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