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Please click here for an important message from Mrs. Nypaver.

 

A quality physical education program is offered to students as part of the general curriculum at Ponderosa Elementary School. I will be using (referencing, adapting, ect.) activities from SPARK Physical Education. SPARK (Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids) is an “Exemplary Program” of the U.S. Dept. of Education. SPARK has been proven effective by objective research and field testing on tens of thousands of elementary age students and their teachers.

It is important to me that every child feel successful each day, and that they leave class eager to have physical education again. Our classes will be safe, enjoyable, active, and developmentally appropriate. Spark PE is a unique program designed to have activities that are inclusive, highly active, and integrate academic and wellness concepts. Students won’t waste time waiting in lines for a turn, be a target in a dodgeball game, or be chosen last for a team. Additionally, instructional units are planned to develop motor, personal, and social skills.

One of my class goals is to actively engage children in sufficient amounts of moderate to vigorous physical activity to improve and/or maintain their physical health and well being. Another goal is to encourage children to apply the skills and knowledge they aquire during class and to seek opportunities to be active outside of school and as part of a healthy lifestyle. Experts recommend children receive at least 60 minutes of physical activity each and every day. Please help your child meet these recommendations by helping them to seek opportunities outside of school.

Physical activity must be done regularly to achieve health benefits. Therefore, your child’s participation is very important. If she/he is sick or unable to participate in all activities, please let me know via note or phone call prior to the scheduled class. It would be helpful if the note states the specific nature of the ailment and your suggested restrictions.

Scientists are learning more every day about the relationship between mind and body. It may serve us well to remember the philosophy of the ancient Greeks:

A Thought to Live By

“When health is absent,

Wisdom cannot reveal itself,

Art cannot be exerted,

Wealth becomes useless,

And reason becomes powerless.”

rophilus, 300B.C.

Thank you very much,

Mrs. Nypaver

679-9505

SPARK Home Play: For each unit,  3^rd grade students will receive  a SPARK Home Play. This is something you can put on your refrigerator and prompt your child to do the suggested activities throughout the month. Third grade students should have already received the Soccer and Football Home Plays. Watch for them in your student’s take home folder.

 

Read All About It!!

• Happy Feet, Healthy Food: Your Child’s First Journal of Exercise and Healthy Eating, by Carol Goodrow
• 365 Activities for Fitness, Food, and Fun for the Whole Family, by Julia Sweet

 

Health is Academic!

In addition to all of the physical benefits of physical activity, other benefits include:

• Increased concentration

• Improved attendance
• Improved behavior
• Higher standardized test scores

 

 

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