Mr. Sickler's 8th Grade Physical Education Blog

Week of 5/2/11-5/6/11 (4Q- Week 5)

2011-05-01T10:39:00.001-07:00

Well, it has been a crazy 2 weeks for me as my wife and I waited for the arrival of our second daughter. Natalie Elyse was officially born on Tuesday, April 26th at around 10:35am. She was a whopping 6 lbs and 10 ozs with huge muscles like her dad. In fact, right after she was born, she wanted to a run a mile. Crazy. As it was with my first daughter it was an amazing experience and am so excited to add a new member to our family.

Because of the crazy schedules from STAR testing last week and this week, I have not updated the Google calendar. I am not sure what we will be doing this week. All activities will be planned as the week goes on, including the run and fitness days. I want to see what everyone else is doing in the department and plan from there.

Anyway, here are a few pics of Natalie Elyse and sister Jillian:

Week of 4/25/11-4/29/11 (4Q- Week 4)

2011-04-24T13:01:00.000-07:00

8th Graders,

BABY NEWS....

There was a lot of excitement over Spring Break, for my wife and I were expecting our second daughter. Just like her daddy, she is feisty and decided that she was not ready to face the world yet. Therefore, I wanted to post some great news about my new daughter with some pics, but, she is not born yet. My wife and I are expecting that Tuesday is going to be the big day, although, it is impossible to predict.

There is a very good chance that I will be out the entire week. If I am, please be respectful to my sub and offer to help as much as you can.

WEEK RECAP.....

There is nothing to recap, last week was Spring Break. I hope that all of you had a great week off and are recharged to face the final 6 weeks of school.

NEW GRADING CATEGORIES & GRADES UPDATE

I have updated Pinnacle to reflect your most current grades EXCEPT your Juggling Homework which I have not graded yet. Also, if you click HERE, you can see the new grading categories for the 4th quarter.

WEEK AT A GLANCE- Check out your Google Calendar to see what is going on this week.

COMMENT ON MY BLOG FOR EXTRA CREDIT....

From now on, overtime that you comment on my weekly blog, you will receive 2 extra credit points. Basically, when you comment, you just say that you read the blog. Include name, period and roll call. To comment, you click the comment section at the end of the blog as an "Anonymous" user. When you comment, I will receive an email and then you will get the credit in Pinnacle.

WHAT UNIT ARE WE IN?

You will either be in Pickleball or Softball.

WHAT UNIT IS COMING UP NEXT?

To finish the year, you will be doing Fitness Testing and Cooperative Activities.

WHAT IS OUR RUN THIS WEEK?

Since I will have a sub this week, you will be doing Run 4 Life.

WHAT FITNESS ACTIVITY ARE WE DOING THIS WEEK?

I have no idea what the fitness activity will be this week.

IS HOMEWORK ASSIGNED THIS WEEK?

No, nothing is assigned this week.

ARE THERE ANY ASSIGNMENTS DUE THIS WEEK?

No, nothing is due.

EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENTS

I have an Extra Credit Page that always has different types of Extra Credit assignments you can choose from. I would love some Fitness Mixes. Make me some good CD's to use on your Run and Fitness Days. Read about the assignment guidelines on the extra credit page. I also added that if you choose to comment on the weekly blogs by stating that you read it, give your name, period and roll call, I will give you 2 extra credit points each week.

ARTICLE OF THE WEEK (AOW)

Even the most casual food shoppers have probably noticed the increased quantity and variety of organic foods available in regular grocery stores. Once the specialty of health food stores, organic foods are spreading from specialty aisles to shelves throughout the big food stores. Maybe you're wondering what all the fuss is about. Are organic foods healthier? Are they safer? Are they worth the extra money if they cost more than conventional foods? How do they taste? And what about those labels touting foods as "sustainable," "natural," "free-range," "grass-fed," or "fair trade"? What do they mean, and are those foods organic, too?Read on for a crash course in organic and other environmentally friendly foods. To keep reading, click HERE.

DID YOU KNOW (DYK)

LAST MINUTE REMINDERS

-None

YOUR WORD OF THE WEEK (WOW

I posted a new WOW #3 for the 4th quarter, please check it out here.

Week of 4/11/11-4/15/11 (4Q- Week 3)

2011-04-10T16:00:00.000-07:00

8th Graders,

WEEK RECAP...Monday we had to do Rob the Nest because of scoliosis testing in the girls locker room. Tuesday and Thursday we were in the Weight Room for our strength training unit. I am impressed with how many of you act independent and mature in the weight room and work hard. Keep it up, it is so good for you to strength and cardio train. Wednesday was the Partner Pacer and Friday was the ABC workout in the gym.

SCOLIOSIS TESTING- All 8th grade boys in each of the PE periods will be tested on Monday in the boys locker room by a nurse and some parent volunteers. It is best that you be educated about what Scoliosis is and what happens if you are diagnosed with it. There are always a handful of students that have it. The good news, it is very treatable. Read these articles to get informed:

Scoliosis- Samantha's Story

What is Scoliosis?

Can Scoliosis affect my height?

WEEK AT A GLANCE- Check out your Google Calendar to see what is going on this week.

COMMENT ON MY BLOG FOR EXTRA CREDIT....

WHAT UNIT ARE WE IN?

Strength Training will end after this week. We have 3 more days left.

WHAT UNIT IS COMING UP NEXT?

To be honest, I am going to have a new daughter any day and not sure how much school I will miss, therefore, I am not sure what our next unit will be, but, I will keep it very simple.

WHAT IS OUR RUN THIS WEEK?

Wednesday is the Pedometer Run.

WHAT FITNESS ACTIVITY ARE WE DOING THIS WEEK?

I am scheduled for the Rock Wall,not sure what I will do yet, maybe Abs.

