PHYSICAL EDUCATION

MRS. SACK

Image of a girl walking.

DEAR PARENTS/GUARDIANS,

Physical Education is a foundational piece to your child's educational experience. This means that your child needs to move in order to be able to settle themselves for learning in the classroom. Some students actually learn better when they are moving. Exercise has been proven to help with learning, attention, diabetes, depression, anxiety, ADHD, stress, addiction, aging and more! For more information on this please check out the books Spark by John Ratey and Brain Rules by John Medina.

My mission is to help every student find and engage in movement that they both enjoy and will be able to utilize in their lives for years to come. Though we will practice skills in physical education, what I am most concerned with is that your child is moving and having fun doing so. For this to happen students will be taught rules and procedures that they will be expected to follow when in physical education. I hope to encourage your child with positive feedback, but will also use a discipline policy for problem behaviors. I use something I call "Three strikes, you're out." Strike one: the student is given a verbal warning. Strike two: the student is given a one-minute walking time out. Strike three: the student is given a walking time out for the remainder of class and a discipline form is sent home to be signed and returned. I do not anticipate having to use this very often.

I will be using activities from the SPARK physical education program. This is a unique program designed to help PE teachers lead activities that are inclusive, highly active, integrate academic and wellness concepts, and are fun for all students. The lessons are designed to develop students' motor, cognitive, and social skills. Students won't be wasting time waiting in line, be a target in a game of dodgeball, or be chosen last for a team. All students will have the opportunity to practice, participate, and feel successful.

I will also be encouraging you to move together as a family. Do you remember the last time you played? A simple 15 minutes a day of moving together can do wonders for your body and mind. It will also help to enhance your relationship with your children. As adults, we often get so caught up in all the things to get done, that we forget to have fun. I empathize with the busyness of family life, but I also understand the importance of quality time with your children. To help you with that quality time, your children will receive a monthly take-home activity that you can do with them. It is not required, but definitely worth a try! I look forward to a great year!

If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at janel.sack@neomin.org or by calling your child's school and leaving a message.

Thank you,

Janel Sack