New Year, New Start!

Welcome back! I am excited to start a brand new school year with you and your children. As our school year begins, I want to inform you of an exciting new curriculum I will be using in Physical Education this year for Grades K-5. 

"The Exemplary Physical Education Curriculum (EPEC) is a nationally recognized program that combats the crushing burden of chronic disease in our population. Physical activity is highly protective against the major chronic diseases of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. The curriculum’s objectives systematically and sequentially increase fitness levels, develop motor skills, increase activity-related knowledge, and develop and improve personal/social/attitudinal characteristics students need to be physically active for LIFE."

"EPEC works to shift the emphasis of P.E. away from merely keeping students busy, happy and good toward instruction based on clearly stated outcomes. As a result of a defined direction and clear objectives, students are more likely to learn, develop competencies and confidence, and prepared for a physically active life. The program objectives are based on the National Association for Sports and Physical Education."

I wanted to inform you of this change as I will be able to assess each and every student on each individual skill learned through rubric checklists. You will be able to know how well your child is mastering the content taught and whether he/she is progressing through the steps of each skill. Let me emphasize that these are not letter grades, but an informative report of how many skill steps your child can demonstrate and/or perform.

Students will still be participating in all of the fun, traditional or non-traditional sport units we have participated in last year, but they may be performed in different orders, and have a stronger emphasis on building up skill than just playing the game. In order for students to play the sport or game well, I need to spend time with them building a strong foundation.

Each month I will be sending home a newsletter with your child to inform you of the skills and events we will be focusing on. I will also continue to update my blog: www.verkaikccaphysed.blogspot.com. I would love to receive your comments or feedback on how you feel this new curriculum is affecting your child, and appreciate your patience and trust as we begin this process together.

I am very excited to begin teaching your children all of the skills they need to become confident, creative students at CCA. If you have any questions throughout the year, please do not hesitate to visit me in my office or contact me through email or phone. 

Sincerely,

Mrs. Verkaik

K-6 Physical Education