Physical Education

                                                …playing around with a purpose.

August 2008

Dear Parents,

            Due to various questions I receive during the school year I would like to inform you of my Physical Education class agenda plus my policies and consequences so that both you and your son or daughter knows what to expect.

            The sports skills we will be covering this year will be football, basketball, lacrosse, tumbling, floor hockey, volleyball, soccer, badminton, kickball and pillow polo plus various games.  Grades 1-8 will be tested for the President’s Council on Physical Fitness during the second semester.  This is a nationwide testing program.  It is designed to determine a child’s level of fitness. It is NOT a test of athletic ability.  It is NOT a test children can fail.  It can, however, show you and your child where he or she stands in relationship to other children (of the same age) in the United States on measures of fitness.

            Fitness is important to everyone.  It is becoming increasingly clear that high levels of physical fitness contribute to richer, healthier lives.  People who participate in regular vigorous physical activity benefit from greater vitality, improved self –esteem and increased protection against degenerative diseases.  But, in order to receive the greatest awards fitness activities must be started early in life so that they become part of a continuing personal lifestyle.  The fitness habit, like any other good habit, is developed by practice.

            My aim is to provide encouragement and incentives to all youngsters to participate regularly in such activities.  To do this I need your help.  As you can now realize this P.E. class is not just another RECESS so it is imperative with class being only twice a week that your son or daughter is prepared to participate.  Your approval and reinforcement of your child’s attempts to attain and maintain higher levels of fitness are very important.

            In regards to the gym dress code please see the handbook.  All students must dress in their regular gym uniform for ALL P.E. classes (Tuesdays & Thursdays).  This INCLUDES special non-uniform days as well.  Just to be clear – whether it is a regular uniform day or a non-uniform special day – for P.E. class the student still needs to bring and change into his or her regulation gym clothes – but just for that class.  No open back gym shoes!  No tights on gym days.  If not dressed for class (due to forgetfulness, injury, illness, etc.) the student will participate with a written sports assignment.  This assignment will be graded and will be the participation for the day.  Also, an out of uniform notice will be sent home to be signed and should be returned the following P.E. class.  3 “out of uniforms” in 1 quarter will lower their quarter grade one letter.

            Please label EVERYTHING!  I cannot stress this enough.  With everything matching and almost all the same size, items are lost, left behind, accidentally taken.  Please label shoes, shorts, shirts, sweatpants, sweaters, jumpers, skorts, sweatshirts, uniform pants, blouses and gym bags!  Suggestions: if the tags are too small feel free to write their name right ON the gym shirt or maybe use fabric paint or even embroider it to avoid losing valuable items.  Each student needs to be responsible for their own items but this is hard to enforce or help them with when items are not labeled.

            Quarter grades will be based on attendance, participation, attitude, effort, skill level, skill improvement, physical test scores, written test scores, behavior, proper dress code, punctuality, cooperation and sportsmanship.

            On a personal note – I have a Bachelor of Science Degree.  I am certified to teach grades K thru 12 with a Type 10 Teaching certificate.  My students and my profession are very important to me.  I am excited to be starting my 7^th year here at St. Scholastica and hope everyone continues developing lifetime habits of good physical activity.  The variety of sports and activities has been expanding each year. If you have any questions now or any concerns during the school year please feel free to send a note and I’ll talk with you as soon as possible.

 Thank you for your support.  Grade 1-5 classes are in the morning and grades 6-8 in the afternoon.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Janice Majich

Physical Education Teacher Grades 1-8

St. Scholastica School

Please DETACH and sign below ^^^^^ return this before your next P.E. class.

Student Signature_____________________________________Grade_______

Parent Signature__________________________________________________

Daytime Phone # _________________________________________________