IS HOMEWORK ASSIGNED THIS WEEK?

No, nothing is assigned this week.

ARE THERE ANY ASSIGNMENTS DUE THIS WEEK?

No, nothing is due.

EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENTS

ARTICLE OF THE WEEK (AOW)

I found this very disturbing article on Childhood Obesity. It is an interactive article where you click on certain things and it will give you more information. Check it out, pretty disturbing.

DID YOU KNOW (DYK)

An individual blood cell takes about 60 seconds to make a complete circuit of the body.

Every time you lick a stamp, you're consuming 1/10 of a calorie.

LAST MINUTE REMINDERS

-None

YOUR WORD OF THE WEEK (WOW)

I posted a new WOW #2 for the 4th quarter, please check it out here.

Week of 4/11/11-4/15/11 (4Q- Week 3)

2011-04-10T07:38:00.000-07:00

8th Graders,

I am heading to San Francisco for the day. I will be posting a new blog later this afternoon. Sorry about that, please check back. I am hoping to write it sometime between 3-5. Have a great day.

Thanks

Mr. Sickler

Week of 4/4/11-4/8/11 (4Q- Week 2)

2011-04-03T15:13:00.000-07:00

8th Graders,

WEEK RECAP...Monday and Tuesday we were able to get High Jump in. On Wednesday, we did the 4x400 (Mile) Relay as our run day. Thursday, we did Shot Put and a little Triple Jump. Friday was a first ever 5 course Agility course which I am planning to do again with some modifications.

WEEK AT A GLANCE

Check out your Google Calendar to see what is going on this week.

COMMENT ON MY BLOG FOR EXTRA CREDIT....

WHAT UNIT ARE WE IN?

We will be in Strength Training for the next two weeks (6 days).

WHAT UNIT IS COMING UP NEXT?

Although the schedule says softball is next, I am not sure if that is what we will do.

WHAT IS OUR RUN THIS WEEK?

Wednesday is going to be the partner pacer, 80 laps each (160 total)

WHAT FITNESS ACTIVITY ARE WE DOING THIS WEEK?

Friday's fitness is To Be Determined (TBD).

IS HOMEWORK ASSIGNED THIS WEEK?

No, nothing is assigned this week.

ARE THERE ANY ASSIGNMENTS DUE THIS WEEK?

No, nothing is due.

EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENTS

ARTICLE OF THE WEEK (AOW)

Since Scoliosis testing starting Monday for 7th and 8th graders, I decided to choose a couple of Scoliosis articles as Article of the week. It is always good to be educated about whatever tests are ever done to you, so, please take a few minutes to read these:

Scoliosis- Samantha's Story

What is Scoliosis?

Can Scoliosis affect my height?

DID YOU KNOW (DYK)

I do not have any DYK's for this week, sorry.

LAST MINUTE REMINDERS

YOUR WORD OF THE WEEK (WOW)

I posted a new WOW #1 for the 4th quarter, please check it out here.

Week of 3/28/11-4/1/11 (4Q- Week 1)

2011-03-27T16:47:00.000-07:00

8th Graders,

This is officially it, your final quarter of middle school. Nine weeks and you will be graduating. This quarter is going to fly by.

WEEK RECAP...

Not much to recap, another tough week with rain. Tuesday we were able to get the 100m sprints in. Wednesday was a "rep workout" in the multi-use with Mr. Kwas's class. Thursday we were in the weight room and Friday I was able to get most classes to run 3 giants (1.8 miles.).

WEEK AT A GLANCE

Check out your Google Calendar to see what is going on this week.

COMMENT ON MY BLOG FOR EXTRA CREDIT....

WHAT UNIT ARE WE IN?

This week is the start of Strength Training in the weight room, but, I am going to extend Track and Field one more week. My goal is to have you high jump on Monday and Tuesday and Triple Jump on Thursday. Although I want to do more days, I don't think that I will extend it past that.

WHAT UNIT IS COMING UP NEXT?

After Strength Training is softball.

WHAT IS OUR RUN THIS WEEK?

Wednesday is going to be the partner pacer, 80 laps each (160 total)

WHAT FITNESS ACTIVITY ARE WE DOING THIS WEEK?

Friday is going to be a fitness day, although I am not sure what facility I have yet.

IS HOMEWORK ASSIGNED THIS WEEK?

No, nothing is assigned this week.

ARE THERE ANY ASSIGNMENTS DUE THIS WEEK?

No, nothing is due.

EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENTS

ARTICLE OF THE WEEK (AOW)

Should you stretch before you run? Check out this article. Tell me what you think in an extra credit assignment.

DID YOU KNOW (DYK)

Check out this article, it is full of DYK. The Title of the article is "How Americans Live Now." Very interesting to see the trends in the country now. Share this with your family, they will be interested.

LAST MINUTE REMINDERS

YOUR WORD OF THE WEEK (WOW)

Next week will be your first WOW. Get your WOW Assignment turned in please.

Week of 3/28/11-4/1/11 (4Q- Week 1)

2011-03-26T16:26:00.003-07:00

I will be posting your new blog tonight or tomorrow. Stay posted.

Hope that you are enjoying your weekend.

Mr. Sickler

Week of 3/21/11-3/25/11 (3Q- Week 9)

2011-03-20T14:08:00.000-07:00

8th Graders,

WEEK RECAP...

There is not much to recap from the previous week. It was Yosemite week for most 8th graders which meant that there were very few 8th graders in classes. As a result, the entire week was opened up to free play.

WEEK AT A GLANCE

Check out your Google Calendar to see what is going on this week.

COMMENT ON MY BLOG FOR EXTRA CREDIT....

WHAT UNIT ARE WE IN?

