Happy Holidays/January Fitness Calendar ...

Christie Cubs & Family-

On behalf of the specials team, we want to wish you and your family a restful, safe, and happy winter break!  Use this time over the break, to get a jumpstart on the January Fitness Calendar!  See you next year!  Merry Christmas!

TIP of the day.....

Looking to make a healthy meal?!?  Check out the link below for some great options to incorporate winter squash.  

Recipes for Winter Squash

HealthyZone December Newsletter ....

The holiday season is quickly upon us and for some this time of year can be extremely stressful.  The link below has some great tips to help you manage your stress this holiday season while reflecting on what's really important.  Also in this month's edition is some tips for healthier classroom celebrations along with healthy snack options that tie perfectly into the seasonal food options.  Check it out!  

HealthyZone December Newsletter

12 DAYS of FITNESS

Tis the season to create healthier habits!  Each day complete a different activity.  Enjoy! 

Christie Families- 

Below is the last and final fitness calendar of this year!  Kinda crazy to think about.  Remember that each individual box needs a parent initial along with a parent signature at the end to ensure that all activities were indeed completed before being turned in.  I am so grateful to all students who have been actively participating and turning their calendars into either Coach Handyside or myself.  Remember to keep moving!

HaPpY THANKSgiving ...

The PE/Fitness team would like to wish all cubs and their families a restful and Happy Thanksgiving! May you enjoy some quality time together and treasure those moments in which we are truly thankful for.  As we have officially began the holiday season, let me remind all cubs and their families on some healthy snack and drink tips.

• water
• 100% fruit juice with NO added sugar
• Fat-free or low-fat milk
• Fruit smoothies (made with frozen fruit with NO added sugar and fat-free or low-fat yogurt)
• 100% fruit juice slushies with NO added sugar
• Fresh fruit - trays, salads or kabobs
• Fresh vegetables - trays, salads or kabobs
• Fat-free or low-fat yogurt (alone or as dip for fruits or vegetables)
• Yogurt parfaits (fat-free or low-fat yogurt, fruit and whole-grain cereal or granola as topping)
• Canned fruit or fruit cups (in water, 100% fruit juice or light syrup)
• Frozen fruit or fruit cups (in water, 100% fruit juice or light syrup)
• Frosty fruits - freeze your own fruit (frozen grapes make a great lunch treat!)
• Dried fruit with NO added sugar
• Nut or seed butter (serve with fruit or whole-grain crackers
• Nuts or seeds
• Trail mix made of nuts or seeds and dried fruit with NO added sugar
• Whole-grain crackers
• Low-fat cheese (serve with fruit or whole-grain crackers)
• Hummus (serve with vegetables or whole-grain crackers)
• Small whole-grain waffles or pancakes topped with fruit or nut or seed butter
• Whole-grain pretzels (soft or crunchy)
• Low-fat or air-popped popcorn (NO added butter or salt)
• Graham crackers
• Nut or seed butter and jelly sandwiches on whole-grain bread
• Small whole-grain bagels or English muffins with nut or seed butter or jelly
• Pizza (on whole-grain crust with low-fat cheese and lean protein or vegetable toppings)
• Roll-ups on whole-grain tortillas (fill with a lean protein such as ham or turkey, low-fat cheese, hummus, nut or seed butter and jelly or vegetables)
• Fat-free or low-fat pudding

Healthy Zone November Newsletter

Check out the latest Healthy Zone Newsletter to stay up-to-date one some amazing tips and helpful information.  Remember that 60 minutes per day is the recommended physical activity time for children and adolescents.  Keep moving cubs!

Healthy Zone November Newsletter

November Fitness Calendar ....

Dear Christie Families-

November is here!  Below is the fitness calendar that will be going home this week.  Just a reminder that this is completely optional but highly encouraged.  The purpose of the monthly fitness calendars is to encourage all cubs to be active outside of school for at least 60 minutes a day.  Statistics show that 46% of children and adolescents are either overweight or obese.  With such staggering statistics, we want to encourage all cubs and their family members to make healthy choices to promote a healthier lifestyle.  As a Healthy Zone School In-Training, our job as PE/Fitness teachers to to educate and communicate to our staff, students, and community members ways that we can make healthier choices so we all win!  -- keep moving cubs and enjoy the November Fitness Calendar!

PE/Fitness Fundraiser .....

