What's going on in P.E. 2009 -2010

FITNESS

We have always placed a big emphasis on fitness in P.E. but this year we are going to expand that emphasis! We realize that it is very difficult to improve a child’s fitness level during P.E. alone since we see the students  for only two 45 minute periods a week so we hope that this will be a  team effort between the P.E. staff, you and your child. We will emphasize movement during our classes as we always do. At the end of each class we will spend a few minutes discussing a variety of fitness  topics which we will call our “Fitness Moment”! During this time we will give students ideas and challenges that they can do at home. One example of this will be How To Make A Trip To The Mall A Fitness Activity! First of all you can start by not driving around to find the closest spot. Park as far away from the store as you can. (Of course this would not be a good idea if you have heavy packages to haul back to your car!) While in the mall walk at a fairly fast pace and only stop at those stores of interest. If you eat lunch or a snack choose the healthiest place possible. (Not always easy I know!) When you are finished you can take a “cool down” walk back to your car. We will talk about several things like this throughout the year!

P.E. Challenges... 2009 - 2010

To go along with our emphasis on fitness, kindergarten through 5th graders will have the opportunity to take what we call “The Jump Rope Goal Setting Challenge.” Students will set a goal of jumping rope 20,000, 35,000 or 50,000 times during the year. We will provide one day a week for them to come and jump before school but the rest will be on their own.  More details coming!
Another challenge will be the “P.E. Central Challenge”. This will be for 5th graders and will focus on gross motor skills such as throwing and catching, balance, striking skills, hula hooping and jumping rope. We will discuss this challenge with your children during class time.

GRADES
Students in 2nd through 5th grade will have the opportunity to recieve a grade of E (exceeds expectations) in PE. The work must be done outside of class. There are 3 ways that a student can recieve an E.
                1) Keep a log of after school activity. The student must log at least 30 minutes a day for a minimum of 3 days each week during the grading period.
                2) Keep a family log. The student can log activities done as a family (at least 2 members) such as, hiking, walking, biking, swimming or skiing. At least one activity  for 30 minutes or  more should be done each week of the grading period.
                3) Jump rope goal setting challenge. Students will set a goal of 25,000, 35,000 or 50,000 jumps to complete by the end of the year. We will open the gym on Tuesday mornings from 7:45 - 8:20 for the students to work on their goal but the majority will be done outside of school. The student will earn an E during each 9 week priod that they show progress toward their goal. Students that meet their goal will recieve a certificate at the end of the year.
 

DRESS

    In order for your child to get the full benefit from class, we ask that they dress comfortably, with loose fitting clothes on the days that they have PE. If girls are wearing a dress or skirt, she will not be allowed to sit out, rather we will ask her to participate as best she can. We also ask that ALL students wear tennis shoes and socks on the days that they have PE (this is 4 days a week for first graders!!). It just isn't safe when a child wears flip flops or sandals to be active in. Thanks for your cooperation!

We look forward to having your child with us this year in PE! Together we can have happy healthy children!

                                                                                                                          Carrie Rajek and Barbara Heck

                                                                                                                                                      PE Teachers