Paul J Bellew Elementary - 25 Higbie Lane, West Islip, NY 11795 (631)504-5680

September 2021

Dear Parent /Guardian,

A new school year has begun! On behalf of the Paul J. Bellew Physical Education Staff, we would like to take a moment to describe our program and what you can expect your child to learn over the course of the year.

We have designed a program to help your child develop the physical competence that leads to confidence and participation in physical activity for a lifetime. At PJB, your child will have physical education three times a week for 40 minutes each time. Some of the items we will focus on to contribute to your child’s physical health and well-being are:

• Movement Concepts. In the early grades we emphasize the variety of ways we travel (e.g. running, skipping, hopping), changes of directions and speeds, and different ways to balance, jump and land. In the upper grades, students begin to understand what makes the body move through the identification of certain muscles and bones in the body.

• Skill Themes. Students will learn and review basic motor skills (throwing, kicking, volleying, and striking). In the upper grades the children are taught how to use these fundamental skills in games and sports, and various forms of rhythmical movement.

• Wellness Concepts. Students learn to identify healthy and unhealthy foods and the importance of improving cardiovascular endurance and flexibility.

• Personal Living Skills/Character Education. At all levels, students will participate in a variety of games and activities that encourage traits like respect, responsibility, kindness, cooperation, and putting forth one’s best effort (to name a few).

As teachers, we recognize that children are at different developmental levels with a variety of needs and interests. For this reason, we attempt to provide all of the children with learning experiences that are beneficial, enjoyable and safe.

We look forward to a wonderful and fun-filled year with your child.

“Your HEALTH is your #1 WEALTH!”

Sincerely,

Mr. McManus, Mr. Powers & Mr. Luvera

Physical Education Teachers

Please remember they must wear sneakers!

You can always send pictures and logs to

Meanie McManus (J.McManus@k12.ny.us)

I am so happy to see the activities your children are doing at home!