Dear Christie Cubs-
Want to help PE/Fitness raise money to purchase new equipment while having FUN at the same time?!?!  From now until Friday, December 1st, Coach O'Brian will be selling Speed Stack sets in the Fitness room from 7:35am-8:00am.  There will be NO sells Wednesday, October 25-Friday, October 27th as Coach O'Brian will be at 5th grade camp.  Speed Stacking is an exciting sport where students stack and unstack 12-specially designed cups while activating both sides of the body and brain.  One of our goals, as PE/Fitness teachers, is to promote activity at home through positive alternatives to computer, television and video game screen time.  Sport Stacking is a unique, fun and simple activity that motivates kids to get up and move.  If you would like to purchase a set for your child for an upcoming holiday, please contact Coach O'Brian at 469-752-0880 or by email at angela.obrian@pisd.edu.  Thanks and keep moving!

Set of 12 cups - $20
Bag with mat and timer - $20 (cups are not included as they are a separate purchase)
(Cash or Check ONLY)

Speed Stacks Video

October is National ADHD Awareness Month

"Research continues to emerge showing a positive relationship between exercise and ADHD management, and in some cases as a possible viable intervention for treating ADHD in youth."  Check out the latest newsletter from FitnessGram & The Cooper Institute for the latest information about ADHD and EXERCISE as well as the Truth about Carbohydrates!

FitnessGram & The Cooper Institute Newsletter  

October News

October has proven to begin itself in a very busy way!  This month in PE/Fitness we are beginning to increase our cardiovascular endurance, wrap up our beginning of the year FitnessGram testing, teach the proper technique of throwing a frisbee while playing frisbee golf, build teamwork and encouragement with obstacles on the rock wall, as well as get our 5th graders geared up for Collin County Adventure Camp through camp like activities.

Typically the month of October can really be summed up in one word....SUGAR!  With that beloved by many October holiday quickly approaching, we wanted to take the time to remind everyone that with candy comes carbohydrates.  Please check out the October Healthy Zone Newsletter link below to read up on the truth about carbohydrates as well as some youth fit tips!

Healthy Zone October Newsletter

Finally, I want to send a BIG thank you to the dozens of families who have completed their September Fitness Calendar and returned it signed to their fitness teacher.  It is thrilling to see students being active outside of school and encouraging their parents to join in on some active fun. Please see the October Fitness Calendar below.  It arrived home with your child early this week. Remember.....keep moving cubs!

Healthy Zone School

Christie Cubs and Parents-
I am thrilled to announce that Christie has been selected to be a Healthy Zone School!  This is super exciting news for our school as it provides additional funding resources, educational opportunities for coaches and important health tips for parents, students, and staff members.  The Healthy Zone School Recognition Program was developed by United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and The Cooper Institute in 2011, and supports and recognizes schools in North Texas that are fighting the childhood obesity epidemic and creating healthy school environments. The program has shown to be effective in improving the healthy behaviors of schools, and in turn, a positive impact on student health outcomes has been observed.  The Healthy Zone School Recognition Program expanded to 141 schools in the 2016-2017 school year and impacted more than 96,000 local students.  This school year, 2017-2018, the Healthy Zone School Recognition Program added 20 new schools with Christie being one of the 20 selected.  As we begin to wrap our brain around this incredible opportunity, please check out the September Newsletter below from the Healthy Zone School Program.

September Healthy Zone Newsletter

BLUEBERRY DAY

Thursday, September 14th we began a new adventure here at Christie that starts with our amazing cafeteria staff.  We celebrated BLUEBERRY DAY!  Each month we will highlight a fruit or vegetable.  During each grade level's fitness class, we will discuss the benefits to the month's fruit/vegetable.  Then on a selected day, students will all have the opportunity to sample that month's fruit/vegetable during their lunch time.  We hope that this will encourage students to try new healthy foods as they learn about their benefits! 

Spooner Boards in Fitness ....

This week in fitness, students will be introduced to the ultimate surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding piece of equipment called Spooner Boards.  They are incredibly versatile and perfect to improve core strength and stability, leg strength, balance, coordination, and gross motor skills.  The Spooner Boards are also an awesome fitness board for adults.  Whether you're twisting, balancing, or just rocking at your standing desk position everyone can enjoy the fun.  Surfin the surface with Spooner Boards!

September Fitness Calendar ....

