Welcome to Springville’s PE Class! I am excited to be back for my 10th year of teaching Physical Education at Springville.
Physical Education is an essential subject and it is just as important as any other subject during K-12 education. A healthy, active body contributes to a healthy, inquiring mind. It is well known that people who exercise most days of the week are sick less, have less stress, sleep better, and have a healthy self-esteem. Physical Education and competitive sports are two different areas, so know that we tend to not focus on competitive sports. In a physical education class, you will be introduced to many activities that will help keep you fit and healthy for life, and it’s my goal as a teacher to help each student find activities that they’ll enjoy participating in.
Physical Education also teaches each student safety, kindness, respect and acceptance of others, responsibility, integrity, perseverance, collaboration, sportsmanship, and compassion. We always ask you to try your best each day, and we can all have really great days and days that can be more challenging. Just give your best effort each time and you’ll do great!
The PE Schedule and Rotation K-5 Students have PE once every 3 days. We are on an A, B, C rotation. Students should start to learn the pattern of our rotation. If you’re unsure about it being a PE day or not, just be dressed appropriately before leaving the house and you’ll be ready to participate. Please also check my website for the current schedule.
What to Wear on PE Days An athletic shoe that is secured to the foot is required. Sneakers with laces, velcro, or slip-ons are fine, but it must not be too big or loose that it can easily come off during running or kicking activities. Toms, Mary Janes, boots and dressy shoes or sandals are not appropriate for PE. Please note that flip flops are not allowed at school. Hats are not allowed during PE activities unless we are out on the field. Shorts or leggings under skirts are fine, as are shorts, sweatpants, capri / athletic tights, and relaxed fit jeans. T-shirts, wicking shirts, and sweatshirts are fine, too. Clothing on PE days should allow for a variety of movements. Eat Breakfast! Please make sure that you have something to eat each morning. Your body and your brain depend on glucose for energy. Some of my 5th graders have even reported that they did not have breakfast that morning. Bring a piece of fruit to school or even half of a nut butter sandwich. If you walk to school, eat your breakfast along the way. Our middle schoolers and 4th and 5th graders have PE in the morning. Our K-3 students have PE in the afternoon and after lunch.
Field Use for PE Students should be prepared to be outside when the weather is good and the field is dry, and this is common practice at other elementary schools. We’ll work with students who have grass allergies during this time.
Being Excused from PE If a student is recovering from an illness or injury and needs an extra day to rest, please send a note with them or email me in advance. If a student needs to be excused from PE for more than one class, a note from a physician or other health professional is required. Sometimes students leave home feeling just fine and become ill at school. Communication between their classroom teacher, the student, and myself at the start of the class will allow for modifications and accommodations, and we will send them to the office if it’s necessary.
Note: You are not excused from PE because you have an important game or try-outs coming up, or are sore from sports practice the night before.
Respect and Sportsmanship “It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you respond to winning and losing.”
Students come to school and PE with a variety of interests, talents, and experiences. Not everyone has the interest or opportunity to play in team/organized sports, and that is perfectly okay. Teams and groups will generally be made by the teacher, and will always be balanced. Students are expected to treat their peers with respect and dignity. Offensive language, blaming teammates or opponents, and physical aggression will not be allowed. Consequences will be in place for students who demonstrate any offensive or disrespectful behavior. These can include loss of privilege, community service, or other consequences deemed appropriate by our administration or me.
“Leave No Trace” Policy Once class is over, all students will be expected to help clean up and put equipment away in preparation for the classes that come after. You used the equipment, so you need to put it away.