1. Do the middle school students have to use the St. John Gym short or are other shorts acceptable?
2. What happens if my child does not have his/her P.E. uniform? (Edited to included the younger students)
3. What about illness or injuries???
4. Do you think you might be TOO strict ???

Do the middle school students have to use the St. John Gym short or are other shorts acceptable?

The middle school P.E. uniform requires a pair of "dark" shorts.  
I am very accepting of minor differences between the options with 
the following exceptions:  

1. Length: too short (a modesty issue) or too long (see my 
fashion statement
below!) will not be allowed.

2. Emblems, logos and stripes: MINOR accents on the shorts are 
not a problem.
 When the contrasting color or design       tes the look then the 
uniform
requirement is not being met.

WHY?  
     Please examine the purpose of requiring school uniforms.  
Students should
be attempting to dress "alike" and in an appropriate manner for 
vigorous
activity at a Catholic School.  Variations in the look should not 
detract from
the modesty or safety issues.  
     In addition, I do not allow my class to become a "fashion 
show" for
students who wish to demonstrate some higher sense of fashion or 
financial
status!  Let's keep the competition in the GAMES!

Thanks to all for your understanding and cooperation,
Ms. Kutner

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What happens if my child does not have his/her P.E. uniform? (Edited to included the younger students)

Students how do not have their P.E. uniform or are not dressed 
for vigorous activity (e.g., inappropriate shoes, no socks, etc.)
must "sit out" of theirphysical education class that day.  They 
will go out with the class, but may not part participate, play, 
read, or work on other school projects.  They are expected to 
watch and pay attention to the lessons and games presented in 
class that day.

Lack of participation in P.E. classes does affect the students 
performance in P.E. So, wearing appropriate clothes to class each 
day is in fact a part of the students GRADE!

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What about illness or injuries???

An integral part of any P.E. program is to help students learn to 
take proper care of their body, understand their physical needs 
and how to adapt when things are not quite the "norm".

Students who have minor injuries or are just not feeling up to 
par can let me know and together we can figure out what amount 
and type of activity would be appropriate that day.  A note from 
parent or doctor is not needed to allow for a change in 
activity.  When there are not "privacy issues", other 
students are sometimes included in the discussion to help them 
learn to deal with these issues as well.

More serious injuries or illnesses may require that a 
student "sit out" of activity for a given length of time.  This 
situation does not affect a student's grade as long as the other 
areas of assessment are eventually met(Understanding the Concepts 
being taught, Progress in  Skill Development and Appropriate 
Participation in class.)

Parent and/or doctor notes are appreciated if there are specific 
needs when should be met.  Please remember to let us know when 
your child is capable of returning to regular activity.

Note to SOME parents: if you are asking me to sit "Johnny" out of 
activity, please send a Ball and Chain!  I have far more trouble 
getting injured/ill kids to sit out than the opposite!

I often have parents ask that their child not participate and the 
student is adamant that they are "just fine" or are simply not 
capable of sitting still while others are actively playing!  
Please let them know your expectations, as well.
  
 

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Do you think you might be TOO strict ???

Well, I'll tell you what one fourth grade student said about 
that: "Yeah, but it's worth it!"

Inappropriate behavior during a physical activity class creates 
an unsafe environment for EVERYONE!  The requirements and 
responsibilities for taking care of equipment, themselves and 
others is not difficult, but strictly enforced.

Interestingly, the students eventually realize that the more 
controlled the class is, the more fun they can have during their 
activities.  

Games can be more challenging and involve a greater variety of 
equipment when students learn to take proper care of what we 
have. 

Students are more comfortable during game play and physically 
exert themselves when they trust that the game is safe to play.

Fairness in play creates an inviting situation for all.  When 
students understand that their desire to have "fun" is not more 
important than any of the other students, we can fulfill the goal 
of "Fitness and Fun for EVERYONE!"

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