Special Programs: Physical Education (PE)
Physical Education is an extremely important part of our school program
with an emphasis on success for all students. All students participate
in twice weekly gym classes and swim classes. Each child's exercise
capabilities and limitations are taken into consideration and monitored
to ensure a safe environment.
Goals
Expectations
- Being prepared for class (swimsuit/gym shoes)
- A willingness to participate/ a positive attitude
- Good sportsmanship (no teasing or name-calling)
- Stay safe, have FUN!
Swimming Classes
The swimming program has four components: instructional swim
classes; lap swimming; swimming relay races; and "free swim" time. All
students receive weekly instruction in basic swim skills ranging from
beginners (Level 1) to advanced swimmers (Level 7). When not working
on their swim lessons, the students practice swimming "crawl stroke"
laps to improve their endurance in the water. Once a month, they
participate in a 20 minute lap swim where they attempt to swim as many
laps as possible and try to beat their own "personal record". The
results of their efforts are posted outside the P.E. office for the
whole school to see. Occasionally, a swim relay class is held to
reinforce their swim skills. "Free swim" is a time for the children to
enjoy unstructured play time in the pool.
Sports Skills Units
A different sport skill unit is covered each month for students in
grades 2-8 with a focus on building individual skills and encouraging
cooperation among peers. The sports units include:
whiffleball/softball; newcomb/volleyball; ultimate/flag football; floor
hockey; basketball; soccer; and Field Day practice. Kindergarten and
1st grade students play a variety of easy-to-learn games including:
freeze tag; Pac-man; steal-the-bacon; fruit basket, etc.. Twice a
year, the school participates in a modified Fitness Test, which
includes: a 9-minute walk/run; 1 minute sit-up; and sit and reach
components. The end of the year results are compared with those from
the beginning of the school year to measure the increases in physical
conditioning.
Field Day
During the final week of school, our annual Field Day is held on the
lawn in front of the school. This event encourages all students to
have fun while participating in a variety of individual and team-relay
activities that are both competitive and non-competitive in nature. A
bubble-gum relay race, shoe kick, water balloon toss, and a standing
long jump are just a few of the day's activities.
