Welcome to Coach Fitzgerald's Page

Sedalia Park Physical Education Program

Physical Education at Sedalia Park is an important part of a child’s learning and development.  The goals of the physical education program are to:

· be consistent with the Cobb County School District's and National standards for elementary physical education that define what students should know and be able to do

· emphasize knowledge and skills for a lifetime of regular physical activity

· devote at least 50 percent of class time to actual physical activity in each week

· provide a wide variety of activity choices

· feature cooperative as well as competitive games

· meet the needs of all students, especially those who are not athletically gifted

· teach movement and self-management skills

· actively teach cooperation, fair play, and responsible participation in physical activity

· promote participation in physical activity outside of school

· be an enjoyable experience for students

HOW MUCH ACTIVITY DOES YOUR CHILD GET AT HOME?

Aerobic, Muscle- and Bone-Strengthening: What Counts?

To get you started, here is a list of possible activities that children and adolescents can do to meet the CDC Guidelines of 1 hour of moderate to vigerous physical activity per day. These activities serve as a guide, so encourage your child to do any of them, as long as they are age-appropriate.

Many of these activities fall under two or three different categories, making it possible for your child do each type of activity – vigorous-intensity aerobic, muscle- and bone-strengthening activity. Also, some activities, such as bicycling or basketball, can be done at either a moderate- or a vigorous-intensity, depending on your child's level of effort.

	Age Group
Type of Physical Activity	Children	Adolescents
Moderate–intensity aerobic	Active recreation such as hiking, skateboarding, rollerblading Bicycle riding Walking to school	Active recreation, such as canoeing, hiking, cross-country skiing, skateboarding, rollerblading Brisk walking Bicycle riding (stationary or road bike) House and yard work such as sweeping or pushing a lawn mower Playing games that require catching and throwing, such as baseball, softball, basketball and volleyball
Vigorous –intensity aerobic	Active games involving running and chasing, such as tag Bicycle riding Jumping rope Martial arts, such as karate Running Sports such as ice or field hockey, basketball, swimming, tennis or gymnastics	Active games involving running and chasing, such as flag football, soccer Bicycle riding Jumping rope Martial arts such as karate Running Sports such as tennis, ice or field hockey, basketball, swimming Vigorous dancing Aerobics Cheerleading or gymnastics
Muscle-strengthening	Games such as tug of war Modified push-ups (with knees on the floor) Resistance exercises using body weight or resistance bands Rope or tree climbing Sit-ups Swinging on playground equipment/bars Gymnastics	Games such as tug of war Push-ups Resistance exercises with exercise bands, weight machines, hand-held weights Rock climbing Sit-ups Cheerleading or Gymnastics
Bone-strengthening	Games such as hop-scotch Hopping, skipping, jumping Jumping rope Running Sports such as gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, tennis	Hopping, skipping, jumping Jumping rope Running Sports such as gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, tennis

Appropriate Attire

The proper dress for PE class is as follows:

Boys:

Uniform shorts, pants, shirt and sneakers (tennis shoes).  NO SANDALS, CROCS, HEELED BOOTS, or FLIP-FLOPS .

Girls:

Uniform shorts, pants, skorts. dresses or skits WITH shorts underneath, shirt and sneakers (tennis shoes).  NO SANDALS, CROCS, HEELED SHOES, or FLIP-FLOPS.

10 Reasons Summertime Shouldn't Be Spent Sitting Indoors

Summer is here and far too many people have been sitting indoors all winter and spring and need to get out of the rut. The best way to turn your life around 180-degrees is to step outside this summer and spend some more time with nature. The sun’s healing powers are very real and you will feel like a new person if you commit to getting outside every single day to enjoy the sunshine. Here are 10 great reasons why you should get out of the house this summer.

Summer is a great time to spend the day playing outside with friends. Get a group of together and throw around a football, baseball or a frisbee at your neighborhood park.

1. Vitamin D – Summer means there will be plenty of sunshine around and if you are someone who sits indoors all the time then you are probably deficient in vitamin D. Go fill up your tank with tons of great vitamin D by spending summer in the great outdoors. Vitamin D can help in numerous ways: strengthens bones, strengthens immune system, decreases depression, prevents disease, and even increases lifespan.

