I am honored to have the opportunity to work collaboratively with you as we cultivate and help improve your talents through this school year. I am excited as I look forward to the learning that will take place in our classroom.

The goals of Physical Education class are to help you:

1. Demonstrate a variety of movement skills and patterns
2. Understand concepts, principles, and strategies used in physical activities
3. Exhibit responsible and respectful personal and social behavior

We will learn a variety of skills this year through units on fundamental movement skills, individual and group sports skills, personal health and nutrition, swimming, strength and conditioning, and interactive games. Goal setting, regular reflection, and feedback from assessments are a high priority at TASOK. Students will be provided with opportunities to regularly self-assess in class, and updates will be communicated on the blog to inform parents of what is happening in PE and how they can support your learning at home.

Physical Education at TASOK is highly differentiated to meet every student at their current level of performance. Students will only be asked to participate in activities that are safe, structured, and supervised. Medical notes may be submitted that explain specific activities with which you should not engage, but notes excluding all types of physical activity are not permitted; i.e. “Please excuse _______ from PE today.  They are not feeling well.”

It is imperative that you come to class every day prepared for PE. Please make sure that you come prepared for PE with athletic pants (or shorts), a non-cotton athletic shirt, athletic shoes and socks, and a filled water bottle. You are also encouraged to bring a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent with you for time spent outdoors.

I look forward to working together with you as we develop your physical, emotional, social, and mental health this school year. Please explore this teacher blog for information on our current units of study, and write to me with any questions you might have.

Best,

Mr. McAllister

Email: amcallister@tasok.net

 

KG Celebration of Learning: Swim

Kindergarten will conclude their swim unit on Friday May 11 with a Celebration of Learning at the TASOK pool, taking place from 2:30-3:00 PM. Parents are welcome to come and see their children practicing the skills we have learned during our swim unit. Thank you.

Swim Unit Information

Students in Kindergarten – Grade 7 will begin their swim unit the week of February 26, which will last until March 23 (for grades 1-7). Kindergarten will finish their swim unit on May 11. Students will be swimming both days that they have PE for these weeks . In case of rain, PE class will take place indoors. Students are responsible to bring the following items with them every day that they have PE for this unit:

• One-piece swimsuit
• Swimming Goggles
• Sunscreen
• Towel

Students are also welcome to wear swim shorts or swim shirts in addition to their swim suit, which will help prevent overexposure to the sun. If your student does not have the required items with them every day, they will be unable to participate in the regular swim class. Also, please review the following TASOK Pool Expectations with your child. Students are expected to act in accordance with these guidelines at all times to ensure the safety of our pool time.

TASOK Pool Expectations

Basic Rules: No running in the pool area; no throwing, pushing, or horseplay; no gum, food, or drinks allowed; students with long hair must put hair in a ponytail before the beginning of class.

Changing Time: Students will be given five minutes during class to change into their swimsuit, and five minutes to dry off and change back into their school clothes after swimming. It is very important that students be focused during changing time, as it allows us to maximize the time spent in the pool.

Showers: Students are required to rinse off in the outside showers next to the pool before entering every day, and will also rinse off at the end of class before going back into the changing rooms.

Swim Supplies: Students are expected to treat the swim aids, flippers, and other supplies with respect and care. Any student that does not clean up their supplies after use will lose the privilege of using these items.

Parent Volunteers Welcome!

Parents are encouraged to volunteer to assist with PE classes during the Swim Unit. Volunteers are welcome to come and assist in the pool with all classes, but especially for Kindergarten and Grade 1 swim classes. Parent volunteers do not need exhaustive knowledge of swimming techniques, but should be comfortable swimming and instructing children in the water. Lesson plans will be provided and lesson objectives will be explained to volunteers before each lesson. Thank you for your support!

Please contact me at amcallister@tasok.net if you have any questions or comments! Thank you.