Christie Cubs & Families-

Below is the fitness calendar for September.  While it is optional, we do encourage all cubs to participate as each daily activity lasts no longer than a couple of minutes.  Ultimately, our goal is to promote a healthier lifestyle for all cubs and their family.  Keep moving!

SAFETY is the KEY ....

This week in PE/Fitness our focus continues to be about the safety of others while maintaining personal space.  Therefore, we have been playing two noodle games in PE called "Statue of Liberty" and "Crabby Patty."  In both activities, students must move about the gym court in a safe manner yet balancing a bean bag on the top or end of a noodle.  The challenging aspect of this game comes when other classmates try and knock the bean bag off your noodle while still maintaining balance of their own.  In fitness, we've been focusing on Playground Safety Rules as well as Bicycle Safety Rules.

Welcome Christie Cubs 2017-2018

Dear Christie Parents-

On behalf of the PE/Fitness team, let me first welcome you to Christie Elementary.  This week in PE/Fitness we have been outlining the rules/expectations.  The are as follows:

PE/Fitness Rules/Expectations

1- Be Safe

2- Be Respectful (self, team, coaches, equipment)

3- Be Prepared (Running SHOES, attitude, focus)

Our goal this year is to educate and guide all cubs through a quality Physical Education program that unites a foundation of physical literacy, wellness, and nutrition in order to develop and sustain a healthy lifestyle.  Below is a printable calendar to display on the refrigerator that families can complete together in hopes of establishing a healthy lifestyle together.  Please remember to initial each completed activity and return the calendar to your child's Fitness teacher for a reward!  

                               

Below are your Christie Cub coaches and their assignments for this 2017-2018 school year.  

Angela O'Brian - Team Leader                           

angela.obrian@pisd.edu                                        

Fitness - 4, 2, 3    
Gym- K, 1, 5

Barb Handyside                                                      

barb.handyside@pisd.edu                                      

Fitness- K, 1, 5                                                      

Gym- 4, 2, 3

Robert Reed 

Plano East Cross Country Head Coach

robert.reed@pisd.edu

Gym only- k, 1, 5

Kevin Clark

Plano West Baseball Head Coach

robert.clark@pisd.edu

Gym only- 4, 2, 3

Please don't hesitate to email us with any questions that you may have.  It's going to be a GREAT YEAR!  Go CUBS!

May Wellness Calendar ...

I can't believe we are in the final month of the 2016-2017 school year!  It has truly been an incredible year.  The PE/Fitness team has enjoyed watching all Christie Cubs grow in strength and health.  Let's continue to finish the year strong by following the below wellness calendar.  Keep it FIT CUBS!   

This Week in PE....

It's OMNIKIN SCOOTER SOCCER Week!!!  OMG the look on the kids faces when they come into the gym is priceless.  Students will be focusing on foot-eye coordination as they work together to kick the ball into the goal (hit the blue mats under the basketball goals).  Scooters and Omnikin Balls are a BLAST!

CAREER DAY ...

Dear Parents,

Career Day is rapidly approaching and we need YOUR experiences! Whether you are a nurse, mechanic, astronaut, custodian or business owner- we need you!

We are looking for a variety of people interested in spending a day talking to our students about their career. Many of our students are unaware of the career opportunities available to them and this is a fantastic way to provide them with first-hand knowledge of potential career paths. This is also a great way for you to get involved with Christie Elementary and make an impact on the students’ future. If you are not interested but know someone who is, please give them (or us) the necessary contact information. The 2017 Christie Elementary Career Day is May 19th from 8:30 – 3:15. Arrangements can be made for half-day participation.  Thank you in advance for your involvement!

(If you have any questions or would like to get further information please contact Jason Ramos at jason.ramos@pisd.edu or Dee Adams at dee.adams@pisd.edu) 

PE WISH LIST....

Dear Christie Parents-
We have been so grateful for all donations made throughout this 2016-2017 school year.  In fact, we have placed one more project on donor's choose that we would love your support.  Please click the below link and help us out.  Thank you!

https://www.donorschoose.org/project/cosmic-bowling-pe-replacement-equipmen/2494697/

It's Tennis Week here at Christie....

For the next two weeks in PE, students will be learning the basic racquet and ball handling techniques of tennis.  

• Ball Tap-Downs
• Ball Bump-Ups
• Self Rallies 
• Partner Activities

Miniature tennis courts to help maintain control 

April Wellness Calendar....

