Lenart Physical Education

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Welcome Back!2023-2024

                     Lenart Elementary Regional Gifted Center Physical Education

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

 First of all, Id like to thank all parents for all the kind donations that you made to our P.E. department.  Lenart and myself are truly grateful!  Wow, everyone is too kind.  We also had a few of the nerf balls donated and that was OPTIOAL! Thank you so much.  I really appreciate your kindness.

The P.E. program here at Lenart teaches students the knowledge and skills required to empower them to engage in regular and life-long physical activity in order to provide a foundation for a healthy, fulfilling and productive life. I want to create a culture of belonging so that every student feels:

  • I belong here
  • This work/activity has meaning to me
  • I can be successful here
  • My ability grows with my effort

In order for us to be effective in this mission, we want every student to be brave, have fun, and to do so in a safe and friendly environment.  I teach personalized learning to all  grade levels, so that each student has a positive self-identity.  My goal, as your child’s physical educator, is for every child to be a winner, someone with an idea of who they are, creating their own personal identity. 

 Your child will be expected to dress in his/her physical education attire the administration and staff at Lenart has designated.  It is required that students wear their Lenart PE uniform on Tuesday and Thursday only.  On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, students must be in athletic wear with athletic shoes -- please no crocs, sandals, loafers and/or boots.  Due to our block schedule, I can understand it is too hard to do laundry everyday of the week.  This schedule allows for laundry to be done when necessary. I will cover the rules and expectations the first week of school.  Your child will have a clear understanding of what is expected of them.  I give a two week grace period to purchase uniforms and/or proper clothing for PE class. I will start grading for their uniform that following Tuesday. So for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, the students must wear something comfortable (athletic clothes) such as gym shoes, shorts, and some type of t-shirt.  If it's cold, they can wear something such as sweatpants and a sweatshirt.  Please no denim shorts or jeans.  Remember, I am a very reasonable person so I won't be too harsh.  If it doesn't work for my class, I will give you a friendly warning.

 It is essential that your child is prepared to learn and exercise while present in my class.  Your child will be expected to dress in physical education attire, something they feel comfortable wearing during exercise.  They will be expected to be fully engaged in every activity and  lesson taught(see classroom norms below).  I want every child to learn what it means to be physically active and value the impact it can have on their health and well-being. My personal goals are to teach in a way that keeps the children having fun  and wanting to come back for more.  All uniforms can be purchased online at our Lenart website.

PE Rules and Expectations

 

In order to establish a safe, fun, healthy, and productive learning environment, the goal is to try and instill the following rules and expectations for our students.

 

  • Safety First! Student’s bodies must remain in control at all times.  Think personal space.
  • Bring a positive attitude. Give your best effort, encourage others, congratulate others, and understand others.
  • Be prepared for class – appropriate footwear, appropriate dress attire.
  • Listen to and follow directions.  Give the speaker your full attention.
  • Never leave the gym without permission.
  • Display appropriate behaviors.
  • Raise your hand before speaking, wait to be called on, don’t shout out.
  • Follow the whistle rule.  STOP! LOOK! LISTEN!
  • Give an honest effort, do your personal best, set goals and do your best to achieve them.
  • Teamwork and cooperation - Together everyone achieves more.
  • Always show good sportsmanship – Be fair, be respectful, and considerate to everyone in the gym.
  • Take responsibility for your own actions. Be accountable, don’t blame others.
  • Have fun, if you had fun, you won!
  • FOLLOW THE GOLDEN RULE:

                        TREAT OTHERS THE WAY YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE TREATED!

 

Our Classroom Norms:

  • Being present and focused

  • Remain respectful to classmates and the teacher

  • Do not interrupt during the lesson( allowed three verbal warnings)

  • Remain open to share

  • Reach out to others when you need help or clarity

  • Being humble, being open and being vulnerable with classroom participation and communication

  • No judgement- understand that everyone's is different. Offer verbal support

  • Being fully engaged during activities; even if it makes you uncomfortable

  • Being supportive of others as we are learning.

  • Holding ourselves accountable. 

 

Grading Scale –

Participation / Effort/Dress/ Following Directions

80% of your overall grade will include a variety of activities that will assess how well you engage in the lesson and how much you actively participate in activities. All students will be held accountable for their actions.  Students must treat others the way in which they would like to be treated.  Always respect the teacher and fellow classmates.

Assessments (Assignments quizzes, tests, projects etc.)  -  20% of your grade will be determined by performance on exit slips, quizzes, and tests. The activities done during class will be assessed by how well you can transfer and apply what you’ve learned onto exit slips and assignments. (written/verbal/reading). Study guides will be provided for quizzes and tests.

                    

 State goals that we will adhere to:

  • STATE GOAL 19: Acquire movement and motor skills and understand concepts necessary to engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity
  • STATE GOAL 20: Achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical fitness based upon continual self-assessment.
  • STATE GOAL 21: Develop skills necessary to become a successful member of a team by working with others during physical activity.
  • STATE GOAL 23: Understand human body systems and factors that influence growth and development.
  • STATE GOAL 24: Promote and enhance health and well-being through use of effective communication and decision-making skills. 

 

As the nation moves forward into the twenty-first century, a tremendous opportunity exists to enhance our health and well-being. Much of that opportunity lies in our ability to address the growing health challenges that are facing children and youth. Although progress is being made, poor physical fitness and  lack of proper nutrition continue to plague our society and most notably our youth.

Comprehensive physical development and health programs offer great potential for enhancing the capacity of students' minds and bodies. Extensive research connects the ability to learn to good health. Healthy minds and bodies are basic to academic success and, in later life, enhance the ability to contribute to a productive work environment.

The benefits of comprehensive health and physical education include promoting a healthy generation of students who are able to achieve their highest potential, reversing the trend of deteriorating health and physical fitness among youth.

The goals and standards for physical development and health foster workplace skills, including identifying short- and long-term goals, utilizing technology, following directions, and working cooperatively with others. Problem solving, communication, responsible decision making, and team-building skills are major focus points as well.

If you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them as soon as I possibly can.  Please email me, my email address is:  jmccracken@cps.edu I will give you a response in a timely fashion.

 

Thank you very much,

Mr. McCracken