Mr. Graves

 

 

 

   As we begin a new nine week period, I am blessed with some kids old and some, who have been with me all year. It has been a fast paced year and with Olympics on the near horizon it will seemingly accelerate. The following is a thumbnail sketch of the scope and sequence of curriculum for this grading period.

   The week of March 30 thru April 3 will be our Olympic week. Our opening ceremony will be the morning of March 30 at 9:15 am. You are cordially invited to come and participate in our parade of nations and share in the message from our inspirational speaker. Additionally, we are always looking for volunteer workers to man our water station and to help track events and awards. So, if there is an interest on your part, please let us know. You are also welcome to simply come and watch you child compete.

         6^th- We have begun our floor hockey unit first and you should see the kids get into it. After Olympics and spring break, we will participate in tennis, soccer and an “ultimate unit.

         7^th- We have begun a bowling unit and the kids will learn to keep scorn and calculate from the scoring rules. The fundamentals of approach, grip, and release will hopefully advance their skills in this lifelong activity. When we return from spring break, we will do units in tennis, speedball, and the “ultimate”.

         8^th- The students have enthusiastically begun a wallball  unit and are actively competing. After tanning on spring break the curriculum will include tennis, speedball, and the “ultimate.   

 

2-23 – The boys are now segregated into a gender specific unit for basketball. We have attempted to stress fundamentals and teaching basics. We have further separated the boys by experience level. This seems to be working pretty well as everyone is actually handling the ball in competitive situations. We have begun a small tournament and the teams show some balance and the scores are typically close. Most importantly, Mr. Wishon and I are seeing improvement and the realization that teamwork is essential. The more successful teams generally exhibit that concept. Though we ask the kids to give their best, sometimes, this is construed as win at all cost. When rules are not followed or officiating by an adult  is questioned disrespectfully, that is outside the parameters of our objectives for personal responsibility and sportsmanship.

   To that point, please check your student’s behavior card for offenses along this line. Though the behavior is present in only a few, it would be good to reinforce our objectives at the parent level.