Mr. Francisco

As we move closer to the end of the school year, our older students have been playing some badminton, nitroball, and volleyball. Always a fun tradition, we completed a double elimination badminton tournament filled with competitive matches and some excellent game play. Next up for us is a beach volleyball tournament for middle school classes.

Students in grades 2-8 have also completed their 2^nd and final PACER test for the year. All classes showed improvement from their results in the fall. The following is the average % change for each student in the class:

2nd + 3.5%

3^rd +54.77%

4^th +24.55%

5^th +14.96%

6^th +47.77%

7^th +45.97%

8^th +17.74%

Our younger students are working on their hand-eye coordination and striking skills using balloons. They are practicing these skills in a variety of ways- using hands to keep the balloon up, using anything but hands to keep the balloon up, working with a partner to keep the balloon up, using rackets to keep the balloon up, and doing the partner tennis challenge to hit a balloon back and forth with a partner using rackets.

Our younger students have also been enjoying some scooter rides as a warm up activity, which are always among their favorite activities!

8^th grade students in Health have been working on a Nutrition unit with a couple of projects. First students used a variety of food packages to complete a project where they must read the nutrition facts labels and compare various foods. That was followed by a project that challenged students to research the nutrition facts of some of their favorite fast food meals, and then find a healthier, yet satisfying alternative from the same restaurant. Students will be taking a cumulative final exam before wrapping things up for this school year. Congratulations are in order for our graduating 8^th grade class, I wish you all the best of luck in your next chapters of life!

I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable summer!

Philosophy: I believe all students should be provided with a variety of activities that allows them to explore several different ways to be physically active. The goal is to provide students with enjoyment, competition and motivation to want to be physically active through the remainder of their lives. Students will also learn about what it means to live a happy and healthy lifestyle.