November 2018

The students just had their Net Games assessment on Newcombe.  Next week, the students will start their dance unit.  The fifth graders will have an opportunity to work in groups to develop their own dance.  I can't wait to see their final product!

We will be starting our bowling unit in December.  We will end the unit with a bowling PE field trip to Brunswick Zone.  Students will be receiving a permission slip for  bowling PE field trip scheduled for the end of December.  This field trip is FREE.  If students would like to purchase a snack, cash and the exact amount is due prior to the Thanksgiving break.  This gives me enough time to go through all the orders and pre-order at the bowling alley prior to our field trip.  If you have any questions, please ask!

As the colder weather approaches and student's are wearing boots, please make sure they bring their gym shoes daily. 

October 2018

Happy October!

Third graders see me FIRST thing in the morning.  Chances are there will be dew on the grass at some point.   The students will get their socks/shoes wet.  It is a good idea for the third graders to bring an extra pair of shoes and socks for after PE. We do go outside weather permitting.  We have had such a great start to the year that we could be outside well into October!

Our soccer unit will be ending next week.  The students have really enjoy being active by practicing the skills they have learned.  Study guides will go home later this week.  The first online assessment will be Thursday, October 11th.  Please help your child review for this online assessment.  

Fitness testing for fourth and fifth graders will occur this month. This year third graders will "practice" the fitness testing however, formal scores will not be taken until fourth grade.  The fitness tests include the pacer, the sit and reach, the curl up test, and the push up test.

After fitness testing, we will go into our Net Games unit.   

Any questions?  Please ask!  

August 2018

It was so nice to see so many of you at the Open House.  I enjoyed catching up with past students, as well as meeting our new incoming third graders.  We are going to have a GREAT year!

I realize that teaching your child is a privilege, as well as a tremendous responsibility.  I ensure that each student will have a motivating and safe learning experience in the gym.  I look forward to working with your child this year. Gym shoes are a must each day.  This is for the safety of your child.  If your child does not wear gym shoes to school, please send a pair in.  Students must have gym shoes on in order to participate!  

During the first few days we will go through rules and expectations for PE class and recess. By next week, we will get right into some team building activities that we can build on throughout the year.  We will focus on safety, cooperation, communication, and trust.  


Third graders see me FIRST thing in the morning.  Chances are there will be dew on the grass at some point.    
The students might get their socks/shoes wet.  It is a good idea for the third graders to bring an extra pair of shoes and socks for after PE. We do go outside weather permitting.  This can usually go well into October.

Third graders have the opportunity to sign up for their first set of intramurals.  This is a free activity that occurs before and/or after school.  If your child is interested, please send the permission slip back next week.  If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Linde at klinde@ccsd66.org.  She will be the coach for the first set of intramurals.  Permission slips are going home today!  

Please remember that Curriculum Night is coming up Wednesday night.  I hope to see many of you there!

April 2018

April is upon us and we are starting our Recreational Games unit.  This means that students will have a chance to play Shuffleboard, Four Square, Hopscotch, Tether-ball, Team Walkers, and Bags.  Please ask your child which ones they have learned about later in the week.  I have posted videos in Google Classroom to "show" students how each station should run.  Check them out with your child!

I have a few more students to fitness test in fourth and fifth grade.  Once the fitness testing is complete, students will bring home their results.  Please review with your child.  The sheet will inform you if your child is in the Healthy Fitness Zone for push ups, curl ups, sit n reach, and the pacer.  Feel free to "save" this document so you know where your child should be for next year.

March 2018

Can you believe that March is upon us already?  We are currently in our basketball unit.  Students are working on dribbling, passing, and shooting skills.  Fifth graders will start mini basketball games soon!  Their basketball assessment will be happen prior to spring break.  In addition, I hope to begin the spring fitness testing for fourth and fifth graders.  This includes the pacer, the push up test, the curl up test, and the sit and reach.  Once all tests have been given and recorded, you will receive your child's score.  My hope is to see each student in the "healthy fitness zone." 

After spring break, we will begin our Recreational Games Unit. 

Please remember to send gym shoes with your child if your child wears boots to school.  Prairieview Panthers are lucky to have PE everyday! 

Any questions?  Just email me at tcushing@ccsd66.org. 

February 2018

I hope everyone is enjoying all of the snow out there.  Great physical activity can happen when it is snowing!  We just finished our tennis unit.  The students really enjoyed being exposed to tennis.  I hope your child has shared the experience with you!

Next week will bring on our basketball unit.  Students will learn many skills associated with the game of basketball.  Dribbling, shooting, and team work will be stressed.  This will take us well into March. 

If your child is going to sit out of PE for any reason, please send a note!  Thank you!

Stay healthy and remain active! 

January 2018

Welcome to the New Year!  Can you believe that this school year is almost half over?

We have started our indoor tennis unit.  This is one of my favorite units since we are so fortunate to have it in our school.  Students started this week by being introduced to the get ready position and the forehand swing.  Next week, we will get into the backhand swing.  Eventually, students will learn the serve and volley (fourth and fifth graders).  Students will be allowed to drop hit a serve or do a tennis serve.  I stress to the students that this is an introduction to this sport.  It takes a lot of practice to really work on these skills.

February will bring about working on some skills associated with basketball.

There are MANY chances for intramurals right now.  These slips are due back NEXT WEEK!  They include 4th grade basketball girls intramurals with Mrs. Linde.  In addition, Mr. Trinco will be starting 4th grade boys and girls hockey.  Last, Miss Donar will start 4th and 5th grade girls and boys co-ed games.  If you are interested in any of the above, contact the coach or me with questions. 
Yes, fourth grade girls can sign up for all of them if they choose.  They gym will be shared among the different intramurals. 

Even though it is cold outside, remember to stay active!!!