12/2/15 to 12/8/15

Dear Parents and Students,
     During this cycle, our P.E. classes will be participating in Schuylkill County's, "Bowl for Kids Sake", which benefits the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program.  Specifically, this activity helps raise funds for our Mentoring Program at North Schuylkill.  This program places a H.S. student as a mentor with some of our students at NSE.  Our H.S. students have been very good role models for our elementary students and they get together to talk, play games, or any activity they choose.
     Our elementary students involved, definitely benefit from their positive interactions with our awesome N.S. H.S. mentors!  Other students with greater needs will have outside the school activities with a mentor, as well.  All students may participate whether they bring in a donation or not.  If they do, prizes for donation amounts will be awarded.
     Students in P.E. Class will learn the value of kindness, teamwork, and to always have fun!  They will practice skills involved in bowling.  We will make adaptations as needed.(always).Students will learn that Bowling is a life-long sport and we will have discussions about other activities people can do as they get older and through-out their lifetime.  I always tell my students that there is an activity out there for everyone!
     The student with the most strikes will earn a certificate and the team with the most strikes will each earn a certificate.  This is" friendly competition" and we are grateful and thankful for everyone's efforts and help in making this fund-raiser successful and fun for our students.  Thank you, "Good Sports!"                                                        Sincerely,    Miss Brill
   
.
   

11/13/15 to 12/2/15

Dear Students and families,
     We will continue our "Standing Broad Jump" test for leg strength and power.  I'm so glad to see your efforts and improvements in all you do!
     You have been doing a great job with our Circuit Training Challenge- WELL DONE!!! Our gym turkey looks awesome with class feathers representing your great efforts in this physical fitness challenge!
     We've been "kickin' it up" and practicing soccer skills  and we'll apply these soccer skills with some friendly competition in a game situation.  Pass the words: "Good Sports are always winners when they do their best and work together!"
     Our younger classes will participate in a variety of Thanksgiving theme-related activities for added fun and exercise.  Some will learn to set the Thanksgiving Table in the form of a relay race using gym equipment, so they can transfer their knowledge and be good helpers at home in setting the table.  Some of our youngest students will "Dance with the Stars," while performing a Turkey Tango-style dance!  If time allows' we'll participate in some tag games with a Thanksgiving theme.
     As always, adaptations and modifications are always made in P.E. Class.  It's important for all to feel successful!
Students will be telling me what they are thankful for.. I am thankful for many things, especially "Good Sports."  GO TEAM!!!  Keep exercising over the Holiday break.  I'd like to wish you and your families and friends a very "HAPPY THANKSGIVING!"  See you soon!  Sincerely, Miss Brill

11/5/15 to 11/12/15

Dear Good Sports and families,
     During the month of November, our P.E. students will be building our Gym Turkey with "Class Feathers" representing great efforts by all in a Circuit Training Challenge.  We will continue our jumping test, practice and enjoy some locomotor fun and relay action.
     We will practice a variety of scooter skills as well as a variety of other physical skills at stations for students to practice and work on self-improvement.  As always, adaptations are always made for each and every activity.  We will be highlighting locomotor skills during this cycle.
     Our "10 pt." contest winners will be rewarded with treats from me for "class " efforts.  A "10" is indicative of cooperative efforts, behavioral accountability and Good Sportsmanship.  If each class earns a "10" every P.E. class for the first marking period, I am so happy to reward them with a treat!  Go Good Sports!  As always, individual efforts and abilities are rewarded and earned with their report card grade.
     Looking  forward to seeing you in our next P.E. Class!      Sincerely,  Miss Brill

10/21/15 to 11/3/15

Dear students,
     We've been working on "Kid's Choice" activities for these two cycles.  We exercised the "voting" process for our favorite choices and all will always be Good Sports.  We continued to rattle our "Mr. Bones" (Skeletal System Activity) and as always, I'm up for a good joke to exercise our funny bone!
     Our next fitness test will be the "Standing Broad Jump", an indicator of leg strength and power for all grade levels.
     Always do your best in P.E. class and everywhere.  We are proud of all of our N.S. Good Sports!
                     See you soon!                     Sincerely,   Miss Brill

