Mrs. Nancy Conrad is the Stalker
Physical Education teacher. She has taught in many different buildings in our
school system and feels fortunate to have stayed at Stalker for so many years.
It is fun to meet new students, but it is especially rewarding to watch the
same children grow and mature during their elementary years.
Our P.E. program has an emphasis
on aerobic exercise. With only two P.E. meetings per week, it is important to
keep students moving as much as possible. Class begins with a few basic
exercises and then a required jogging assignment. The jogging assignment gets
progressively harder as the year progresses. Occasionally a challenging jogging
assignment is offered and certificates of achievement are given as an award.
Many students look forward to these "long jogs" while others dread
them. Hopefully, all students learn that they are capable of doing much more
than they think they can, and therefore self esteem is enhanced.
Most class sessions include a fun,
aerobic game. Ten to fifteen minutes is devoted to game time. We play several
dodge ball games but a very soft, lightweight, not-threatening ball is used.
Many variations of dodge ball are played and most of them keep all students
active, instead of requiring them to "sit out" when hit. It
definitely is not the old fashioned "murder ball" some people
remember.
Many physical and social skills
are taught in Phys. Ed. class. Physical skills that need to be improved are:
throwing, catching, basic exercise and stretching techniques, jump rope, hula
hoops, balance, agility, various locomotor movements, strength, and
cardiovascular endurance. Social skills are emphasized as well. They are:
sportsmanship in victory and defeat, cooperation, problem solving, tolerance,
flexibility, creativity, integrity, patience, perseverance, sense of humor,
effort, caring, common sense, pride, and responsibility.
Physical Education grades are
always given in the area of Effort and Behavior. The effort grade is
based on daily jogging performance and involvement in games and activities. The
behavior grade is determined by the number of documented rule
violations. It is difficult to document the progress of 450 students in two
different schools but an attempt is made to fairly and consistently base a
grade on each student’s performance.
Some common problems arise every
year. Some students resist the "shoe rule." All students are expected
to wear a shoe that laces and has no heel. This is for the health and safety of
each child and proper care of our gym floor. Another problem can occur
concerning "P.E. notes." If a student has a "significant"
health problem, a note from home is required. Students are given the
opportunity to bring the note in a day late if they forget it. Most problems
involve a misinterpretation or a misunderstanding of rules and requirements.
Communication is always important concerning the health and well being of
children. When questions or concerns arise, contact the school secretary and
make an appointment with Mrs. Conrad. Communication can also be done by a note
or phone call.
