PHYSICAL EDUCATION AT

NORTHVAIL SCHOOL

A Note From Mr. Hromoko

Physical education is an integral part of the total education of a child. Quality physical education programs are needed to increase physical skills, health related fitness levels, self-esteem, and the enjoyment of physical activity for all students so that they can be physically active for a lifetime. My goal for each and every student is individual improvement, and to gain knowledge in physical activities in order to transfer these skills outside of the gymnasium. Physical education should contribute to the development of the entire student, including the areas of physical abilities (psychomotor), intellectual development (cognitive), and a sense of fair play and good sportsmanship (affective behaviors). Our physical education program here at Northvail School aims to improve this development. Each student is unique and will always feel comfortable in their physical education class by rising to their own developmental level. Every student will improve in his or her level of flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, agility, speed, muscular endurance, and muscular strength. You may read more about these components of fitness in our physical fitness section on this webpage. Also, if anyone needs to contact me for any matter, please e-mail me at [email protected] I will get back to you as soon as possible. I wish everyone the best, and look forward to giving each and every student the best physical education program possible.

Technology in Physical Education

Specialized technology equipment, such as heart rate monitors and pedometers, have been purchased over the years to monitor student’s heart rates, steps, and activity time during physical education class. The heart rate monitors and pedometers will provide students with immediate feedback during class activities. By using this technology, students will also learn and have a better understanding of how the heart and body respond to activity, while learning to improve and maintain their personal fitness levels. An Xbox system with Kinect was also purchased by the PTA to help our students stay active while having fun. Students in the upper grades will continue to use the Xbox both in class and at designated recess times. The Kinect sensor reads the student’s movements, and transfers these movements over to both the Xbox and television. Playing the games help students feel like they are actually in the video game! Various activities, such as sports, exercise, and dance are all incorporated into the games that are used for the Xbox.

Northvail school fourth and fifth grade students will start using the heart rate monitors and pedometers in the fall, and continue to use them throughout the year. They will monitor their progress with individual assessment sheets held in their portfolios. Parents with any questions regarding the heart rate monitors or pedometers may e-mail me at [email protected] We look forward to getting your child on the path to a healthy lifestyle!

Physical Best Fitness Test

Each year, the Physical Best Test will be performed by our third, fourth, and fifth grade students. The Physical Best Test is based on the promotion of lifelong physical activity, as well as other healthy behaviors for our students at Northvail School. Students will not only practice the exercises necessary to promote a high level of fitness, but also predict their individualized personal fitness goals throughout the year. Students in the third grade will perform the first test in March, while students in the fourth and fifth grade will perform the test two timesonce in November and the other in March. Students will attempt to set personal goals to increase their level of wellness from the previous test. Exercises and tests will be based on overall flexibility, muscular endurance, muscular strength, and cardiovascular endurance. Students can also practice exercising at home, in order to increase their fitness levels, and thus their overall scores. Good luck to all students participating in the Physical Best Test!

Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grade Physical Education

It will be an educational and enjoyable year in our physical education classes, here at Northvail School. In all classes, our students are moving to learn and learning to move! In each class, students first enter and sit in their assigned spots. They are then introduced to the activity planned for the day. Shortly after, the students first perform stationary warm-up activities in their spots, then a cardiovascular (fitness) warm-up activity all around the gymnasium. Some of these fitness warm-ups include touching the letters of the month, “scrambled eggs”, “partner tag”, “group statues”, “four corners”, and “wall to wall movements”. Ask your child which warm-up activity is their favorite! Following one of these activities, the students perform their main activity for the day. The students will learn about and use many pieces of equipment, including beanbags, hula-hoops, jump ropes, scooters, and utility balls. Students in these grades will also perform several dances throughout the year, including their favorite, the “Cha Cha Slide”! After cooling down and ending the lesson of the day, the students leave and appreciate the “physical education” that their bodies and minds received for the day! Of course, the final event of the year is our “Field Day”, as students are placed on the red or blue team, and participate with their friends and teammates throughout the day. You can learn more about Field Day in another web-link on our physical education home page.

