WELCOME BACK!

Hello to all of the CCA Community!

            I hope many parents and students find this blog useful as we get started in our brand new 2010-2011 school year. As many of you know, this is my first year teaching at CCA. I am very excited to get started, meet all the students, and find out what we can do in Physical Education this year!

            I am a 2010 graduate of Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I am very thankful for having the opportunity the first year out of college to have my own body of students and an awesome opportunity to share my passion for physical activity.

           My athletic interests include playing and coaching volleyball, running, tennis, and dance. Some other activities I  enjoy are music, singing, and reading. I love to spend time with my family and was able to marry my best friend, Cameron, this past July. I enjoy boating and water activities in the summer, and am slowly learning how to love winter activities such as snowboarding or skiing (I'm a California native!)

Why is physical education important? Physical education promotes awareness of many benefits we can have from physical activity. Exercise can prevent diseases such as osteoporosis, diabetes, or heart disease. Exercise can promote brain fitness, better sleep, and reduce anxiety. Exercise can also prevent injury, increasing strength, flexibility, and balance. Best of all, exercise can enhance each individual’s self-esteem both mentally and physically as they gain confidence in many new skills and cooperative games. With this confidence, students dare to take risks, try new things, and find activities they personally enjoy- thus accomplishing my most important goal: lifelong physical activity.

I teach physical education because I want to teach students this necessary confidence they need in order to be active for a lifetime. I want to develop and enhance the personal character traits like perseverance, wonder, respect, and responsibility through physical activity. My philosophy focuses on personal child development and learning new skills. The end goal is to see each individual continually improving, building confidence along the way.

             I'm anxious to get to know all of you, parents and students, as we have this fresh start together. I hope to meet many of you as the year gets rolling, and would love to have your feedback on this blog as much as possible. Comments are welcome!!

Looking forward to a great year! Go Cougars!

Mrs. Verkaik