Welcome all new and returning students to what I hope will be a rewarding and enjoyable school year. This booklet will be of value to you during the school year. It contains basic rules, school policies, and expectations that should be brought to your attention in order to proactively prevent any possible misunderstandings. They have been developed for the benefit of students, family members and teachers. It is my goal as an educator to develop each individual's physical and cognitive skills along with life skills such as dignity, self-management, and respect so they may lead a healthy lifestyle. I want each student to value themselves and respect one another, and to be responsible in their actions. This type of atmosphere will provide an arena that is most conducive to learning. Lastly, I want to express my hope that each student will receive the support, concern, and guidance at home that is necessary for academic success and future learning. Together, we can make the future bright for each student in our school. I am looking forward to an exciting and productive school year and am more than happy to discuss your student's progress. Please feel free to contact me at school or by email with any concerns.

Sincerely,

Robb Snyder,
Physical Education
703.267.2863
Robert.Snyder1@fcps.edu

Physical Education Expectations

Goals:

• Development and maintenance of suitable levels of physical fitness.
• Competency in useful physical skills and movements necessary for a variety of physical activities.
• Enjoyment and participation in regular physical activity.
• Development of personal and social behavior, ethics, honesty, responsibility, and respect.

Areas of Study

Physical education is an integral part of the educational process aimed at the development of mental, physical, social and emotional growth and development of each child through the medium of physical activity. Developmentally appropriate unit plans will be developed based on the skill themes and movement concept approach. Lessons are designed to consider different abilities and interests of each child. Learning the various skill themes and movement concepts will provide a solid foundation for students to attain the competence and confidence to remain physically active promoting lifelong fitness and learning. Through fitness, rhythmic movement, gymnastics and a variety of modified games and activities each student will gain the necessary practice to develop each skill. As students progress, they will be able to utilize these fundamental skills in more complex situations such as individual and team sports.

Locomotor Skills

• Walking, Running, Hopping, Skipping, Galloping, Chasing, Fleeing, Dodging

Manipulative Skills

• Throwing, Catching, Collecting, Kicking, Punting, Dribbling, Volleying, Striking with short and long handled implements

Non-manipulative skills

• Turning, Twisting, Rolling, Balancing, Transferring weight, Jumping and landing, Stretching, Curling

Conduct in Class

• Enter and exit the gym quietly prepared for instructions.
• Maintain good behavior at all times. Avoid all forms of horseplay or disruptive behavior.
• Be respectful, courteous and cooperative with classmates. Take proper care of all personal and school equipment.
• Participate fully and stay on task during all activities for the day. Make an effort not an excuse. Non-participation will negatively impact overall PE achievement.
• Report all accidents or injuries to your instructor immediately.
• Come prepared for class each and every day with the proper PE attire. Tennis shoes must be worn while participating in activities.
• Play all games fairly and according to the rules. Show good sportsmanship and a positive attitude at all times. This will ensure a safe and fun learning environment.

Required PE Attire

Tennis shoes, shorts or slacks and tee shirts may be worn. In cold weather, a sweatshirt or short jacket is permissible. It is recommended, but not required that in the cooler months, that a sweatshirt is worn rather than a coat for safety reasons. Outfits without excessive buttons and zippers would be preferred. Sandals, boots, dresses, skirts, etc. are not acceptable on PE days. It is recommended that students not wear long coats or new apparel. They can become dirty or torn. It interferes with the activity and is a safety concern.

Excused Absence from PE

Notes from physicians and all doctors' excuses will be honored completely. No student will be required to take PE who has been excused from the activity by a physician.

Notes from parents will be honored on a 1 day basis. All of these notes will be kept on file by the PE instructor for reference regarding the frequency of requests. Extended excuses will be taken to the principal for discussion to see if further action should be taken. The student will not be penalized for non-participation if excused.