Phys Ed

Welcome to Physical Education

Maureen Dugan

CURRICULUM: The P.E. program focuses on students’ improved physical fitness.  Classes include exercises designed to increase flexibility, muscle strength and endurance, and cardio-respiratory fitness at every grade level.  Proper form and breathing in addition to interval training and introduction to yoga and Pilates will expose students to different forms of exercise and enhance each student’s overall physical well-being.

Of course, we continue to play  “game-type” activities in order to provide opportunities for the children to experience maximum participation, healthy competition and good sportsmanship.

In addition, students participate in the President’s Physical Fitness Challenge which measures the aforementioned fitness criteria by scoring an individual’s performance in 5 activities: sit-ups, push-ups, V-stretch, shuttle run, and the mile run.

The students’ scores are compared to other children their age across the nation.  Students take the Challenge in the Fall and again in the Spring so they can monitor their individual progress as well.

Every year students, grades one through eight, participate in “Jump Rope for Heart” sponsored by the American Heart Association.  Not only do they have a lot of fun, but this event affords the children an opportunity to discuss the importance of healthy choices concerning nutrition and exercise as well as the dangers of smoking and alcohol/drug abuse.

This year, I’m very excited about our students’ possible participation in a worldwide attempt to break a Guinness Book of World Record for the most people dancing simultaneously at one time.  The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 8:30PM.

The present seventh and eighth graders have already learned the “Thriller” dance in class last year.  I am hoping to teach the fourth through sixth graders in time to participate in the record-breaking attempt.  Details will follow … Dancing is another way to have fun and keep fit!

Our bodies are a gift from God.

By respecting them and making healthy choices,

we give Him thanks and praise.