This is our final week of Track & Field, however, I am going to extent the unit one more week to ensure that we get High Jump and Triple Jump, two events that were missed because of rain and Yosemite week.

WHAT UNIT IS COMING UP NEXT?

Strength Training in the weight room and I plan to add a few track and field events an extra week.

WHAT IS OUR RUN THIS WEEK?

Friday is scheduled as an "Open" day and I may choose to make it a run or fitness day.

WHAT FITNESS ACTIVITY ARE WE DOING THIS WEEK?

I may use Friday's "Open" day as a fitness day.

IS HOMEWORK ASSIGNED THIS WEEK?

Yes, your WOW assignment is due on Friday, 3/25.

ARE THERE ANY ASSIGNMENTS DUE THIS WEEK?

Yes, the WOW Assignment is due. You can find your WOW Assignment on this WOW Page. The assignment is located on the right hand side. If you have been organizing your words on the WOW template, feel free to staple it to your assignment and receive 5 extra credit points.

EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENTS

ARTICLE OF THE WEEK (AOW)

There is no AOW this week.

DID YOU KNOW (DYK)

There is not a DYK this week, sorry.

LAST MINUTE REMINDERS

-Get your WOW Assignment done for Friday.

YOUR WORD OF THE WEEK (WOW)

It is the end of the Quarter and your WOW Assignment is due this week. A new WOW will be added in 2 weeks for the 4th quarter. Get this assignment done by clicking on the WOW Page.

Week of 3/14/11-3/18/11 (3Q- Week 8)

2011-03-12T08:29:00.000-08:00

8th Graders,

I am not going to send out a detailed Blog this week for most of the 8th graders are gone this week in Yosemite.

There is no school on Monday for students. I am not sure what events the 8th graders will do this week. I am guessing the 8th grade classes will combine and then we (Mr. Lenneman and myself) will decide what events to do.

Anyway, have a great weekend. I will send out a regular blog next weekend when everyone is back from Yosemite.

By the way, there are 2 weeks left of the quarter. It ends on 3/25.

Mr. Sickler

Week of 3/7/11-3/11/11 (3Q- Week 7)

2011-03-06T16:23:00.000-08:00

8th Graders,

WEEK RECAP....

On Monday we started the Track and Field unit with the 800m race. Results were posted on the locker room doors. Tuesday was a shortened day due to a district writing test therefore we had freeplay. Wedesday was a rainout and Thursday was a fitness day in the multi-use. Friday we did our first day of our two day Hurdle activity.

WEEK AT A GLANCE

Check out your Google Calendar to see what is going on this week.

PARENT SURVEY EXTRA CREDIT

Currently, half of my parent community has filled out their Parent Survey. You will receive 10 extra credit points if your parents fill out the survey and you hand in the signature card. Click on this link to the SURVEY so that your parents can quickly fill it out. Many of you have not turned in your signature cards yet.

COMMENT ON MY BLOG FOR EXTRA CREDIT....

WHAT UNIT ARE WE IN?

Monday we start Track and Field. Please check out my Track and Field page, there is a lot of good information, including school records in most of the events.

WHAT UNIT IS COMING UP NEXT?

Strength Training in the weight room and I plan to add a few track and field events an extra week.

WHAT IS OUR RUN THIS WEEK?

The official run this week is the 1600m track and field race.

WHAT FITNESS ACTIVITY ARE WE DOING THIS WEEK?

There is no fitness day scheduled this week.

IS HOMEWORK ASSIGNED THIS WEEK?

No, nothing is assigned this week.

ARE THERE ANY ASSIGNMENTS DUE THIS WEEK?

Yes, you need to print out your BMI and include your name, period and roll call at the top. You can find your BMI by clicking on thisLINK.

EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENTS

ARTICLE OF THE WEEK (AOW)

This week's article is titled, "Nutrients for a healthy heart" As some of you may know, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Although some heart conditions are hereditary and hard to avoid, there is a lot that you can start to do now, through diet and exercise, that can help prolong you life. This article talks about the nutrients that are good for your heart as well as some that are pretty bad. Check it out and learn something. Complete the extra assignment and you will have the chance to explain. I have a good extra credit assignment related to your AOW, check it out HERE.

DID YOU KNOW (DYK)

Avocado has the highest protein content of any fruit. It is also a rich source of vitamin E and B6.

LAST MINUTE REMINDERS

-Read your WOW.

YOUR WORD OF THE WEEK (WOW)

A new WOW has been added, check it out here.

Week of 2/28/11-3/4/11 (3Q- Week 6)

2011-02-27T11:03:00.000-08:00

8th Graders,

Did you have a nice break? I did, I needed a little time off to re-charge. Anyway, did you check Pinnacle? I have updated most of your grades. Deficiency notices will be sent this week, so please see me on Monday/Tuesday if you have concerns about your grade.

WEEK RECAP....

The entire week was practically rained out. Not much happened. You did not have a run or fitness day and a lot of dodgeball. Anyway, I am looking forward to some nice weather and start Track and Field.

WEEK AT A GLANCE

Check out your Google Calendar to see what is going on this week.

PARENT SURVEY EXTRA CREDIT

WHAT UNIT ARE WE IN?

Monday we start Track and Field. Please check out my Track and Field page, there is a lot of good information, including school records in most of the events.

WHAT UNIT IS COMING UP NEXT?

Strength Training in the weight room.

WHAT IS OUR RUN THIS WEEK?

This week will be the Pacer Relay. You will need to complete 80 laps each (160) total as a team.

WHAT FITNESS ACTIVITY ARE WE DOING THIS WEEK?

We will do a fitness circuit in the gym.

IS HOMEWORK ASSIGNED THIS WEEK?

No, nothing is assigned this week.

