PHYSICAL EDUCATION

We have designed a program for children that helps them develop the physical competencies that lead to confidence and participation in physical activity for a lifetime. Our goal is to help children find a variety of ways to enjoy being physically active.
The program has been designed to focus on three major areas that contribute to one's physical health and well-being.

Movement Concepts: Movement concepts help children understand how to move. In the early grades the program addresses the variety of ways we travel (running, skipping, hopping, etc.) Children practice skills that emphasize movement concepts, such as changes of directions, pathways, and speeds.

Skill Themes: Basic motor skills such as throwing, kicking, and volleying are taught in the primary grades. In the upper grades the children are taught how to use these fundamental skills in games and sports, and various forms of rhythmical movement.

Wellness Concepts: Wellness concepts are taught throughout the program. They include nutrition (healthy and unhealthy foods) and ways to improve cardiovascular endurance and flexibility.

Our children are at different developmental levels with a variety of needs and interests. For this reason, we will provide children with learning experiences that are beneficial, enjoyable, and safe.

To ensure a safe and productive environment, the Physical Education department recommends students follow these basic guidelines: 

• Wear proper gym attire, including comfortable clothing and sneakers with laces or Velcro during PE class. 
• Treat gym equipment with proper care. 
• Always participate to the best of your ability -- in all activities. 
• Have fun. Physical activity is good for your body and your mind.  

1. Aerobic Capacity (The PACER Test)--Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run
 

• The PACER is a multistage fitness test that is progressive in intensity--it is easy at the beginning and gets harder at then end.
• The goal is to run as long as possible with continuous movement back and forth across a 15-meter space at a specified pace that gets faster each minute

2.Abdominal Strength and Endurance (Curl-Up)
 

• Knees are flexed and feet unanchored
• Safer and more effective than a full sit-up where the feet are held since it does not involve  the assistance of the hip flexor muscles and minimizes compression of the spine
• Objective is to complete as many curl-ups as possible up to a maximum of 75 at a specified pace.

3. Trunk Extensor Strength and Flexibility (Trunk Lift)
 

• Stresses lower back health, especially proper vertebral alignment.
• Students will learn that trunk extensor strength and flexibility is an important aspect of maintaining a health back
• Movement should be performed in a slow and controlled manner--Objective is to lift the upper body off the floor using the muscles of the back and hold the position to allow for the measurement.

4. Upper Body Strength and Endurance (90 degree push-ups)
 

• Objective is to complete as many push-ups as possible at a rhythmic pace.
• Elbows are at an angle of 90 degrees

5. Flexibility (Back-Saver Sit and Reach)
 

• Maintaining adequate joint flexibility is important to functional health
• Each leg is tested one at a time which can determine any asymmetry in hamstring flexibility