May 29, 2008
We have been reviewing some of the favorite games and activities, as well as spending a lot of time on the climbing wall retrieving "pineapple slices" (cut up yellow pool noodles). I am looking forward to going to the dunes with extended day students.
May 15, 2008
The elementery students are working on the final Fitnessgram for this school year and are doing well, as usual. I am going to be at camp with the lower elementary for the first half of next week and am looking forward to going to the dunes with extended day students on Friday. This is a great time of the year to be a physical education teacher. Thank you for sharing your kids with me.
April 24, 2008
Wow, what a great performance! Thank you Reed, Jean Marie, Stephanie and Lisa for helping the kids put on an outstanding musical.
We have been learning the rules of baseball and soccer while also practicing throwing, catching and kicking skills. We will continue to be outdoors on nice days so wear shoes that are good for running.
I am looking forward to an evening with the dads next Tuesday.
April 17, 2008
P.E. has moved outside this week while the music folks use the gym to pratice for next Tuesday's performance. We have been playing soccer and capture the flag while we enjoy the spring weather.
Next week the upper elementary students could bring baseball gloves if they have them. I have five so please don't go buy one just for this, but if you have one send it along.
April 10, 2008
Upper elementary students still have time to join the track team. Please turn in your forms soon.
The younger students have started to work on kicking which is leading up to some outdoor soccer and kickball. I have my own version of kickball. Everyone on the kicking team runs after each kick and all members of the fielding team must pass the ball on to each play. The upper elementary kids call it "Steveball." Come watch or join in sometime.
March 20, 2008
We have been spending a lot of time this past week throwing and catching.
The upper elementary students will have the opportunity to compete on the track team this spring. A paper note will come home later this week.
March 13, 2008
I am working on a presentation for Dads on April 22. I will lead a discussion about exercise and its impact on the brain. Watch the Tuesday Note for details.
The elementary students are having fun stacking cups. Active and healthy, sport stacking improves ambidexterity, concentration and hand-eye coordination. A university study has shown that sport stacking increases bilateral proficiency - equal performance on both sides of the body - which helps develop awareness, focus, creativity and rhythm. Plus it's fun.
February 28, 2008
The ice rink melted with last weekend's warm sunshine. I hope your child enjoyed skating. If you have not seen the skates come home yet please be sure to collect them soon. I will be sending the Fitnessgram home before conferences and would be happy to answer any questions regarding that or anything else during the conference days. I will have more information for you in two weeks.
February 21, 2008
The students have been enjoying time outdoors climbing the snow hills and skating during physical education. I hope we can continue to skate for another week or so, thank you for sending equipment so your child can participate.
February 14, 2008
Elementary will have outdoor P.E. most days weather permitting. We will continue to skate Monday, Wednesday and Friday and we can hike and climb the snow hills on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The volleyball team had its first game on Tuesday and will have another home game on Thursday the 14th at 4:30. Stop in and support the team!
February 7, 2008
The upper elementary volleyball team is practicing and will start games within a week.
The ice is on again off again with the temperature fluctuation, but keep bringing the skates and we will skate when we can on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I have a few loaner pairs, but be sure to send a helmet.
January 24, 2008
The ice rink is ready and all students in extended day through sixth year may bring skates and helmets for P.E. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Also, elementary students may skate everyday after school.
Volleyball sign up is underway for fifth and sixth year students. Fourth years may practice with the team but may not play in the games. All of the kids are having fun playing volleyball during P.E.
November 29, 2007
Thank you for helping raise funds and awareness for the American Heart Association. It looks as if we raised almost $2500 and there is still time to get your donation turned in if you would like to. All of the extended day through sixth year students jumped together for 45 minutes on the 27th -- what fun to watch! I hope your child had a good time. I will be sure to post the final tally when I have one.
Click here to view the Jump Rope for Heart Photo Gallery
Thank You
November 15, 2007
I will be out of town on Thursday and Friday for conferences. I will be happy to meet with you at your convenience. Please contact me and we will figure out a time that will work. Thank you and remember Jump Rope for Heart is on November 27.
November 8, 2007
I hope everyone recieved a copy of this letter regarding Jump Rope for Heart earlier this week. I hope it is a fun event for your children and a chance to learn about keeping their heart healthy while helping others by supporting the Heart Association. Click here to read the Jump Rope for Heart letter.
After several having several opportunites to practice the Fitnessgram activities the elementary students are being tested this week. The results will be given to your child next week. Please contact me if you have any questions or comments. Thank you for your support in helping your children be healthy and enjoy physical activity.
The friends club group has been playing soccer on Wednesdays and Fridays. We could use a few more players until about 5:00. Upper elementary is continuing to work on basketball skills and will start playing 5 on 5 games next week. The lower elementary and extended day groups are beginning to practice jump roping.
I recently met with the regional coordinator for the American Heart Association and set November 27th as the date for Jump Rope for Heart this year. This program engages elementary students in a physical activity (jumping rope) while raising funds to support lifesaving heart and stroke research. Students ask friends and family for donations and receive thank-you gifts based on the dollars they raise. This educational program teaches physical fitness and promotes the value of community service to students and their families. It shows students that they can contribute to their community's welfare. This will be the third year for Jump Rope for Heart at The Children's House. I will continue to provide more information as we get closer to the event. I would be happy to loan ropes to anyone interested in getting an early start.
This week the extended day has started underhand toss and catch. The lower elementary is working on dribbling a basketball and the upper elementary is practicing bounce passes using basketballs. Good job keeping up on your homework. Enjoy.
I have been giving homework on Fridays-- to be active over the weekend. On Monday we talk about what everyone did to increase their heart rate over the two days. Occasionally someone might say they did nothing but we can always find some activity that they have done. As you go about your weekend it might be fun to point out the times your family is getting exercise while having fun. Hiking, swimming, yard work, bike riding, soccer, hockey... I just want everyone to notice how much they already do.
);)