ARE THERE ANY ASSIGNMENTS DUE THIS WEEK?

Yes, you need to print out your BMI and include your name, period and roll call at the top. You can find your BMI by clicking on thisLINK.

EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENTS

ARTICLE OF THE WEEK (AOW)

This week's article is titled, "Are there any healthy fats?" Sometimes I feel as though there is a lot of pressure to eliminate fats from our diet and that all of them are bad. Read this article and you will be surprised to find that there are actually some good fats and they need to be included in your diet. Do you agree or disagree? Complete the extra assignment and you will have the chance to explain. I have a good extra credit assignment related to your AOW, check it out HERE.

DID YOU KNOW (DYK)

EMBED-Did You Know: The Human Body - Watch more free videos

LAST MINUTE REMINDERS

-Read your WOW.

YOUR WORD OF THE WEEK (WOW)

A new WOW has been added, check it out here.

Week of 2/14/11-2/18/11 (3Q- Week 5)

2011-02-13T09:24:00.000-08:00

8th Graders,

Week 5, wow. This is flying by. I promise to have Pinnacle updated by the end of today. In fact, that is what I am going to work on right after I finish with this blog.

WEEK RECAP....

On Monday, we did frisbee throw and catch. On Tuesday, I set up 3 different types of skill stations- one for advanced, one for intermediate and the other for basic. On Wednesday, I divided the class into advanced students who played a game of ultimate frisbee with each other and then I worked with all the other students in a drill called "Go Long" which worked primarily on catching while moving and then throwing. On Thursday, we had the 2 mile run and on Friday, we played a game very similar to Capture the Flag called "Ghosts and Goblins".

WEEK AT A GLANCE

Check out your Google Calendar to see what is going on this week.

WHAT UNIT ARE WE IN?

We are in our final week of Ultimate Frisbee. I anticipate that I will continue to work with students that need the skill development and let other students play in a tournament.

WHAT UNIT IS COMING UP NEXT?

Track & Field the week we get back from February Break.

WHAT IS OUR RUN THIS WEEK?

This week, you will do the team "Variety Run."

WHAT FITNESS ACTIVITY ARE WE DOING THIS WEEK?

Although I am scheduled for the Rock Wall this week, I am going to have an outdoor fitness activity.

DID YOU FILL OUT YOUR E-RUN LOG?
You DO NOT need to fill out an online log for the 2 mile run.

IS HOMEWORK ASSIGNED THIS WEEK?

No, nothing is assigned this week.

ARE THERE ANY ASSIGNMENTS DUE THIS WEEK?

Yes, you need to print out your BMI and include your name, period and roll call at the top. You can find your BMI by clicking on this LINK.

EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENTS

ARTICLE OF THE WEEK (AOW)

To continue with our theme of nutrition and working to maintain a healthy weight, this is a good article on ways to help increase your metabolism which is essentially your body's ability to break down food and process it. The better your metabolism, the more calories you will burn while at rest. You should read these articles and ask yourself, Do I agree with this or not? I have a good extra credit assignment related to your AOW, check it out HERE.

DID YOU KNOW (DYK)

Did you know:

The human eye can detect over 10,000,000 different colors. Pretty crazy.

http://www.human-body.org/did-you-know.html

LAST MINUTE REMINDERS
-Read your WOW.

YOUR WORD OF THE WEEK (WOW)

A new WOW has been added, check it out here.

Week of 2/7/11-2/11/11 (3Q- Week 4)

2011-02-06T14:20:00.000-08:00

8th Graders,

Happy SuperBowl Sunday- Go Packer and my CAL boy Aaron Rodgers. We are in our 4th week of the quarter. Hard to believe. Next week will be deficiency notice time. I hope to have all grades entered in Pinnacle by Thursday.

WEEK RECAP....

This week was focused on Fitness Testing. Monday we did the push-up, wall sit and ab plank test. On Tuesday, we did the cardiovascular testing with the 2 minute jump rope and bleacher steps as well as 1 minute tricep dips. On Thursday, we finished up testing by doing the pull-up test, push up plank hold and all of the flexibility tests. On Wednesday, we had the mile run and on Friday, our fitness activity was the ABC workout.

WEEK AT A GLANCE

Check out your Google Calendar to see what is going on this week.

WHAT UNIT ARE WE IN?

I have decided that for the next 6 instructional days we will do Ultimate Frisbee. This week, we will work on some Frisbee skills and choose teams and then the following week, we will have a short 3 day tournament.

WHAT UNIT IS COMING UP NEXT?

Track & Field in mid February.

WHAT IS OUR RUN THIS WEEK?

This week, you will have the 2 mile run on Thursday. Note, the ONLY way to make up the 2 Mile Run is to run it with me on a selected Friday after school. You CAN NOT make up this run on your own.

WHAT FITNESS ACTIVITY ARE WE DOING THIS WEEK?

We are scheduled for the Multi Use room for our Fitness day on Friday. I am not sure what we will do yet. I am leaning toward working with the resistance bands or Bosu balls again.

DID YOU FILL OUT YOUR E-RUN LOG?
This week, you need to fill out the MILE RUN ONLINE LOG. You will not be required for the other runs we do.

IS HOMEWORK ASSIGNED THIS WEEK?

No, nothing is assigned this week.

ARE THERE ANY ASSIGNMENTS DUE THIS WEEK?

No, nothing is due this week.

EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENTS

ARTICLE OF THE WEEK (AOW)

As we continue our theme of nutrition this quarter, I am going to try and provide your with a lot of helpful resources to make better decisions about what you eat. Here is a good article about foods that help you lose stomach fat. Not all of these articles are necessarily the true way it is, but rather, they provide their own perspective. You should read these articles and ask yourself, Do I agree with this or not? I have a good extra credit assignment related to your AOW, check it out HERE.

