What Should I Wear to Class?All physical education students are expected to wear tennis shoes that tie to PE each day. Sixth graders do not change their clothes for PE.
All 8th grade students enrolled in my classes are encouraged, but not required, to change into PE clothes [a Wydown PE t-shirt, athletic shorts/pants, tennis shoes that tie, and socks]. Changing for PE in my classes is optional in order to make my students' PE experiences safe, productive, and enjoyable. T-shirts are sold at the school bookstore each day at lunch for $10, if needed. All 7th and 8th grade students will also need a combination lock for their P.E. locker. Master Locks are recommended for their reliability and durability. Participation and being prepared for class are expectations for learners in physical education. Failure to do so will not affect the academic grade in Mrs. G-H's classes, but will be treated as a discipline issue. Grading System
I use a grading system that assesses what a student knows, understands, and can do in relation to each of the National Standards for K-12 Physical Education. In this system, students' grades are consistent, accurate, meaningful, and supportive of learning. To view the standards, click here.
I use this system to give grades meaning and give students real feedback on what they have learned. I want everyone (you, your child, and myself) to know where your child is successful and where s/he needs to improve. A standards-based grade provides an accurate picture of student performance, while a traditional letter-grade system is too simple and does not tell enough. Each standard will be graded at one
of the levels of mastery as shown below: Exceptional (E) = The student demonstrates a degree of knowing, understanding, and/or doing that is exceptional for a physical education student as it relates to a standard/learning target. Standard Met (S) = The student demonstrates that s/he knows, understands, and/or can do what is expected for a physical education student as it relates to a standard/learning target. Making Progress (M) = The student demonstrates that s/he is making progress toward knowing, understanding, or being able to do what is expected based on the standard/learning target. Not Yet (N) = This standard/learning target is something the student needs to spend time practicing and studying. Since our grade books require numerical grades, the following system will be used: Exceptional (E) = 100% Standard Met (S) = 90% Making Progress (M) = 80% Not Yet (N) = 70% |
10 Conversation Starters for Talking to Your Child About Physical Education1. Tell me what you learned in PE today.
2. Tell me about the best part of your PE class. 3. What was the most challenging thing you did in PE today? 4. What skills are you working on in PE? 5. What are you doing differently from last year? 6. Tell me how we can incorporate your learning in PE into a family activity/outing. 7. What was the best thing your teacher asked you to do in [activity] today? 8. Did any of your classmates do anything funny? 9. Who did you play with today? 10. Can you show me (or teach me) something you learned today? This list was inspired by Scholastic's "10 Questions to Ask Your Child About His Day at School" article. Medical ExcusesIf a student cannot participate in class, s/he may bring an excuse written by a parent. The note should be given to Mrs. G-H and can be honored for up to one week. (Please include specific dates in the note.)
For extended medical excuses (longer than one week), a doctor’s note is required. Doctor’s notes should be taken to the school nurse upon arrival to school and will be exchanged for a school activity excuse note. |
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