Get Active!

At a time when school administrators, teachers, and parents want to give  students as much of a head start in math, science, and technology as possible and expanding academic curricula are competing for attention, it can be very easy to ignore physical education. This is true not just in the United States, but in societies across the globe. It is no surprise, therefore, that research is coming in from all over the world-from the US, South Africa, Spain, Germany, Korea, Australia, and Taiwan on this important topic.

In the past there was a tendency to think that time devoted to nonacademic goals had a negative effect on academic performance. However, a growing body of scientific research is showing a link between physical fitness and improved brain function, cognition, and academic achievement. Physical activity has a direct effect on the brain, with increased oxygenation improving concentration, neuron connectivity and information processing. Indirectly, the lessons learned and benefits gained by exercise and group sports can carry over into the classroom setting. Athletics immerse students in a culture of effort, persistence, and competitiveness. Sports activity also increases self-esteem and socialization which aid in academic performance.

While many researchers want more studies to firmly establish a correlation between these two important goals, they do agree on one thing: Adding time to academic subjects by taking time from physical education programs does not enhance grades in these subjects, and may be detrimental to health. They recommend that neitherphysical or intellectual education be sacrificed at the expense of the other.

Healthiest State of Iowa Walk

On Wednesday, October 3rd the schools of Pence, Washington, and the Middle School walked for the 2nd annual Healthiest State of Iowa Walk Day.

The state of Iowa continues to rank in the top 20 of 50 states in being the healthiest. Governor Branstad is encouraging us to climb to #1. Out of 99 counties, right here in Jefferson Co., we dropped form 42nd last year to 14th this year. That is a 28 county drop.



Congraulations Iowa!!!
2012 Healthiest State Walk will go down in history as one of the biggest events ever to take place in the state!

Shuttle Run

Presidential Physical Fitness Test

In physical education we are starting the Presidential Physical Fitness Testing. The presidential fitness tests focus on making kids healthy and active for life. There are five activities that measure muscular strength/endurance, cardio-respiratory endurance, speed, agility, and flexibility. They are sit-ups, push-ups, endurance run, sit and reach, and shuttle run. Just completing all five activities is a great accomplishment. To celebrate this fitness test, I offer three awards to students, based on their scores. I award students for every level based on these standards for the activities;

·       Presidential Physical Fitness Award—To earn this award, students must score at or above the 85th percentile on all five activities.

·       National Physical Fitness Award—Students earn this award for scoring above the 50th percentile on all five activities.

·       Participant Physical Fitness Award—Students earn this award if they participate in all five activities, but one or more of their scores fall below the 50th percentile.

I will be testing my students twice a year, in the fall and spring, so they can see how they have progressed throughout the year.

Introduction

Hi and welcome to my blog! I am Taylor Hjerleid, the new Pence, Libertyville, and Middle School physical education teacher!

I wanted to start off by telling you a little about myself. I graduated from Luther College (Go Norse!) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education and Health Education. At Luther College I played volleyball and was involved in many other extra-curricular activities. This is my first year teaching and I am more than excited to work with each and every one of your children!

Please stop by and look at my blog. I will be posting what your students will be doing in physical education. I will also be more than willing to speak with you if you have any questions on how your student is doing in my classroom. Please feel free to email me anytime; taylor.hjerleid@fairfieldsfuture.org. Thank you! Hope you enjoy my blog.