DID YOU KNOW (DYK)

Did you know:

1. An average man has enough energy in his fat stores to run non-stop for 3 days at 15 miles per hour.
2.13.2 to 17.3 percent of all running injuries have been attributed to shin splints
3.Physically active people have a 60 percent lower risk for Alzheimer's disease than coach potatoes
4.One hour of jogging burns 500 calories.

Thanks Carin

LAST MINUTE REMINDERS
-Check out your WOWs.

-Sleep, eat and drink well on Wednesday and Thursday in preparation for your 2 mile run.

YOUR WORD OF THE WEEK (WOW)

A new WOW has been added, check it out here.

Week of 1/31/11-2/4/11 (3Q- Week 3)

2011-01-30T10:41:00.000-08:00

8th Graders,

Finally, your first blog of the 3rd Quarter. Sorry that I have not sent one out in a couple of weeks.

WEEK RECAP....

Congratulations on making it through the Swing Dance Unit. Hard to believe it is over. All of you tested and many of you did very, very well. Grades will be added to Pinnacle soon, keep checking. Most of you were captured on video when I tested you, however, my battery did go out and I was not able to get all of you. If you would like a copy of your dance, come and see me and I will put the movie file on a flash drive. I am only going to put of the dances on my Swing Dance page which I hope to post this week.

On Wednesday, we had the Pedometer Run. I will be checking your graphs on Monday and collecting your rubric score. On Friday, we did an outdoor fitness circuit revolving around the bleachers. We did several different activities for a minute each. On Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, we finished all of the Swing Testing.

WEEK AT A GLANCE

Check out your Google Calendar to see what is going on this week.

WHAT UNIT ARE WE IN?

On Monday, you will be starting a new 3 week unit. The first week you will be fitness testing. You were tested in the Fall on these activities and this week will be your Mid Year testing. All the activities can be found in Tab #2, page 2. The activities will be measuring your Cardiovascular, Muscular Strength/Endurance and Flexibility. The second and third week, I will set up various activities like Capture the Flag and Tag Games.

WHAT UNIT IS COMING UP NEXT?

Track & Field in mid February.

WHAT IS OUR RUN THIS WEEK?

On Wednesday, you will have the mile run. You WILL BE responsible for filling out an online log for the Mile Run after your run.

WHAT FITNESS ACTIVITY ARE WE DOING THIS WEEK?

You will be doing the ABC workout in the gym. A SickFit Classic.

DID YOU FILL OUT YOUR E-RUN LOG?
You DO NOT need to fill out a run log for any run this year except the Mile Run.

IS HOMEWORK ASSIGNED THIS WEEK?

No, nothing is assigned this week.

ARE THERE ANY ASSIGNMENTS DUE THIS WEEK?

No, nothing is due this week.

EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENTS

ARTICLE OF THE WEEK (AOW)

This quarter, I will be emphasizing nutrition a lot. IN fact, every WOW will pertain to nutrition concepts and you will have a big Nutrition Project this quarter. Therefore, it is important to read as much as you can about nutrition whenever you have the chance. This article is titled, "The 20 Newest Worst Foods in America". Have you ever had any of these? Think twice next time.

DID YOU KNOW (DYK)

Did you know:

11% of people are left handed

the average person falls asleep in 7 minutes

8% of people have an extra rib

an average person will spend 25 years asleep

source: http://www.did-you-knows.com/did-you-know-facts/human-body.php

LAST MINUTE REMINDERS
-Check out your WOWs.

YOUR WORD OF THE WEEK (WOW)

Two new WOW's have been added. One from last week and one from this week. Please make sure you review these words.

Week of 1/10/11-1/14/11 (Week 9- Final Week of 2Q)

2011-01-09T15:24:00.000-08:00

8th Graders,

This is our final week of the 2nd Quarter, can you believe how fast this year has gone. 2 more quarters and then you graduate from middle school, crazy.

WEEK AT A GLANCE

Check out your Google Calendar to see what is going on this week.

WHAT UNIT ARE WE IN?

You will be in your second week of Swing Dance. Thus far, you have learned Open and Closed Dance Position, Outside Turn, Girls Reverse Spinout and Man's Wrap. We have a big week of learning so be ready. Don't forget to check out the Swing Dance page to see which moves you are learning. There are videos that go with most of the moves.

WHAT UNIT IS COMING UP NEXT?

You will be having your mid year testing during this time period.

WHAT IS OUR RUN THIS WEEK?

More than likely, you will be doing Run 4 Your Life or Rob the Nest.

WHAT FITNESS ACTIVITY ARE WE DOING THIS WEEK?

You will be doing some type of activity in the gym. Most likely, Scooter Basketball.

DID YOU FILL OUT YOUR E-RUN LOG?
For the remainder of the year, you will no longer be responsible for filling out online run logs EXCEPT for the Mile Run. I will remind you after all mile runs to fill out the log.DO NOT fill one out for the Partner Mile.

IS HOMEWORK ASSIGNED THIS WEEK?

No, nothing is assigned this week but you have 2 assignments due this week. See the next entry.

ARE THERE ANY ASSIGNMENTS DUE THIS WEEK?

Yes, you have 2 assignments due this week:
-HW #4 Jump Rope Reflection Assignment is due Monay, 1/10
-HW #5 WOW Assignment (you have to write a paragraph using all of the words- you can find this assignment on the WOW Page.

EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENTS

ARTICLE OF THE WEEK (AOW)

There is no AOW this week. They will start again next week, the first week of the new quarter.

DID YOU KNOW (DYK)

The number of overweight pre-schoolers has
jumped by 36% since 1999-2000. In 2005, nearly
10 million children and adolescents ages 6-19
were considered obese.