10/14/15 to 10/20/15

     Dear Students,
           I'm inviting all of my P.E. Classes to go for my fitness challenge during this cycle, so everyone get ready for our OBSTACLE COURSE!!  You can earn a certificate by avoiding the paper "SPIDERS" that are hanging around and scattered through-out the course.
     There are many components of exercise included in our fun fitness challenge.  We'll enjoy music CD's to dance to while we wait for our turn and our music will keep us motivated.  There will always be adaptations made for any and all students needing them.  I'll be looking for some awesome creative moves through-out our course as well.
     We'll continue our "Mr. Bones" activity for educational fun, while reinforcing reading and our learning about the skeletal system.
     Our next physical fitness test will involve jumping for leg strength and distance.
     Please always wear your sneakers and bring your positive attitude reaching for our positive goals.
     Go NS teams- Go P.E. team!  See you soon.  Keep exercising!  Sincerely,  Miss Brill

10/6/15 to 10/13/15

     Hi Good Sports!  We are finishing our running tests and re-tests.  It's great to see my students working toward improvements!
     We are " on a roll" in P.E. class with some awesome Cageball fun- our game is called "Pumpkin Ball" and it works for all ages.  This activity promotes team effort, cooperation, and throwing skills; with students evaluating their personal throwing accuracy and as always with all students following game and safety rules.  During this cycle OR in the future our "youngest" students will participate in a "Spiders" movement activity, incorporating a crab walk or alternative or modified movement, as they travel along a rectangular pathway or suitable pathway.  Students will model movements with me and follow instructions with the music CD, thus sharpening their listening and cooperative skills.
    We will promote reading and expand upon our Skeletal vocabulary via our "Mr. Bones" activity, a visual, fun, and meaningful activity to reinforce our learning about our skeletal system and why it is important to us.
     Students, please always practice those skills you need to work on. Always bring your enthusiasm and smiles to P.E. Class!  It's great to see you having fun while improving skills and learning with me.  Keep EXERCISING, Good Sports!         Sincerely,  Miss Brill

9/15/15 to 9/21/15 and 9/22/15 to 10/5/15, Inclusive

     We participated in Parachute Activities during the 9/15 cycle.  Not only is it a great cooperative activity,  but it's great fun!  Our youngest students enjoyed making a tent and we pretended to be camping out, while students loved bringing marshmallows, hot dogs, hamburgers, etc..., using their great imaginations to add to our fun!  While we made various shapes, did the birthday game with everyone; our older classes particularly enjoyed the "Hole in One"game with " friendly " competition and cooperation with our red and blue teams.  A mandatory rule is for all to say  "Good Game," to complete our activity on a positive note, showing great sportsmanship!  On a personal note, I shared with my classes that my brother was a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne division in the Army.  I told my classes I was very proud of him, but I prefer to play with the parachute "on the ground!"  They enjoyed my story and shared some of their own family members' stories and their services in our Military.
     We have been working on our speed and agility with our"Dash and Shuttle Run" tests. As always, adaptations are in place for all activities in P.E. Class.  We continue to practice many physical skills at our stations while do testing.  K-2 students, please practice tying shoelaces.  I am grateful for our great helpers who assist me in gym class with tying shoes!
     During the next 2 cycles, we will finish our running tests and re-test those with an"N" who may want to improve their scores.Way to go for effort!!!
     We include vocabulary in our P.E. lessons.  Our vocabulary word during these cycles is "accurate," while doing a file relay for passing and receiving for 3-6, and a football throw at targets for K-2.  Accuracy is important in being successful across the board.  All students will enjoy "Flag Tag" activities.  All students will have opportunities to evaluate their performance by returning feedback to me.  Our 3-6 students will practice and understand the concepts of offense and defense for extra challenges and fun!  We may include some CD fun with our K-2 students, as well as,on Friday include a Fitness Friday activity during class.  Do a great job on October 2nd with our Pep Rally.  The ENERGY is on- Go SPARTANS!!!  Keep exercising! See you soon!
                                                                                                        Sincerely,
                                                                                                                      Miss Brill

