Meet Ms. Salta

Hello! My name is Meliss Saltaformaggio (aka Ms. Salta), and I am the P.E teacher for grades prek-4th.  I am starting my 24th year at Sacred Heart. I am loving every minuteM of teaching here. I am looking forward to teaching, reviewing sport skills, and playing different warm-up activities with all the Pre-Lower School students.

 What Is My Philosophy of Teaching Physical Education to Prek - 4th Grade Students?

Teaching Physical Education to Prek - 4th grade students is about much more than teaching sports and games. It is about nurturing a lifelong love for movement and building foundational skills that support physical, emotional, and social well-being. At the heart of my teaching philosophy is the belief that every child deserves a safe and engaging environment where each child can explore, grow, and thrive through physical activity. 

Physical education plays a critical role in the development of the whole child: physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially. I try to create experiences that support coordination, motor skills, and fitness while also promoting teamwork, confidence, empathy, and resilience. Activities are designed not only to challenge the body but to stimulate thinking, problem-solving, and cooperation. Every child brings a unique set of abilities, interests, and experiences to the PE setting. I believe in adapting activities to ensure that all students—regardless of ability, background, or skill level—feel successful and included. In order to achieve this lofty goal, a safe and respectful environment must be maintained. Before we begin a game or activity, I stress safety rules and try to help students understand how their actions can affect others in the game or activity we are about to play.

“Children learn best when they are engaged and having fun.” My approach is to make physical education enjoyable. By using challenging and fun warm-up games to capture students' interest, they are more excited to participate and are more likely to learn and build positive associations with physical activity.

I  believe that P.E. class is a powerful tool for personal development. By fostering a positive, inclusive and enriching environment, I aim to empower students with the skills, attitudes, and knowledge they need to lead healthy, active, and fulfilling lives.