Arena-Simmons, Mrs. Lorraine (P.E.)

Mrs. Arena-Simmons' PE Program and Procedures

At St. Michael's School the students K-6 have PE one day per week.  The 7th and 8th grade students participate in PE two days per week.  Our PE program contains various activites, games and sports, with a strong emphasis on safety.

The purpose of our PE program is not only to maintain certain levels of fitness but also to teach socialization skills, sportsmanship, teamwork, cooperation, and responsibility.  A part of a student's responsibility entails being prepared for class by wearing their gym uniform and gym shoes--preferably shoes with ties and no straps.

We want to our children to see the value of each and every person participating in gym class.   We want our children to know that ALL skill levels are accepted.  State Goal 21 states that we must teach mutual respect, teambuilding and creativity.  We want our students to feel accepted, feel valued and most of all, feel respected.  We want them to be the best THEY can be, not what someone else expects them to be.  It is said that if you can guarantee a student will be safe and successful, they will be more willing to try. 

My goal is to keep our children safe, both physically and emotionally.  It is a challenge for me each and every day. 

For the past 6 weeks, we have been fortunate to have Ken Smith and his assistant, Ang, from the Modern Arnis School of Self-Defense, introduce our 1st, 7th and 8th grade students to self-defense.  They learned a great deal about the body, the nerves, and how to escape in the unfortunate event someone may attempt to attack them.  They learned special power words: "STRANGER, LET GO!!!"  This will help alert standers-by of eminent danger.  They were asked to have their parents tell them a "SAFE PLACE" to go in case they are unable get to their own homes.

Sensei Ken and Ang will return again in January so they will be able to reach three more grade levels.  Our children need to know they can be safe and they can do something to help themselves and others.

Again,we are offering an "After School Gym" Program for 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders from 2:00-3:00 PM.  There will be changes to the "After School Gym" Program.  There were too many conflicts on Tuesdays, so we are only holding After School Gym on THURSDAYS.   Please check the calender for the days and dates your grade level is scheduled to play.  The children will need to bring a note giving them permission to stay and they will need to  wear comfortable clothing, gym shoes are a must.

Click on following link for more information:  After School Gym Program Update (12.5.11)

Physical Education Class Rules:

• Students are expected to sit quietly in their squad spots and wait for instructions
• No child is allowed to leave the gym without permission from instructor
• Medical excuses:  All students will be encouraged to participate in all activities unless a note is received from a parent or doctor. 
  
• In order to participate, students must have their gym suits and gym shoes.

 Grading Policy:

• Effort
• Participation
• Cooperation
• Preparation
• Sportsmanship
• Behavior
• Attitude
• Knowledge of sports rules
• Skill