8/30/15 to 9/14/15, Inclusive

     Welcome back Good Sports and Families.  Hope you had a great summer and you were active and had fun!
     I'm always looking forward to great P.E. classes with you, so please bring those smiles and wear your sneakers.  "Fitness and Fun" will always be our theme, via various avenues, as well as practicing and improving many skills, with adaptations in place as needed. We will always reinforce our rules, stay organized, and work together as a gym "team" reaching for healthy goals in a positive, safe environment, while reinforcing P.E. Standards and behavior management and cooperation.
     As of now, our Fitness Friday activity will be done in our P.E. classroom on occasion.  Remember, regular exercise boosts academic performance!  Way to go when you are active at school and also outside of school.
     During our first 2 cycles, we will participate in many students' favorite activity: tag games.  Tag games promote great exercise, honesty and Good Sportsmanship.  Tag games develop running(or other locomotor skills as directed), dodging and proper tagging skills, body control , game and safety rules and most of all, tag games are "fun!"  These activities will get us going for our first physical fitness test for running: "Dash"-K; "Shuttle Run"-1-6.Speed& Agility).  As previously mentioned, adaptations and modifications are always made and applied for those needing them.
     In our P.E. Classes, we are totally engaged in "real-life" skills, demonstrating teamwork, checking our thinking skills with essential questions, showing responsibility, making good choices, following activity rules, moving safely, and being respectful "Good Sports."
    Another application of real-life skills is having a different "Leader Squad" each week assist in leading warm-ups, assisting with games, skills stations, and helping with equipment needs.  Thank you, great helpers!  You will be great Leaders in your future and you will be successful.
     Please remember, there are activities and special goals to suit everyone.  In the meantime, practice your skills and KEEP EXERCISING !!!  I'll see you soon  in P.E. Class! Sincerely, Miss Brill

4/10/15 to 4/30/15 or longer

Dear Good Sports,
     Some classes need to finish some "Air Chair" tests. Others are performing their "Sit-up" test.  I hope you have been practicing :)  This fitness test is for measurement of abdominal strength and endurance: 1 min.:1-6; 30 secs.:K.  I will provide modifications to this test when needed... While I test, various skill stations are available for self-improvement, including golf putting, a variety of throwing and catching activities, locomotor skills, jump ropes, hula hoops, scooters, etc...
     We will begin and continue our discussion of our"Principal's Muscles," with Mrs. Manofsky's picture on an action figure, allowing us to put some fun into our learning of the major muscle groups and the ways to exercise them.
     We will have very flexible lessons with a nice variety of activities due to PSSA testing and the Science Fair to be held in the gym at the end of the month.
     Our K-2 students will be working on an exercise record form for a 7-day period.  I am anxious to see how you are exercising everyday!  Please return these forms to me.
     Stay tuned and participate with me in our Fitness Friday activities.  Keep exercising!  See you soon!
                                                                                             Sincerely,
                                                                                                          Miss Brill

3/26/15 to 4/9/15, Inclusive

Dear students,
     We're trying to continue and finish up our "Air Chair " test(1-6).   Please prepare for our next physical fitness test: "Sit-ups", Grades 1-6 for 1 min.;K for 30 secs.  I will make modifications as necessary, as always, for anything and everything.
     Prior to this cycle, Mr. Hinkel and I enjoyed being a part of the Reading Dept's Program with a Sports theme.  We had fun in the gym working our students and their families.
     During the first part of this cycle, we participated in our "Kid's Choice" activities.  I know you enjoy voting for your favorite game or activity we've played, once every marking period.  I started this practice many years ago and it's fun to see you be happy with your choices, while also choosing to do your best in all of our P.E. classes.
     During the 2nd part of this cycle, our "10 pt." Contest Winners were announced, for classes showing consistent best behaviors , cooperation, and participation during the 3rd Mk. pd.. Those students are being rewarded with treats for their achievements.  Way to go!
     Our 3rd through 6th graders will " stick around" for some floor hockey fun, while our younger students will leap into action with cooperative games and lummi stick fun!
     All students will consistently learn about teamwork and how that yields positive results.
     Please continue to participate with me on Fitness Friday and exercise outside of school with family and friends.  See you soon, Good Sports!
                                                         Sincerely,
                                                                        Miss Brill
   

3/11/15 to 3/17/15 and 3/18/15 to 3/24/15, Inclusive

Hi everyone!
     We're going for the "Gold" in P.E. class and that means doing our very best when working on our levels of physical fitness!  We'll be finishing our upper body strength tests and Grades 1-6 will be doing the "Air Chair" test.  Please be ready.
     As you know, we're continually working on many physical skills, as well as practicing positive interactions, learning about real-life skills,(responsibility, leadership, cooperation, Good Sportsmanship, etc...), and always having great fun together!  All modifications/adaptations are in place on the spot when needed.
     Your lifelong homework assignment is to exercise everyday and stay motivated so to earn healthy rewards.  Coordinate your efforts with family and friends and work together to set your healthy goals.
     During the first cycle listed, relays and tag games are in to be fit and trim.  During the next cycle, it's "Reel Jig" time in P.E. class with some Irish Folk dancing and theme-related tag games and background information.  It's FITNESS 4-EVER in Gym class and Fitness Friday, too, and that's no "blarney!"
     "Good Luck," Good Sports, as you reach for your healthy goals!  I'm very proud of you!
                                                                                       Sincerely,
                                                                                                    Miss Brill

