Dear Parents and Students,

August 2014

We pray the Lord has allowed you and your family to rest and refresh in Him this summer and that, as a family, you have made many memories! It seems like we just said our ‘good byes’ a little bit ago, and here we are ready for another school year adventure! Both Mrs. Desmarchais and Mrs. Hightower are looking forward to seeing familiar faces and greeting new ones, as we embrace together all God has in store for us at GCS this year! We have been fervently praying for your child and are excited for this year and the opportunities God will provide for growing us all in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ! Scripture for PE Scripture verses guide us in PE as we weave them into our curriculum throughout the year. This year’s scripture verse is from, Galatians Chapters 5,6 specifically verses. 5:14 NIV The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself”. and 6:9,10 NIV Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Below are the major PE goals we have for your child, the format of a daily lesson, grading guidelines, as well as some special activities we have planned. We would both like to encourage you to contact us if you have any questions, comments or concerns at any time during the school year. ~In His Grip, Natasha Desmarchais and Deborah Hightower Major Goals Elementary Physical Education curriculum at Gilbert Christian Schools is based on one of the most effective and nationally recognized elementary physical education programs: Dynamic Physical Education created by Dr. Robert Pangrazi. Skill Emphasis Elementary Physical education lessons at GCS are carefully planned to help children develop a wide range of skills and seeks to honor God by expecting students to display proper conduct and sportsmanship as they practice Christian living through physical education activities. Skills are taught in order, simple to complex, so that each child is successful

Pre-K/Kindergarten through1st grade: the emphasis is on fundamental movement for

the individual child. Each child has equipment ranging from jump ropes and beanbags to playground balls and hula-hoops, to name a few. 2/3 Grade: Here there is an emphasis on refining movement skills and an introduction to sport skill units. 4-6th Grade: We emphasize individual and team sport skills, recreational and lifetime activities as well as a deeper understanding of fitness development and fitness assessment.

Finally, it is our goal for all students to exhibit a desire to strive for a high degree of health and fitness in order to vigorously serve God and others; to exhibit respect and sportsmanship of others, recognizing themselves as image bearers of God; and to exhibit an attitude of celebrative play~ an outward evidence of a joyous relationship to God! Special Activities In November you will receive an invitation to participate with your child in their regularly scheduled PE class (Parent Participation Week). You can participate in a real lesson and get a taste of what your child experiences during PE class; you’ll have so much fun! In December we will be holding our fourth annual ‘Jingle Bell Jog’ – a family fun run. Sometime in early late Feb./ early March, we will be asking parent volunteers to assist our student leaders during Elementary ‘Fit and Fun Day’! Daily Lesson Plans Each daily lesson has four parts, which include activities that develop the major instructional elements required by the Arizona State Standards. 1. Introductory Activity (2-3 mins.) The purpose of the introductory activity is to prepare the child’s body for more strenuous activity to come as well as provide the child with immediate activity upon entering class. 2. Fitness Development (7-8 mins) The purpose of fitness development is to progressively exercise children in order to develop qualities of physical fitness such as strength, power, endurance, agility and flexibility.

3. Lesson Focus (15-20 mins.) This area is the heart of each lesson. Its purpose is to carry out the overall objectives of the physical education program as well as to meet AZ standards in Health and Physical Education.

4. Game Activity (5-7 mins) This element provides children with an opportunity to apply fundamental skills and knowledge learned in the lesson-focus activities, and to emphasize cooperation and fun.

3 Rules, Positive Reinforcement and Time Out Rules: 1. Stop, Look, Listen • Prov 4:20 (NIV) Pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. 2. Be Kind, Joyful, Respectful and Responsible

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Gal 5:22 (NIrV) But the fruit the Holy Spirit produces is love, joy and peace. It is being patient, kind and good. It is being faithful and gentle and having control of oneself. 3. Hustle and Try your Very Best • 1 Cor 10:31b (NIV)…whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Positive Reinforcement: • Specific, positive reinforcement – directed toward skill improvement, effort, and behavior. • Positive words, words of encouragement, high fives, smiles and plenty of hugs! Considerations while in Time Out Area* 1. Ask God to calm your heart. 2. What rule did you disobey? 3. Ask God to redirect your words, actions and attitudes. 4. Do you need to ask forgiveness? 5. Do you need to apologize to someone? 6. Join the class when you feel you have self-control.

