Superintendent of Perry Township Schools
Those of us who are 50 or older understand the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle as we grow and mature.
Physical education courses play a significant role in the education of a child in Perry Township Schools. Our elementary physical education classes provide opportunities for children to participate in a variety of activities that encourage movement, socialization, teamwork and fun.
However, a comprehensive, physical education curriculum is not just about physical activities and sports as it also includes instruction on nutrition while reinforcing wellness habits such as no tobacco use.
Teachers will host a free interactive experience that will demonstrate the variety of activities from our physical education curriculum from 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at Perry Meridian High School, 401 W. Meridian School Road. The evening will keep your body moving, your brain thinking and your heart pumping.
Stations will include:
• Juggling – a fun, portable workout; sharpens focus and concentration, maintains and increases range of motion, improves coordination and fun.
• Line dancing: – reduces stress, increases energy, improves circulation, improves coordination, builds and increases stamina, strengthens bones and helps develop social skills.
• Heart challenge course – an obstacle course that represents the four chambers of the heart. As “blood cells,” participants will travel through the heart to the lungs and finally to the brain and muscles. Learn how the heart, blood and oxygen work together to keep us alive.
• Jump rope – a calorie-burning workout that builds coordination; may be done as an individual or group.
• Table tennis – team or single players, builds coordination and concentration.
• Basketball skills – basic fundamentals, solo or team drills, coordination.
• Parachute fitness – colorful, participatory physical education; may be used indoors or outdoors.
• Cup stacking – stack and unstack 12 specially designed plastic cups in predetermined sequence, requires coordination and concentration
• Tinikling – involves two people beating, tapping and sliding bamboo poles on the ground and against each other in coordination with one or more dancers who step over and in between the poles in a dance.
• Step aerobics – exercise using an elevated platform. The height can be tailored to individual needs by inserting risers under the step.
Perry Township has outstanding, dedicated staff members who are committed to delivering a physical education program that is educational and fun. I extend my appreciation to all of our elementary physical education instructors who have spent many hours preparing for this event: Daniel Armbruster, Carrah Campbell, Bradley Davis, Alex Harrell, Nathan Helton, Steven Hyzer, Melissa McSorley, Daniel Oblon, Geoffrey Roell, Lee Seibold, Sarah Stumpf, Briana Young and Sherrie Williamson.
Come prepared to play. Dress comfortably, wear tennis shoes and be ready to experience the physical education opportunities afforded to our youngest learners. We hope to see you there.