Welcome back! I hope you had a blessed Thanksgiving with your family. Here is the latest update of the happenings in the gym:

·         Next Running Club Practice: Tuesday, Dec 6^th.  Go Mrs. Schupler! She will complete her Dallas White Rock Full Marathon on Sunday. The OUES Runners have learned new fitness tips through having her at practices.

·         Current Unit for all students: Lacrosse and special holiday activities

·         Health/Fitness Topics: MyPlate.gov (the new nutrition plan, replacing the old Food Pyramid—check out the website for games and tips) 

The students are also learning the health related fitness components (3^rd and 4^th grades) and the importance of rest/sleep.

·         December fitness assessment (3^rd and 4^th grades): PACER cardiorespiratory endurance test

·         Box Tops: Please continue to collect!

·         Shoe reminder: Please remember to check your calendar for your PE today. Boot season is upon us; however they are difficult to move in and can have slippery bottoms. You are welcome to leave shoes in my office.

Most recently, OUES was granted funds by CEF for SPARK PE. This is a physical education curriculum that incorporates academic concepts while at the same time allowing for maximum physical participation, in a noncompetitive environment. SPARK translates to success for all! I am looking forward to using the materials to introduce new activities and games for our students.  You can check out sample materials and the research behind this program on the SPARK PE website.

Enjoy the fun times and special events of the season. Being in good health is just one of the many things that we can be grateful for during the holidays. Take time to get up and move with your family-it can take away the stresses we sometimes experience at this time. Please let me know how I can help you or your child. Looking forward to an exciting 2012!

Ms. Specht  

                                                                                     

Upcoming event for your family:  The 2011 Diabetes Walk hosted by Rockenbaugh!

It’s that time again for Carroll ISD’s  School Walk for Diabetes!  Last year you played a VERY important part in making Carroll ISD ranked in the top 10 Nationally for the American Diabetes Association’s School Walk for Diabetes, 2010.  Let’s be number 1 this year!

Because of your work and support, Carroll ISD was able to be a part of diabetes research at UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas.  Please sign up at http://main.diabetes.org/goto/carrollisd2011  and set up a website.  Or, just click on the following link to make a donation.  Donate Here  See you at Rockenbaugh Elementary November 8^th at 4:00pm.  Registration is a donation a $5 or more  and begins at 2:30 the day of the walk!

Rockin' Running Club News: Next practice 11/15 from 3-3:45

Remember to log your minutes spent jogging, walking, or running in your logs.  Any club member who returns a participant number from the Diabetes Walk can be credited for the 3 miles-that's next Tuesday at 4 at RES. Ask yourself these questions:

*Are you breathing out when you jog?

*Are you having a snack with some protein following exercise?

*Drink, drink, drink water!! If you exercise intensely or with a lot of sweating, focus on fluids with electrolytes.

*Watch your sugars-especially after Halloween treats!

Next unit: Lacrosse

December FitnessGram Assessment: PACER aerobic endurance  

Attention Running Club members! Our club picture will be taken on Wednesday. Please wear an OUES/green/dragon shirt. They will call us to the cafe when they are ready. Our next practice will be Tuesday, November 1st from 3-3:45.

This week the students will be learning about the consequences of drug and alcohol abuse in recognition of Red Ribbon week.  We are also concluding our soccer unit. I have been amazed by the students' skills!

Next week, 11/1-11/4, third and fourth graders will be assessed on their curl-ups.

*The OUES Rockin' Running Club is off to a running start! If you are still interested in joining and missed our first meeting, please come out on Oct. 18th from 3-3:45. It is never too late. Mrs. Schupler is leading us in a variety of new fitness activities, as she is training for the White Rock marathon. She also has valuable ideas and some great discussion topics on how to perform at our best. Please remember to return your health insurance form by the next practice in order for continued participation.
*October FitnessGram Assessment for 3rd and 4th grades: curl-ups
*Upcoming unit: Soccer skills
*Please keep collecting Box Tops!

OUES PE is rockin'! I am loving your children each day. Here are some updates:

• Keep collecting those Box Tops! Bring 10 in a labeled bag to the gym office and earn a prize. Every Box Top is 10 cents straight to the school; it adds up fast.
• The Rockin' Running Club (3rd and 4th grades only) will begin Tuesday, October 4th from dismissal to 3:45. Show up to the first meeting for information. You don't have to run to have fun; we walk and play fitness games too!
• Please help your child to remember tennis shoes as a safety precaution. In addition, they are able to perform more to their potential.
• 3rd grade PE Buddies have been amazing so far! They have demonstrated responsibility and positive role modeling for the Kinder students. I too am thankful for their help.

Upcoming unit: flag football skills/tagging

The students have been participating in team building activities over the first weeks of school. They are learning and practicing the basic routines/procedures of the gym. In addition, they have learned basic safety rules at home, school, and in the community through question movement games. We also have reviewed the importance of proper hydration and the signs that the body is not getting enough water.

Academic connections: PIG passing game to review math multiples, sequencing numbers in high rollers tag game, reading development (reading questions to partners, reading exercise task cards)

Welcome to Old Union Physical Education! My name is Ms. Specht, and I am excited about working with you and your students this year. Old Union students will participate in a variety of fitness, sport, and game activities that allow them to experience success at their own levels. My desire is that the students would discover physical activities that they enjoy and will continue for a lifetime! Here are a few reminders for a successful year:
* Weekly blog posts will provide you with important info about our class and upcoming events.
* Please email me or send a note with your child regarding injuries and illnesses that might affect participation in PE.
* Appropriate shoes (closed toe, close fitting, supportive) help to ensure safety during lessons.
* Your child will attend PE/movement class twice each week.
* Please collect Box Tops! They can be turned in to me in a bag (labeled with the #). A bag of 10 earns a prize. $ earned through the program provides new equipment and funding for special events during the year.
* My lessons are designed to help students love movement. I always encourage best effort over ability and competition.
I would love to meet you in person. Stop by for a visit or if you have any concerns/questions. It is going to be a rockin' year!

Ms. Specht and Mr. Esparza
Alison.Specht@southlakecarroll.edu