
I came to Perry four years ago. I thought our PE teacher was good at my last school, but Robbie DePerro is exceptional. He has done so much for this school. We have a motor lab, Dance Fitness, and an excellent wellness program, which includes staff and families. The time and work he has put into the betterment of the school is beyond the scope of his work day. He continues to look for solutions and pathways to a safe and fun learning environment.
Coach DePerro is an exceptional colleague and teacher. He is always thinking of creative ways to make our students, parents, and staff feel appreciated and included. He also has contagious energy and treats others with the utmost respect. I know he is very admired by his students and colleagues.
He is absolutely amazing!!! Love the fact that he motivates our children to stay active and make healthy choices. Dance fitness is a fun workout for kids and parents to start the day.