Thanks Jasmine Yuan for this info.

LAST MINUTE REMINDERS
-Get HW 4 and 5 done.

YOUR WORD OF THE WEEK (WOW)

There will not be a WOW this week. Your first WOW will be the 2nd week of the 3Q. Study for your quiz on Wednesday.

Week of 1/3/11-1/7/11 (2Q- Week 8)

2011-01-02T11:17:00.000-08:00

8th Graders,

Hope that you had a fantastic break. I will be sending out a more detailed log later today/tonight, so please check. Most importantly, you will be starting a brand new unit, Swing Dance which is going to from January 3-January 28th. Please check out your Swing Dance Page just to get some background information. There are 11 moves that are responsible for learning which you will have to perform for your test at the end of the unit. To help you get started and see the "visuals" of what you will be expected to learn, I made instructional videos for most of the moves. Check out the "Swing Videos" section on the webpage to watch them- all moves linked in red have a video you can watch. Also, I made a great "Introduction to Swing" video which captures some of the best dances from the last couple of years. Check this out to get excited about the unit. Password is "sickfit".

Also, this is your last week having a Word Of the Week. Please check out the WOW page, and include your final word on your template. You DO NOT have to turn in the WOW Template, but, you do have to turn in the new WOW Assignment which you can find on the WOW Page. This assignment is due on Wednesday, January 12th. You will also have a short Jump Rope Reflection homework assignment which I am posting today or tomorrow. It is going to be due on Monday, January 10th.

Anyway, I hope that you had a fantastic break. I did not go anywhere, but did get to spend a lot of quality time with family and close friends. Every year, I do a very early morning New Year's Hike in the Fremont foothills to the summit of Mission Peak. This is where I reflect on my year and wish for new and greater things for the upcoming year. Check out my photo at the summit.

Week of 12/13/10-12/17/10 (2Q- Week 8)

2010-12-11T14:51:00.000-08:00

8th Graders,

Week 8, two more left of the quarter. Let's make this a good push.

WEEK AT A GLANCE

Check out your Google Calendar to see what is going on this week.

WHAT UNIT ARE WE IN?

This is our final week of Jump Rope. Jump Rope testing will start on Wednesday and continue through Thursday. Be ready.

WHAT UNIT IS COMING UP NEXT?

Swing Dance. I have just updated the Swing Dance webpage, including posting videos of some of the steps that you will be learning. I HIGHLY recommend that you check out the videos so that you can practice a little before the unit starts or, at least, see what you will be expected to learn. I hope to get more videos edited and posted this week.

Check out this awesome Swing Dance Video which kicks off the unit and showcases some of the better routines over the last couple of years.

WHAT IS OUR RUN THIS WEEK?

There is not a run scheduled this week. Instead, you Jump Rope testing will start on Wednesday.

WHAT FITNESS ACTIVITY ARE WE DOING THIS WEEK?

There will not be any fitness day this week. There is an assembly on Friday which dramatically shortens each period.

DID YOU FILL OUT YOUR E-RUN LOG?

Make sure that you are have filled out all of your online logs this quarter. Check Pinnacle to see if you have a Z or 5. I updated the gradebook on Friday.

IS HOMEWORK ASSIGNED THIS WEEK?

No, you do not have any homework this week. I do recommend that you check out your Swing Dance page and the new videos that I posted.

ARE THERE ANY ASSIGNMENTS DUE THIS WEEK?

Yes, your Jump Rope routine template will need to be turned in. Only 1 Template per group will be turned in.

EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENTS

ARTICLE OF THE WEEK (AOW)

I just read this article on treating a sprained ankle/knee. Since so many of you will suffer some type of sprain in your youth, it is a good idea to follow some basic rules. Read this article to see what they are. Remember, there is an Extra Credit assignment you can do for every AOW which can be found on the Extra Credit Page.

DID YOU KNOW (DYK)

Respiratory rate, or the rate of breathing, varies between age.
A newborn baby averages 44 breaths a minute, or 63,360 breaths a day.
Adults age 20-90 take about 12-20 breaths a minute, or 17,280-48,000.
A baby can take in more than 45,000 more breaths than an adult in one day!

Thanks Gauri Iyer for this info...

LAST MINUTE REMINDERS

-Check out the new Swing Dance stuff.

YOUR WORD OF THE WEEK (WOW)

You have a new W.O.W. for the 2nd Quarter. Go the WOW pageand look at the work. I have a new assignment for your WOW words at the end of the quarter. In addition to your WOW template, you will be required to use all words in a well-written, grammatically correct paragraph. The WOW assignment is posted on the WOW page.

Week of 12/6/10-12/10/10 (2Q- Week 7)

2010-12-04T15:15:00.000-08:00

8th Graders,

We are starting Week 7 this week. Deficiency notices were mailed home last week. If you had a C, D or F, you will more than likely be receiving one.

KEY ANNOUNCEMENT

On Friday, 12/10, at 3:00, I will be hosting the 2 Mile Make Up Run. I will be running it with anybody who missed the run in class. It is a required, mandatory make-up to receive credit for the run.

WEEK AT A GLANCE

Check out your Google Calendar to see what is going on this week.

WHAT UNIT ARE WE IN?

You will continue with Jump Rope for the next two weeks.

WHAT UNIT IS COMING UP NEXT?

Swing Dance after our 2 week holiday break.

WHAT IS OUR RUN THIS WEEK?

You will do the Partner Mile.

WHAT FITNESS ACTIVITY ARE WE DOING THIS WEEK?

We will be in either the gym/multi to work on your routines this week for Fitness.

DID YOU FILL OUT YOUR E-RUN LOG?

You DO NOT need to fill out a log for the Partner Pacer.

