Educational Background

• Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education from The College of New Jersey

• This is my 22nd year in the Little Ferry School District

Philosophy of Health Education

The health education classes must explore and challenge health issues within our society and the world.  These units should help students gain positive self-awareness and allow them to develop critical thinking, decision-making and communication skills.  Each lesson is designed to simulate real life situations and allow the students to make intelligent and well thought out decisions, which could affect the rest of their lives.  My goal is to help my students to have an appreciation for maximum health and to keep them motivated through maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  They will then in turn become positive role models for their peers.  As a health educator, I want my students to be prepared for the obstacles that may lie ahead as they finish their path in life.

Below is an outline of areas that students will develop throughout the year.

8th Grade

• Human Sexuality (Pregnancy, STD’s, Birth Control, Male/Female Anatomy, Relationship Abuse, Types of Relationships {Teen Dating, Types of sexualities, Sensitivity Skills, Sex Trafficking, Consent and Parenting)

• Addiction and the Brain (Learn parts of the brain, its functions and how drugs affect/damage the brain)

• Body Systems (Nervous System)

• Wellness/SEL

7th Grade

• Growth and Development (Male/Female Anatomy, Pregnancy, Neglect and Abuse, Stages of Life and Abstinence)

• Nutrition (Caloric intake and expenditures, Balancing a Diet and Healthy Eating Habits)

• Drugs (How drugs are taken, Legal/Illegal Drugs, Misuse/Abuse/Addiction and Consequences of drug abuse)

• Wellness/SEL

4th Grade

• Injury Prevention and Personal Safety

• Functions of the Body

• Nutrition

• Growth and Development (Setting goals, Value of good hygiene, Decision Making, Role of nutrition in growth and development, Cosmetics and hygiene products, Managing strong emotions, Meaning of growing up physically and emotionally)

• Substance Abuse Prevention

• Disease and Illness Prevention

• Community Health and Safety with Violence Prevention

• Environmental and Consumer Health

• Self worth, Mental and Emotional Health

• Physical Fitness

Physical Education Philosophy K-2

The physical education program for grades K-2 is primarily “Movement Exploration”.  Students are challenged to create and discover movement within their own capabilities.  Basic guidelines are given to insure success for every child.  Emphasis is placed on total development of the child: physical, social and mental.  

Physical Education Philosophy Grades 3-4

Students in grades 3-4 will develop their physical education skills through a “Guided Discovery” approach.  Step by step instructions will be given for the child to experiment with various options and recognize the more efficient methods of accomplishing a task.  Children will begin to understand the concepts behind each skill.  Each student will be challenged through cooperative games and activities.  A major emphasis will be placed on the child’s overall physical, mental and social development. 

Physical Education Philosophy Grades 5-8

The design of the 5th to 8th grade physical education program is to provide students with a unique opportunity for developing all aspects of their personal growth.  Through physical activity children are challenged to succeed in a variety of ways.  Movement experiences are structured in the gymnasium to help students mature, not just physically but intellectually, socially and emotionally as well.  Recognizing that each child learns at their own pace and in their own capacity, achievement is measured on an individual basis.