ENVIRONMENT
A safe, positive, non-threatening, but challenging atmosphere is where adolescents best succeed with physical, emotional and social challenges. Students are empowered as much as possible. Individual decision making plays a key role in aiding or detracting to the learning potential of the group. Accountability is both expected and rewarded.
LPSS PHYSICAL EDUCATION FOUNDATIONS AND FOCUSES
During the sixth grade introduction to Physical Education, students are told that their experience in this class will teach them more about themselves than any game or sport we undertake. A positive attitude is vital to lifelong success. Opportunities to develop this trait will happen everyday.
The first activity is the teaching of a proper handshake. As an extension of a personality, it is important to understand how to express yourself in creating an impression. Handshakes are used in class after any competition.
In the area of competition, students are urged to compete to the best of their ability. They are taught that the final score has no bearing on their grade. Community sports provide opportunities for those who wish to be in a situation where winning and losing have positive and negative outcomes. These scenarios also dictate that individual performance will have positive or negative outcomes. Physical Education has a place for everyone regardless of their athletic ability.
The first rule of the class is that negative communication is not allowed. Words, looks or gestures that are negative do not support a positive learning environment. Every student has the right to attend class free of harassment and confident that they may pursue learning, fitness and fun. Overly aggressive behavior (physical or verbal) is also not allowed. Students are encouraged to laugh with each other but never at each other. Each class is a team of sorts and all the players are requested to support the teaching/learning process. Responsible decision making is the cornerstone to a positive and successful Physical Education experience.
Students are given leadership opportunities as captains of sports teams. The captains collectively select teams and handle equitable trades. Individually, captains are responsible for team cohesion, conflict resolution, and general management. As members of a team, players gain valuable insight into the required dynamics of a successful team. This is a skill coveted by the employers who will eventually be hiring these children.
Students are challenged everyday. The challenges come in different forms. Forms include physical, social, intellectual, individual, small group or large group. In addition to being captains, all students are coached through the conflict resolution process if necessary. Generally speaking, we identify the root problem, hear all points of view, then decide upon short and/or long term decisions to remedy and prevent the situation from reoccurring. Personal, social, and physical strong points are encouraged to be maintained while students identify and work at the areas they could be better at.
GRADING
Middle School Physical Education Grade Calculation (standards based)
Standard 1 - 10%:
The student will be competent in many movement activities.
A – above adequate B – adequate C – marginal D – sub-standard
Assessment – individual demonstration and game observations
Standard 2 - 20%:
The student will achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of fitness
A – 5/5 fitness standards met B – 4/5 C – 3/5 D – 2 through 0/5
Assessment – once per trimester
Standard 5 – 50%:
The student will demonstrate responsible social behavior while participating in movement activities.
A – always B – usually C – sometimes D – rarely
Assessment – Teacher observation
Standard 6 – 20%:
The student will demonstrate responsible social behavior while participating in movement activities. The student will understand the importance of respect for all others.
A – always B – usually C – sometimes D – rarely
Assessment – Teacher observation
KEYS TO SUCCESS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION
1/ Get to the locker on time. 2/ Change responsibly into appropriate shoes (flat rubber soles, tied laces and no dangerous protrusions/additions), and uniform. 3/ Be outside with the class on time. 4/ Perform warm up and stretching properly. 5/ Listen to directions. 6/ Stay on task 7/ Make positive decisions 8/ Participate to the best of your ability at all times. 9/ Respect yourself and others.
MEDICALS
Students need written verification for activity exclusion. In the note, please include a start and finish date and reason. If a note is not available on the day of illness or injury, students are allowed to bring in the note the following day. This note must match the student’s verbal reason for asking to be excused. If the note is not presented the following day, the student will receive 0 points for the day they sat out.
Please remember that all injuries do not require full exclusion. If the situation allows partial participation, include this in the note, other wise I am required to exclude them entirely.
The LPSS PTO has been a key factor in the acquisition of equipment for this program. I would like to thank this organization and all it’s members both past and present for their efforts and support.
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Students may be excused from Physical Education if;
a/ they provide a doctor's note
b/ they provide a parent/guardian note (good for up to one week).
c/ they provide a note from the school Health Office.
These notes must be presented in the beginning of class. If there is no note, the student will be expected to participate.
If the student chooses not to participate, they will not receive any credit for that day, and if habitual with this practice, may incur interventions.
* Note - if a student's physical status requires them to be exempt from Physical Education, they will also be excused from participating in any school sports during the same time.
OTHER
If your child/children have any special need or situations you feel it would be advantageous for me to know and understand, please feel free to call me at 484-2811 or send a note to school. I will maintain confidentiality where appropriate.
Thank you in advance for your support of the program.
Mr. Scott Wright