IS HOMEWORK ASSIGNED THIS WEEK?

Yes, HW #3 was posted. This assignment is called, Family, Fitness and Fun where you will be required to work out with a family member and then complete the assignment. This assignment can be found on your 8th Grade HW Page.

ARE THERE ANY ASSIGNMENTS DUE THIS WEEK?

No, nothing is due this week.

EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENTS

ARTICLE OF THE WEEK (AOW)

Recent data released by federal government has shown that eating disorders among children has increased by 119%. It is becoming a wide spread problem across the country. There are a lot of pressures to "look good" and have the "correct body image." Read this week's article to get some insight on what is causing these increases. Remember, there is an Extra Credit assignment you can do for every AOW which can be found on the Extra Credit Page.

DID YOU KNOW (DYK)

Your heart is the strongest muscle of your body and beats about 100,000 times in one day, in an average adult.

There are 206 bones in the human body. One fourth of them are in your feet.

Thanks Megan Oza for providing these facts.

LAST MINUTE REMINDERS

- 2 Mile Make up is THIS FRIDAY after school, don't forget.

YOUR WORD OF THE WEEK (WOW)

Week of 11/29/10-12/3/10 (2Q- Week 6)

2010-11-27T12:03:00.000-08:00

8th Graders,

Wow, a week seems like a long time and at the same time, it seems like it flew by. I really hope that you were able to spend some quality time with family and friends over the week break and did not do much work. Unfortunately, it is time to re-charge in this push for the next 3 weeks unit you get a 2 week break. What a great time of the year. Anyway, please read through this blog, for it has a lot of information.

Oh, I added a new category to your Blog called, "Did You Know...". If you have any interesting facts to share with me that I can include in my blog, please send them on email and I will give you 2 extra credit points.

WEEK AT A GLANCE

Check out your Google Calendar to see what is going on this week.

WHAT ARE THE NEW GRADING CATEGORIES FOR 2Q?

Deficiency notices are going to be sent out next week. It is important to know how you are doing in my class and also to know what you are being assessed on. This particular quarter, there are 11 different categories. Check them out HERE. If you have any questions about the categories or how you are assessed, please come and see me.

WHAT UNIT ARE WE IN?

You will be starting Jump Rope on Monday in the Gym. Hopefully you have been watching the videos and learning the proper footwork, which is required for HW #2. I will be doing an assessment in class on Monday to see what you have learned.

WHAT UNIT IS COMING UP NEXT?

Swing Dance after our 2 week holiday break.

WHAT IS OUR RUN THIS WEEK?

You will have the Pacer Relay. Remember, it is required that you complete 80 individual laps and 160 as a team to avoid a make-up run.

WHAT FITNESS ACTIVITY ARE WE DOING THIS WEEK?

We have the multi-use room this week. More than likely you will be continuing with Jump Rope skills.

DID YOU FILL OUT YOUR E-RUN LOG?

Please do not forget to continue to keep filling out your online logs. You need to complete the 2 Mile Run Log. Get it done.

IS HOMEWORK ASSIGNED THIS WEEK?

No homework is assigned this week.

ARE THERE ANY ASSIGNMENTS DUE THIS WEEK?

Yes, HW #2- Jump Roping skills, is due on Monday, 11/29 in class.

EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENTS

ARTICLE OF THE WEEK (AOW)

I am noticing that more and more students are getting diagnosed with asthma and need to use inhalers on run and fitness days. Fortunately, there is a ton of information regarding asthma and here is a really quick article that gives 3 useful tips to managing asthma. Remember, there is an Extra Credit assignment you can do for every AOW which can be found on the Extra Credit Page.

DID YOU KNOW (DYK)

Americans only average 5117 steps/day out of a recommended 10,000. Australia and Switzerland lead the pack with 9,695 and 9,650 daily steps, respectively. We lag pretty far behind.

Also, Did You Know that male participants averaged 5,340 steps per day, female participants averaged only 4,912 steps per day. Let's go ladies, move more.

LAST MINUTE REMINDERS

-Fill out all of your online run logs.

-Complete HW #2 and practice your Jump Roping Skills.

YOUR WORD OF THE WEEK (WOW)

Week of 11/15/10-11/19/10 (2Q- Week 4)

2010-11-12T09:07:00.000-08:00

8th Graders,

I hope that you are enjoying a nice 4 day break. I sure am (although I seem to work a lot of it). Anyway, there is a lot going on this week so please review your google calendar and this entire Blog.

WEEK AT A GLANCE

Check out your Google Calendar to see what is going on this week.

WHAT ARE THE NEW GRADING CATEGORIES FOR 2Q?

Every quarter I change the categories you will be assessed in my class. This particular quarter, there are 11 different categories. Check them out HERE. If you have any questions about the categories or how you are assessed, please come and see me.

WHAT UNIT ARE WE IN?

We continue with Floor Hockey this week.

WHAT UNIT IS COMING UP NEXT?

Jump Roping will be next in the gym. Check out the webpage for Jump Roping. I am going to add more to this page this week.

WHAT IS OUR RUN THIS WEEK?

You will have your 2nd 2 Mile Run of the year on Thursday.

WHAT FITNESS ACTIVITY ARE WE DOING THIS WEEK?

This week, I am scheduled for the Rock Wall or Weight Room. Not sure which I will use yet. Depending on the weather, there is a chance we may have a fitness day outside as well.

DID YOU FILL OUT YOUR E-RUN LOG?

You did not have to fill out a Run Log this week. We did not have a run.

IS HOMEWORK ASSIGNED THIS WEEK?

No homework is assigned this week.

ARE THERE ANY ASSIGNMENTS DUE THIS WEEK?

No, nothing is due this week.

EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENTS

ARTICLE OF THE WEEK (AOW)

Check out this interesting article published by USA Today titled, "Is texting and facebook worse for teens than TV". There is some interesting information that may get you to think a little.Remember, there is an Extra Credit assignment you can do for every AOW which can be found on the Extra Credit Page.

LAST MINUTE REMINDERS

-Make sure you are up to date on your e-Run logs and your WOW words.

YOUR WORD OF THE WEEK (WOW)

You have a new W.O.W. for the 2nd Quarter. Go the WOW page and look at the work. I have a new assignment for your WOW words at the end of the quarter. In addition to your WOW template, you will be required to use all words in a well-written, grammatically correct paragraph. The WOW assignment is posted on the WOW page.

Week of 11/8/10-11/12/10 (2Q- Week 3)

2010-11-06T11:02:00.000-07:00

8th Graders,

We have a very short week this upcoming week. We have Thursday and Friday off and there is an assembly schedule on Wednesday which really shortens the period. Nevertheless, check out your Calendar and read through the Blog to see what is going on.

WEEK AT A GLANCE

Check out your Google Calendar to see what is going on this week.

WHAT ARE THE NEW GRADING CATEGORIES FOR 2Q?

WHAT UNIT ARE WE IN?

We are in our second week of Floor Hockey. Teams were picked on Thursday and tournament play begins on Monday.

WHAT UNIT IS COMING UP NEXT?

In a few weeks, we will begin Jump Roping in the gym.

WHAT IS OUR RUN THIS WEEK?

There will NOT BE a run day this week.

WHAT FITNESS ACTIVITY ARE WE DOING THIS WEEK?

You will more than likely have a Fitness Day on Tuesday in the Multi-Use room.

DID YOU FILL OUT YOUR E-RUN LOG?

You need to fill out the new online Pedometer Log. It is short and simple, please take a few seconds to fill it out.

IS HOMEWORK ASSIGNED THIS WEEK?

No homework is assigned this week.

ARE THERE ANY ASSIGNMENTS DUE THIS WEEK?

No, nothing is due this week.

EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENTS

ARTICLE OF THE WEEK (AOW)

With the season changing and the weather getting colder, alot of you will feel like you are getting sick. Here is a good article that helps explain the differences between a Cold and the Flu. It is important to know the differences. I plan to post more AOW's relating to this in the future. Remember, there is an Extra Credit assignment you can do for every AOW which can be found on the Extra Credit Page.

LAST MINUTE REMINDERS

-Fill out your Pedometer Run Log.
-Check out your new grading categories.

YOUR WORD OF THE WEEK (WOW)

You have a new W.O.W. for the 2nd Quarter. Go the WOW page and look at the work. I have a new assignment for your WOW words at the end of the quarter. In addition to your WOW template, you will be required to use all words in a well-written, grammatically correct paragraph. The WOW assignment is posted on the WOW page.

Week of 11/01/10-11/05/10 (2Q- Week 2)

2010-10-31T09:40:00.000-07:00

8th Graders,

Wow, week 2 already. Can't believe it. I loved all of your halloween costumes on Friday and hoped you enjoyed a day with your friends and just hanging out. We have a big week coming up with new stuff so please read through this Blog.

WEEK AT A GLANCE

Check out your Google Calendar to see what is going on this week.

WHAT ARE THE NEW GRADING CATEGORIES FOR 2Q?

WHAT UNIT ARE WE IN?

We are starting our first week of Floor Hockey.

WHAT UNIT IS COMING UP NEXT?

In a few weeks, we will begin Jump Roping in the gym.

WHAT IS OUR RUN THIS WEEK?

This week is the Pedometer Run.

WHAT FITNESS ACTIVITY ARE WE DOING THIS WEEK?

This week our fitness day is in the Gym. I am undecided as to exactly what we will do, there are a ton of options.

DID YOU FILL OUT YOUR E-RUN LOG?

We did not have a run last week, therefore, you do not need to fill out an e-Run Log. Please fill out the e-Mile log from the previous week. It appears as though many of you still need to fill it out. This grade will be applied to your 2nd quarter grades.

IS HOMEWORK ASSIGNED THIS WEEK?

Yes, HW #1 (Lacrosse Assessment) is posted on your 8th Grade HW page. It is due this Friday, 11/5. I posted the HW assignment as a .doc file that you can type on or a .pdf file that you can print and write on. Your choice.

ARE THERE ANY ASSIGNMENTS DUE THIS WEEK?

Yes, HW #1 (see above) is due on Friday, 11/5 at Roll Call.

RUNNING CLUB STARTS ON TUESDAY MORNING

For those of you that attended the meeting or even didn't attend and want to participate in Running Club, our first meeting of the year is Tuesday at 6:45am. Get there a bit early, 6:30ish, so that I can get your set up. Hope to see you there.

EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENTS

ARTICLE OF THE WEEK (AOW)

With students using Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and other social networking sites, Cyberbullying is becoming a major problem. I have been hearing about it happening at our school and if you read the papers and listen to the news, it is becoming a MAJOR widespread problem across the country. The great thing about Cyberbullying is that you have complete control over whether it happens or not. Read this article about Cyberbullying. I plan to post more AOW's relating to this in the future. Remember, there is an Extra Credit assignment you can do for every AOW which can be found on the Extra Credit Page.

LAST MINUTE REMINDERS

-Fill out your e-Mile log.

-Complete HW #1, due this Friday.

YOUR WORD OF THE WEEK (WOW)

You have a new W.O.W. for the 2nd Quarter. Go the WOW page and look at the work. I have a new assignment for your WOW words at the end of the quarter. In addition to your WOW template, you will be required to use all words in a well-written, grammatically correct paragraph. The WOW assignment is posted on the WOW page.