Wes Jones

GYM CLIPS

We have had some excellent PE classes in all our grades recently.  K - 5th  graders completed a great floor hockey unit.  The students worked on all the components of the hockey, and we had several weeks of playing floor hockey games.  There were some super competitive games, and the time spent  practicing the skills really paid off.  I am very proud of all our students, especially the Kindergartners who demonstrated a knowledge of basic skills and strategies in their games that surprised and (pleased) myself and Mrs. Reeser.

Our next unit in physical education was Geomotion.  Geomotion is an aerobic activity were students step on numbers in a pattern that are printed on a 4x4  mat.  The students follow the high energy directions from a trained instructor on the Geomotion DVD shown on a large screen in the gym.  Students rotated from tether ball, climbing wall, foosball, punching bag, and cup stacking to their turn on the Geo mats.  The next week we went right into Tae Bo for Kids for Kids.  Once again our students participated in about a 20 minute high energy kick boxing aerobic workout designed for children.

Last week we completed our basketball unit.  Just as in floor hockey students worked 2 weeks on basic basketball skills:  pass, dribble and shooting.  We emphasized proper body and hand positions in each of these skills, while allowing those students with advance basketball skills to work on their creativity with the basketball while working on ball handling.

Each week we provide the students in grades 2 - 5 an opportunity to retest on their President's Challenge Fitness Test to get the highest score possible.  Some students have worked very hard, and have scored their way to the Presidential level in several component of the test.  The last day for re-testing is May 2, 2008 for this school year.  Each day in our physical education classes at Still we do some running or aerobic activity also stretching and exercising, it is important for every student to have tennis shoes that stay on their feet when running.  This is for their safety and the safety of the students around them.  Students without appropriate footwear will be provided an alternative activity for their class that day.

Jump Rope for Heart has been moved to the Fall of the next school year.  The Boostherthon event conflicted with our dates.  K & 1st Field Day is scheduled for Friday, April 18th.  Parents are invited to come, and also participate with their child in our Field Day events.  At Still we provide a Field Day for everyone: students, teachers, and parents who are able to play and enjoy each other in fun games.  Parents do not have to work at a station during our Field Day, you are welcome to come and be involved with your child in most of our stations and games.  Field Days for the rest of the grades are scheduled for later in May.

GYM CLIPS

All the grades are really doing well in their physical education classes. K  & 1st grades have already improved their jump rope skills. The beginning of each classes we work on stretches before we do a fitness activity. Part of each class we have been working on throwing and catching skills.  Please remember that appropriate sports shoes are required to participate in PE.  We provide and alternative activity for those students in all grades without tennis shoes.

Grades 2 - 5 have completed all the sections of the President's Challenge Fitness Test.  This week we began Sit and Reach re-testing and make ups.  Students not scoring in the Presidential range can retest to improve their score whenever we offer that section of the test, we always keep their highest score.  Students had a good time demonstrated team work while getting some great fitness in the Pirate Game.

After Thanksgiving, all grades will begin a bowling unit.  Please check the Lost and Found container in the gym.  We have a barrel full of clothes and such we will need to empty. 

GYM CLIPS

All classes have been working really hard involved in fitness activities.  We are learning stretches for all the major muscles of the legs.  All classes have been running the Pacer Run.  The Pacer Run teaches students how to hold a steady pace, and to increase the running speed as the runs continue.

K and 1st grade students continue working on throwing and catching a variety to manipulatives.  We are spending time learning to enhance throwing and catching skills.

2 - 5th grades will begin the running sections of the President's Challenge next week.  Most classes have completed:  curl ups, sit and reach, pull ups or push ups or flexed arm hang, and shuttle run.  We hope to complete fitness testing this month and students can begin re-testing to improve their scores.

GYM CLIPS

As the weather cools we will making use of our track to enhance our cardio vascular activities.  Make sure your child has "appropriate" tennis shoes so they can fully participate in all PE activities.

Grades 2nd - 5th will begin Fitness Testing on October 1st.  They will begin with the flexibility, and abdominal strength/endurance sections of the test.  It is important for students to begin running now so when we get to the distance runs section of the test they can score some excellent times.  During each PE class we discuss the importance of staying healthy and working on fitness.

Grades K - 1st have been testing on the 7 locomotor skills. Students will continue to work on improving all their motor skills, and demonstrate how they are used in a variety of games and sports.

GYM CLIPS

Students K - 5 are getting some great exercising and stretching activities each time they come to PE.  Students work on stretches for the upper body and the 3 major muscle groups in the legs.  We played Hit and Run, a fun baseball skills game last week. This week we played a game called Team Bowling.  Next week grades 2-5 will begin practicing for their upcoming Fitness Test, and grades K-1 will be working on locomotor skills and perceptual motor activities.  All classes will be able to use the climbing wall along with a variety of partner games and activities. 

Welcome to the "COOL" gym!

Our students are really enjoying the new air conditioning while they are doing their running and exercising.  PE has gotten off to a great start; the students are learning their specials schedule and remembering to wear tennis shoes.