2/26/15 to 3/4/15 or so, depending on the weather

Dear students,
     We'll be continuing our Fitness Testing, as always.  We have some upper body strengths to finish up and then we'll continue onto the "Air Chair" test for leg strength(1-6).
     During this cycle,we're on the go with "TAE-BO" JR, for a great work-out!  Students are learning there are many different avenues in team sports and individual physical activities to choose for themselves.  This particular work-out combines karate, kick-boxing, and a few dance elements.  Each student will be exercising for good health, good hearts, and strong bodies, while doing their personal best- what great goals!  Some students shared with me how they do exercise DVD's and games at home.  Way to go; especially during these cold winter days!  I will always provide adaptations as needed for any and all students with all P.E. activities.
     I'll catch up with everyone on Fitness Friday for an extra work-out for all!
     See you soon in gym class and always be ready for any challenge!   KEEP EXERCISING!!!
                                                                                                         Sincerely,
                                                                                                                      Miss Brill

2/19/15 to 2/25/15

Hi Good Sports and Families,
     February is Heart Month and we are always in search of Healthy Hearts in P.E. Class and to continue providing motivation to exercise every day.  Students were invited to take a Fitness Challenge/Circuit Training Course, where they learned facts about the Heart and circulation system, lung power, cholesterol, white blood cells and so on.
     Students were timed and later reported how many times they completed the course. They touched the picture of the heart on the gym wall with each successful completion.  We checked our pulse before and after to see the impact of proper exercise for ultimate benefits.  Everyone was rewarded with heart, smiley, or star stickers for achieving their search for healthy hearts in our class.
    I am so happy to report we reached our goals in our Jump Rope for Heart Fund-raiser.  Our P.E. Dept. will be receiving a gift certificate to be used for needed equipment. We have a great team at NSE.  Our staff, students, families, and total community of friends came through super generosity and kindness in supporting our cause for the American Heart Association.  You are all awesome!  Thank you.  Your efforts will help many with heart problems to be mended and recover.
     We are continuing our Fitness testing, as always, and will move on to the next test as soon as we tie up some ends. During any and all P.E. classes, adaptations are made on the spot to help all students feel successful.
     Remember to exercise with me on Fitness Friday and keep reaching for healthy fitness goals!  Go Team!!!   See you soon.
                                                              Sincerely,
                                                                          Miss Brill

2/5/15 to approx. 2/18/15

Dear Students and families,
     Students, keep practicing to prepare for our Physical Fitness  tests.  As you know, we always have a variety of skills stations which provide practice for those skills which would be incorporated and needed for a particular unit or lesson.  Some stations are just fun for added exercise and self-improvement. 
     During this cycle, we will conclude our Basketball Unit(grades 3-6), with a regular Basketball game with student referees assisting.  Definite rule-no arguing with the Refs.!!! I will adjust the game to suit the needs within any class. Adaptations are always made in our classes.
     Our K-2 students will work on bowling skills again, as well as basket shooting, and we'll integrate these skills into our Super Bowling Basketball activity.  It's super fun!!
     We are crossing our fingers and hoping for good weather for our Jump Rope for Heart on Weds., 2/11/15.  Please remember to wear or bring your sneakers in order to participate. We've been practicing with our jump ropes and jump bands to prepare.  As always, your P.E. teachers will provide a variety of stations for you to get plenty of heart-healthy exercise.  Thank you in advance for your contributions to the American Heart Association.  Our Community is so kind and generous to these worthy causes.
     Keep exercising with me on Fitness Friday and any other time our whole school works out together. Go for achieving those heart-healthy goals at home with family and friends, too!  Way to go!  I'll see you soon in our gym!     Sincerely,
                                                                                             Miss Brill

1/16/15 to approx.2/4/15 or 2/5/15( depending on the weather)