*Time Out time with PreK, K and 1st: Broken rules will be verbalized by the teacher and students will be given time to reflect before they return to class participation.

Grandma’s Cookies PE participates in Grandma’s Cookies by recognizing two students each month or so, with a medal in ‘Godly Character’; one each from grades 1-3 and grades 4-5. These students will have displayed outstanding effort and participation and have honored God with their godly behavior and godly attitude during PE class. Sixth graders will be recognized during Middle School CHEER awards. Principle guiding verse: • Philippians 1:27 (NIV) Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. One student in each Pre-K and ½ day Kindergarten classroom will be recognized with a certificate in his or her classrooms each month. One All-Day K student will be recognized during Grandma’s Cookies. Grading for Elementary PE grades Pre-K - 3 Elementary PE students at GCS are graded on (1) participation and (2) behavior. Rewards and Consequences are recorded daily. Grades are based on how students perform in these areas. O = Demonstrates “Outstanding” participation/behavior due to a superior level of involvement, responsibility for learning and displays respect, compassion and sportsmanship toward others at all times.

C = Demonstrates “Consistent” participation/behavior due to a steady and reliable level of involvement, responsibility for learning and consistently displays respect, compassion and sportsmanship toward others.

I= Is “Inconsistent” in participation/ behavior due to varying levels of involvement and responsibility for learning and is inconsistent in his/her respect, compassion and sportsmanship toward others.

N*= Demonstrates a “Need for Improvement” in participation/behavior due to a lack of involvement, responsibility for learning and inconsistent/poor level of respect, compassion and display of sportsmanship toward others.

*Parents will be notified by phone, in advance of grading, if their child is displaying behaviors that would result in an “N” grade in order to work together toward improving the child’s behavior, participation and grade, thereby glorifying God in all we do. Fourth ~ Sixth Grade Expectations/Standards In 4-6th grade these grading guidelines will translate into letter grades A(O), B(C), and C(I). Parents will be notified by phone, in advance of grading, if their child is displaying behaviors that would result in an “C” letter grade in order to work together toward improving the child’s behavior, participation and grade, thereby glorifying God in all we do. Proper Attire In order to ensure student safety, enjoyment and opportunity to explore activities to their fullest potential, students are required to wear closed-toe, athletic shoes in PE. Please remind your 6th grade child that no opened toed shoes, sandals, flip-flops or heels are allowed in PE. As Middle School students, 6th graders are allowed to wear footwear other than athletic shoes to school and therefore it tends to become a problem for those that like to wear flip flops etc.

For the sake of your child’s safety this will be a non-negotiable standard. A loss of a letter grade may result if the student needs to consistently sit out of PE because proper footwear is unavailable and student is unable to participate. • 1st offense: Warning, take off shoes and participate if teacher deems lesson is appropriate • 2nd offense: Warning and sit out of class – noted in grade book • 3rd offense: Warning, sit out of class, parent notified – noted in grade book • 4th offense: Warning, sit out of class, parent notified – noted in grade book as a ½ letter grade reduction • Each successive occurrence will result in lowering the grade by ½ point; for example an A+ becomes an A, becomes an A-, becomes a B+ etc.

Procedure for Missing PE Participation and behavior are key components to your child’s success in PE. However, over the course of the year students may be unable to participate due to illness or injury. This will in no way be held against them or affect their grade as long as • Student provides a written note from a parent stating why full participation is not possible and/or what limitations apply. • If full participation is not possible for an extended period, parents must provide a note from the child’s physician. Please indicate when the child may resume physical activity.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] [email protected] We’re looking forward to a wonderful year of learning! Natasha Desmarchais Deborah Hightower