Everything you need to know about P.E., but are afraid to ask...

 

1. Character Education (H3): In keeping with the classroom teachers, the students and I came together to formulate class agreements regarding thee learning environment, expectations, and behavior. Hopefully, since students took part in forming these class norms, they will be more mindful of respecting them, and this will result in an improved learning environment for all.  Throughout the year, we will work together on the "Eight Great Traits" of H3.  In this way, as we build strong bodies, we will also be building strong, caring, honest, children, who demonstrate good critical thinking skills.

 

 2. Class Expectations and Format: Each student will be expected to participate to the best of his/her ability.  Cooperation with the teacher and classmates is a must!  Each P.E. class will include warm up exercises, jogging, and a group activity/game.  Each student will have the opportunity to lead the class in exercises or jogging for one month.

 

3. Attire: What your child wears on P.E. days is important for safety reasons, as well as for quality of participation.  Please check with your student for his or her PE day.  Each student will need to dress appropriately for PE activities on that day. This refers to both shoes and clothing.  Athletic shoes with low rubber soles and laces or Velcro are preferred.  Clothing should not restrict movement or embarrass the student.

 

4. P.E. Incentive Program (Dungeon Dollars): I utilize an individual incentive program for my students.  I distribute Dungeon Dollars (play money) for anything good I see happening anywhere, anytime, on campus or in class.  Again, in conjunction with H3, I will be rewarding those students when I catch them exhibiting any of the "Eight Great Traits."  Dungeon Dollars belong solely to the person receiving them and are NOT transferable!  Students should put his or her name on each dollar in INK as soon as possible!  I've given, for example, Dungeon Dollars for good participation and behavior in class, for going "beyond the call of duty," helping another student or teacher, participating in extracurricular activities, attending PTA functions, and bringing in needed materials for class.  This is just a small sampling of ways students can earn Dungeon Dollars.  All students begin the year with one Dungeon Dollar, so no one goes away with a zero balance!  Dungeon Dollars may be cashed in at any time during the 2009-2010 school year to purchase prizes or privileges: i.e. P.E. pass to skip running for a day, lunch with me, or an item form the Treasure Chest.  The Dungeon will be open every Monday and Wednesday, first recess only (9:45-10:00), beginning Oct. 1, 2008.

 

5. Notes/Excuses: When a child needs to be excused for a real injury or illness, please send a note of explanation with your child on their P.E. day.  Any problem requiring more than three consecutive days of being excused will require a physician's note explaining the limitations and length of non-activity.  If your child has a permanent or long term problem (i.e. asthma, seizures), I must have a specific note regarding participation limitations.

 

6. Grading Policy: All students are graded in the five categories of participation, fitness, sportsmanship, movement skills, and knowledge of the rules.  The heaviest weighting of the grade is in the areas of fitness and participation.  Grades assigned at all grade levels are O, S, and N.

 

7. Physical Fitness: All fourth, fifth, and sixth graders are given the state mandated Prudential Fitnessgram Assessment.  This assessment is made up of a series of tests that measure four of the components of physical fitness: aerobic capacity, body composition, muscular strength/endurance, and flexibility.  The actual tests that will be administered include The Pull-Up or Push-Up, and The Back-Saver Sit and Reach.  Students should begin to physically prepare immediately, even though the assessments don't begin until February, and take place through April.  More information will be distributed at a later date regarding the "Fitnessgram."

 

 

 

Parents are you aware of the FUSD Board of Education decision regarding budget cuts? PREP has been cut by 66% and class size has gone up to 32 students in grades 4-6. If you're interested in more info, the Board Meeting Minutes, or the names and email addresses of our board members and FUSD Administrators please go to the FUSD Website and click on the appropriate icon.  www.fremont.k12.ca.us

 

A few highlights taken from a Sunday newspaper magazine recently from the American Journal for Public Health.

* "As pressure mounts nationally to increase standardized test scores, Should schools cut back on physical education programs? ...No, especially when it comes to girls."

* In a K-5th gr. study it showed that 70-300 min. of PE a week helped students score consistently higher than those who spent less than 35 min. in PE.

* Several studies confirm that there are numerous physical and emotional benefits of exercise.

Please be sure to keep up with our P.E. "goings on" in the "What's Happening" section.
 
This page serves as a resource for Warm Springs parents to help and encourage an active lifestyle for their children As always, please feel free to contact me w/ any questions. Any Website listed on this page are parents only.

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