We all need inspiration....

This video was passed on to me from Mr. Welch.  It is a true story.  Enjoy.

Presidential Physical Fitness Test

During the month of September all students 1st through 4th grade have been taking the Presidential Physical Fitness Test.  We also take this battery of tests in the spring. Here is a little bit about each test.

Sit-ups: This event measures abdominal strength and endurance.  Students lie on a cushioned, clean surface with knees flexed and feet about 12 inches from buttocks. Partner holds feet. Arms are crossed or behind their head. Keeping this position, students raise the trunk curling up to touch elbows to knees and then lowers the back to the floor, for one sit-up. The students have one minute to do as many sit-sups as possible.

Shuttle Run: This event measures speed, quickness and agility.  There are two parallel lines 30 feet apart and two chalkboard erasers, or other similar object, behind each line. Students start behind the opposite line.  On the signal “Ready? Go!” the student runs to the blocks, picks one up, runs back to the starting line, places the block behind the line, runs back and picks up the second block, and runs back across starting line. Students are timed start to finish.

Endurance Run: This event measures heart and lung endurance.  Depending on their age some kids run a quarter mile and some kids run a half mile.  On a safe measured out field, usually 220 yards, kids will run laps according to age.  On the count "Ready, Go!" students begin running.  Walking may be interspersed with running.  However, students are encouraged to cover the distance in as short as time as possible.

Push ups: This event measures upper body strength and endurance.  The student starts in push-up position with hands under shoulders, arms straight, fingers pointed forward, and legs straight, parallel, and slightly apart (approximately 2-4 inches) with the toes supporting the feet. Keeping the back and knees straight, the student then lowers the body until there is a 90-degree angle formed at the elbows with upper arms parallel to the floor. The push-ups are done to a metronome (or audio tape, clapping, drums) with one complete push-up every three seconds, and are continued until the student can do no more at the required pace. The student should remain in motion during the entire three second interval.

Sit and Reach: This event measures flexibility of the lower back and hamstrings.  A specially constructed box with a measuring scale marked in centimeters, with 23 centimeters at the level of the feet. Student removes shoes and sits on the floor with knees fully extended, feet shoulder-width apart and soles of the feet flat against the end of the box.  With hands on top of each other, palms down, and legs held flat, student reaches along the measuring line as far as possible.

Students who reach the qualifying standard in all five events will receive the Presidential Physical Fitness Award.  These levels represent the 85th percentile based on the 1985 School Population Fitness Survey.  This standards are on the chart above.  If they meet the standard in all five tests they will receive a patch and a certificate for their accomplishment.

Kool to work

Cody Kool is spending his seventh and eighth hours with Mr. Dunlap as part of his school to work program at the high school.  Cody will be working with students in the physical education classes at both Washington and Pence Elementary. He is a senior at Fairfield High School.  Cody will be spending the first semester of this school year working with our elementary students.

Welcome Mr. Gruwell

This fall the elementary PE department is sharing a student teacher.  Both Mr. Dunlap and Mr. Kool will be supervising student teacher Zeth Gruwell.  Zeth is a physical education major from the University of Northern Iowa.  He attended high school at Cardinal of Eldon.  He will have the opportunity to observe, work with, and teach students at all of our elementary centers.  He will have eight weeks of experience at the elementary level and will then move on to the PE department at the  Fairfield Middle School.

Back to School and Ready to Move

We are off to a great start to the new school year.  I have met with all my new classes and I am excited about about all the fun we will be having in physical education this year.  It is important that students remember to dress comfortably for exercise and play on their PE days.  Kids can be limited in PE if they don't wear shoes that allow them to run, jump, kick and play.  I ask that your children please wear tennis shoes on PE days. Any type of lace up or strap on rubber soled shoe should work for PE.  Sandals, crocs, boots, and dress shoes are not designed for running or active play.  Every class has PE twice a week for 25 minutes.  I am looking forward to a great school year.

Getting Our Feet Off the Ground

For two weeks the students at Pence Elementary have been getting up
off the ground during Physical Education classes. The Luarentian
equipment, a special indoor jungle gym purchased with the PEP Grant,
has been set up and is being put to good use. The wooden structure is
very gymnastic in nature. The students get a chance to use rings,
balance beams, parallel bars, low bars, monkey bars, incline ramps,
and ladders. Most of their movements are taking place with their feet
off the ground something they don't get to do in everyday P.E.
Students also get the chance to do some tumbling on the wedge and
trapezoid, and use a springboard. The equipment was purchased with the
PEP Grant, and the Laurentian is shared with Pekin Community Schools.
All the mats and equipment provide the students with some very unique
opportunities to move.

4th Grade Swimming Pictures

4th Grade Swimming on PhotoPeach