Third Grade, Fourth Grade, and Fifth Grade Physical Education

It will be an educational and enjoyable year in our physical education class, here at Northvail School. In all classes, our students are moving to learn and learning to move! In each class, students first enter and sit in their assigned spots. They are then introduced to the activity planned for the day. After this, the students first perform stationary warm-up activities in their spots, then a cardiovascular (fitness) warm-up activity all around the gymnasium. Students lead the stationary warm-up activities each week by their designated row. Some of the fitness warm-ups include laps, the pacer jog, “partner kickball”, “wasps”, “crazy cones”, and rope jumping. Ask your child which warm-up activity is their favorite! Following one of these activities, the students perform their main activity for the day. The main activity might coincide with the current unit. Some of these units include soccer, football, hockey, basketball, adventure education, volleyball, and baseball. Twice a year, students will also perform the Physical Best Physical Fitness Test. This test measures several components of health related fitness, and gives students the ability to predict what they feel they can accomplish. Throughout the year, fifth grade students will implement heart rate monitors, to assess their heart rates, and determine if they are working at a high level of fitness. Fourth grade students will begin using pedometers to measure their overall distance attained, as well as the total time of activity. Third, fourth and fifth graders will all use an Xbox with Kinect to participate in “interactive gaming”. After cooling down and ending the lesson for the day, the students leave, and appreciate the “physical education” that their bodies and minds received for the day! Of course, the final event of the year is our “Olympic Day”, as students are placed on a country, and participate with their friends and teammates throughout the day. You can learn more about Olympic Day in another web-link on our physical education home page.

Successful Participation in

Physical Education Class

The following are guidelines for students to follow in Physical Education Class. Students that adhere to these guidelines will become a successful physical education student! Students must:

• Wear sneakers at all times for safety
• Keep hands, feet, and objects to themselves
• Listen to the teacher when told, and follow directions
• Raise their hands if they have a question or comment
• Display good sportsmanship-win without boasting and lose without blaming
• Be careful when moving around the gymnasium
• Respect yourself and others, always try to be kind
• Use all equipment given to you with care
• Always give the best effort possible
• HAVE FUN!

Northvail Walkathon

Each year, all of our students participate in the Northvail Walkathon. Every year this event is a great success, as every student in the school participates in this walk. The Walkathon not only helps our school’s funds, but also develops a higher fitness level in each student, and a sense of togetherness for everyone. All students enjoy the event, as we will once again hold the Walkathon early in the year (probably in the month of October). Students should walk as many laps as they can in the designated time period. They can even set their goals! Information will start to become available in the beginning of the school year, so please mark your calendars. Thank you again for your continued support, as we look forward to another fantastic Walkathon!

Field Day

Field Day occurs every year in late May or early June. It is a morning event for students in the kindergarten, first grade, and second grade. Students participate with their classes, and perform designated activities at each station (there are usually ten total stations). The idea of field day is to provide safe and exciting activities for each student. It also helps the students learn how to develop good sportsmanship, while providing a very low level of competition. Positive participation is the primary goal of each station. Every student participates in developmentally appropriate activities, and of course, all students have fun! Students will receive a ribbon at the day for their hard work. Volunteers are always needed for field day. Please volunteer if you can to help out with one of our favorite days of the year. Later information will give details about field day, and what is needed from parents. Good luck to all of our students participating in Field Day!

Olympic Day

Olympic Day occurs every year in late May or early June. It is a full day event for students in the third grade, fourth grade, and fifth grade. Students participate with their classes, and perform designated Olympic and sport activities at each station (there are at least ten total stations). Many of the stations are even based on real Olympic events! The idea of the Olympics is to provide safe and exciting activities to perform, as well as provide a true sense of participation, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Positive participation is the primary goal of each station. Every student participates in developmentally appropriate activities, and of course, all students have fun! Students will receive a ribbon at the day for their hard work. Volunteers are always needed for the Olympics. Please volunteer if you can to help out with one of our favorite days of the year. Later information will give details about the Olympics, and what is needed from parents. Good luck to all of our students participating in the Olympics!

District Information Pertaining to Physical Education

Northvail School's Calendar