2. Physical fitness – The best time of year to pick up a new sport is summer time. Get out and start jogging, swimming, playing football in the park, or anything that gets your body moving. The small effort to be active this season will pay huge dividends for your health, weight, and how you feel overall.

3. Personal relationships – All of your friends are heading outdoors for the summer. It is the perfect time of year to rekindle relationships and build new ones by going out socializing. Group sports, camping, and beach-going are just a few ways to spend some quality time with friends under the sun.

4. Baseball season – America’s pastime is back in full swing, and what better way to spend time outdoors than supporting your home team and going to a live game. Turn that TV off, call some friends, and head down to your local ballpark where you can appreciate both your team and the amazing summer weather at the same time.

5. Vacation time – Whether you have been saving up that one week or have several weeks of vacation time ready to use, this summer is a perfect excuse to use it. Take a week off and head to some mountains where you can enjoy hiking, fishing, and biking. If you are looking to relax, spend your vacation on the coast. Better yet, sign up for a 10k or half/full marathon you have always wanted to do and take your vacation around that event.

6. Beaches and lakes are warm – The water is warming up and the sun is heating up the sand which means it is time to head to the nearest water. It can be a fun lake nearby or the beautiful beaches of San Diego. Both are a fun place to hang out in the summer. You will be happy you got yourself out of the house when you are waterskiing or surfing with all of your friends.

7. Better sleep – Getting outdoors and exercising or just being active will help burn some energy that will then result in a better night’s sleep once you are back home. It has been proven that people who spend more time outdoors sleep much more soundly than people who sit inside all day.

8. Increased oxygenation – Breathing in the fresh air actually has health benefits. When you spend time outdoors, it increases your body’s oxygenation and therefore your blood circulation. Better blood circulation results in more energy and increased mental awareness. So if you want to think more clearly, go outside and get some more blood pumping into your brain.

9. Relieve stress from the winter – A lot of people have been cooped up indoors throughout the winter and even spring time. Stress builds up and depression sinks in when you have been in a dark house for too long. When you go outside and take a breath of fresh air you will instantly feel less stress and have a happier outlook on the day.

10. Improved eyesight – Staring at a computer or TV takes a toll on your eyes and you can reverse those effects by spending time outdoors. When your eyes can focus on a large landscape instead of a small screen, it reduces their nearsightedness which is why most people need glasses.

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART

  

During the week of APRIL 11-15, 2011 Sedalia Park Elementary School is holding a Jump Rope for Heart Event to raise funds for the American Heart Association.

This event offers many benefits.  First, the money our school raises will help fund potentially lifesaving research into heart disease and stroke, out Nation’s no. 1 and No. 3 killers.  Second, it will fund the development of educational materials that teach the importance of heart health and staying fit.  Third, Sedalia Park earns gift certificates for physical education equipment.

Jump Rope for Heart will benefit your child, too.  Besides having fun, it teaches jump rope skills, the importance of physical activity, and the concept of community service.  Depending on the amount of contributions collected, your child will be eligible for a variety of thank-you gifts.  Finally, Jump Rope for Heart builds school spirit and helps connect our school with the community.

Since jump rope skills are part of the physical education curriculum, the event will take place during regularly scheduled Physical Education classes. 

Family and friends are welcome to support your child by contributing to the American Heart Association.  However, we ask that your child not go door-to-door or ask strangers for donations.   Please make checks out to the American Heart Association.  Donation envelopes will be due by March 31, 2011.

This will be a fun day in the gym and I know every child will enjoy the time to jump rope.  If you have any question about Jump Rope for Heart, please feel free to contact me.

 

Thank you,

 

Coach Fitzgerald

 

Keith Fitzgerald

Physical Education Teacher

keith.fitzgerald@cobbk12.com

 

News from the Gym

CHILDREN NEED TO WEAR SNEAKERS

 

Gym shoes (sneakers, tennis shoes) are required for Physical Education Class.  Please help your child remember to wear gym shoes on the days they have Physical Education.  Sneakers without solid backs, flip-flops, or shoes with with heels and platform soles are NOT a good choice for PE. 

 

AT HOME

Please take the time to exercise at home.  Walking as a family is a great way to exercise together.  Encourage your children to play outside, ride bikes, have fun, and stay away from the TV and computer games.