Hi Good sports!
     We have been and will continue our Physical Fitness Testing for upper body strength, as able, due to delays/snow days/compressed schedules/ programs in the gym; etc. and we will be flexible as always in P.E. Class.  Keep practicing those push-ups!
     We will have our skills stations in place with a variety of physical skills, including ball handling, locomotor skills, basket shooting, jump rope/jump band activity(prep for jump rope for heart), and hula hoops. Adaptations and modifications will always be provided for all activities in our classes.
     Our 3-6 grade students have been going "bonkers" for a fun, challenging ,basket shooting game with student scorekeepers using tally scoring and all incorporating self-assessment and math skills with friendly competition.
     Our K-2 students will practice and reinforce previously taught locomotor skills in a fun activity, as well as participating in a good manners/character-building game.
     Those classes winning our 10 pt ."class contest" for best behaviors, cooperation, and participation for the 2nd marking period were announced and received their treats or will soon.
     It's always great to see Good sports doing their best working toward great goals.  Way to go!!! Please continue working out with me on Fitness Friday achieving HEALTHY goals!  See you soon in gym!                           Sincerely,  Miss Brill

1/7/15 to 1/13/15 (1/15/15)

Dear Students,
     Due to delays and no school due to weather conditions, our Physical Fitness Testing for upper body strength was delayed a bit and will begin A.S.A.P. Please practice push-ups to help you to prepare, so you  are able to do your personal best!
     All students will practice ball handling/dribbling skills with right and left hand, using proper form.  A variety of extra skills stations will be provided as I do Fitness Testing.  We will incorporate jump rope and jump band skills to prepare for our Jump Rope for Heart Fund-raiser in February. I will tell you about Chinese jump ropes that we made ourselves out of rubber bands and played with when I was young.  What fun and what great exercise!!   As always, adaptations are made in any activity in P.E. Class.
     Our K-2 students will enjoy some relay action, as able, and will employ cooperative efforts, as each team will build a "Snowman." We will review basic math shapes that are a part of our "Snowman."
     Our 3-6 students will begin their Basketball Unit practicing their dribbling skills and applying those skills in our "Giant Jacks" relay activity.
     All students will make good use of our vocabulary word and  "ENCOURAGE" their teammates while having fun together!
     A continuing Fitness Unit all year is our Fitness Friday activity.  Please participate with me as we all work cooperatively a a Team and shape-up together!! Go NSE Team!!!
     Please remember to wear your sneakers and smiles and I'll see you soon in P.E. Class!
                                                                          Sincerely,
                                                                                       Miss Brill

12/4/14 to 1/6/15, Inclusive

Hi Good Sports,
     Let's wrap up our gym activities for December and the beginning of the New Year, 2015.  We will finish up our jumping test for leg strength and we will soon begin our fitness test for upper body strength.  K-2 will perform the " Seal Crawl," and 3-6 will perform the " Isometric Push-up."  Students have been directed to practice push-ups to prepare for this test and of course we will provide adaptations for any test of skills any exercise, or activity in P.E. class. 
We are always flexible in our P.E. classes for any music rehearsals, fund-raisers, etc...We were very successful with our Big Brothers/Big Sisters, "Bowl for Kid's Sake" during gym class time.  Our students and their families raised double the amount from last year!  Approx. $2,500 was raised for this wonderful mentoring program at North Schuylkill and in our county.  The three largest prize winners earned their prize before the Holiday Break and everyone else will receive their prizes after the New Year.  Thank you so much, everyone!  You are super!!!!!
     During our December activities, we promoted physical activity with fun, while working on throwing, blocking, team cooperation skills, and Wintertime favorites.  We provided a variety of activity vehicles in which to provide positive interactions and to help our students show their excitement and interest in P.E. class.( Always my personal goal).  I've always told my students that there is an activity for everyone to feel good about for themselves and we can find it!
     Of course, Fitness Friday is an important activity with which to promote physical fitness with the whole school.  I really enjoy hearing how students and their teachers cooperated in this activity with me each week.
     I have asked students to exercise over the Holiday Break with family and friends and let me know how they " worked out" when we return in January.
     Thank you to everyone who remembered me with a Christmas card , home-made pictures, snowflakes, candy canes, and other special gifts.    I hope you all had a great Holiday season and I wish all my students and their families a very Healthy and Happy New Year, 2015!!!!!  All my best to everyone!       Sincerely,     Miss Brill