Monday, August 29, 2011

Introduction to FItness Testing

Each fall, one of the first units we like to cover is fitness testing. Students are introduced to the tests in the Presidential Fitness Challenge. Each of these tests is designed to measure a different component of physical fitness. The mile run measures cardiovascular endurance, the sit and reach measures flexibility, the sit-ups measure muscular endurance, the arm hang/pull-ups measure muscular strength, and the shuttle run measures speed and agility.

Students are encouraged to do their best with each of the tests, however, results are not our main focus. Our primary objective is to help them understand that the fall scores give us a baseline with which we will plan out the fitness curriculum for the entire year. If a child is unhappy with his or her score in a particular event, not to worry - we will have two more chances this year to do them all! Often the idea of fitness testing causes the students to feel anxiety. It is our sincere hope to alleviate this fear and help them to all realize that fitness testing is a great opportunity for self-improvement. Please help us to stress this idea to your child! We're looking forward to a great week!

Monday, August 22, 2011

Happy New School Year!

Hi everyone and welcome to the start of the 2011/12 school year. I am so excited to be here this year, in the lower division, enjoying the best job in the world! I realized this summer just how much I adore teaching the youngest of Shorecrest's community and it is truly my pleasure to be here with your children each day!

This trimester the classes that I will be working with primarily are: Mrs. Vigue's, Mrs. Whitecage's group, Ms. O'Mullane's group, Ms. Mitchell's group, and the 4th grade girls. On long days each PE coach will have the opportunity to work with all of the different groups.

This week the JK, kindergarten and 1st graders will be working on basic listening skills, positions, locomotor skills, and cooperation. 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders will be participating in some team building activities.

On Friday evening, August 26th, the Varsity Football season opener takes place on Haskell Field at 7:30PM. Half time will feature the first annual Charger Bolt - a race to the end zone for all the kids in the Lower Division and ECC. Participating families will be admitted for free. It's sure to be a fun event and we hope you'll all be able to join us!