Below is the wellness calendar for April.  It has some super creative fitness activities that all Christie Cub families can enjoy.  What's your favorite one?  

CHRISTIE CUBS-

The PE/Fitness team has created another Donor's Choose Project Titled PE/Fitness Equipment.  We're trying to get a few items at a time and would greatly appreciate your support.  The most EXCITING part about our project is ESPN is graciously going to match your donation dollar for dollar so that we can get the needed equipment.  Will you help?  Thank you! 

LOST & FOUND ...

Attention Christie Cub Parents-
It's that time of the month to locate any clothing articles that your student(s) may have lost.  Due to STAAR testing beginning next Tuesday, parents will not be allowed in the building from Tuesday through Friday.  Any clothing articles not claimed will be donated on Monday, March 27th.  Please make sure to put your student(s) name in their jacket or sweatshirt to keep from having them donated. Thank you!

Christie BOWLING ...

This week in PE is filled with balls rollin and pins droppin!  We are bowling with all grades and having a great time!  Students are learning the proper technique of holding a bowling ball and rolling for accuracy.  They are also showcasing good sportsmanship by helping retrieve the ball and setting up pins.  The upper grades are challenged to keep track of their score to see who our highest cub scorer is at the Christie Bowling Alley. All in all it's about good TEAMWORK and having FUN!

YOGA BALLS....

On behalf of the PE/Fitness team, I want to sincerely thank all of those who donated to our donor's choose project: Fitness Flexers.  We were able to receive FULL funding thus 27 yoga balls are on their way for all Christie Cubs to enjoy!

March Wellness Calendar ...

HALFWAY THERE!!!!

Hello Christie Families,

Our project Fitness Flexers is halfway to being fulfilled but does need a little love. If you can support us in any way, we would greatly appreciate your help!  

Thank you!
PE Team


P.S. If you know anyone who may want to help our fitness room, please pass this along!

Plano ISD Sport Stacking Tournament....

Plano ISD is hosting a Sport Stacking Tournament for ALL Christie students.

WHEN:     Thursday, March 23th
TIME:       6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
WHERE:   Plano Senior High School / 2200 Independence Parkway

All participants may compete in ONE individual event and ONE partner event.  This is completely FREE for ALL CHRISTIE STUDENTS.  All entries are DUE by Monday, March 20th to ensure the amount of volunteers needed for the event.  Please complete the below registration form if interested...

Sport Stacking Registration Form

HELP PLEASE...

Hello Christie Families,

The PE staff would like to provide you with an opportunity to help ALL kids at Christie.  We are in need of approximately 27 yoga balls for our fitness class.  We hope these yoga balls will provide us with an opportunity to have drum fit lessons and core strengthening opportunities.  Therefore we have created a DonorsChoose.org classroom request.  Please click on the link below to help support us.

Fitness Flexers


Once funded, we'll update the blog with pictures of how our Christie kids are enjoying their fitness lessons while ultimately becoming healthier.  

P.S. If you know anyone who may want to help, please pass this along! 

This week in PE.....

This week in PE, we are playing a game called "Ringer" with grades 2-5 and "Pick Up the Trash" with grades K-1.  Students are encouraged to use teamwork, hand-eye coordination, and develop strategies while maintaining focus, concentration, and moving about the court.

Kinder playing "Pick Up the Trash"

4th Grade playing "Ringer"

February FITNESS CHALLENGE....

February is American Heart Month. Visit https://www.cdc.gov/features/heartmonth/ to learn how a small change can make a BIG difference.  

WIN A NEW PLAYGROUND...

Dear Christie Parents-

This year Christie Elementary has the opportunity to win some amazing prizes for our wellness program.  Anyone in our community can click on the link below and enter for a chance to win a $30,000 grant for our school's healthy transformation AND a new playground.  While there are other prizes available, this would clearly be an amazing opportunity of our kids!  The sweepstakes runs until March 24, 2017.  Please set your alarm on your phone or post a sticky note on the fridge to log on each day and vote.  Also, feel free to share with family and friends to help increase our voting numbers.  Thank you!

http://www.togethercounts.com/at-school/win-for-your-school/sweepstakes

This week in PE ... Shuffleboard PE STYLE

For the next two weeks, students will be learning the objectives to playing shuffleboard.  We will be putting our own spin on the game while focusing on teamwork and hand-eye coordination.  It's going to be a great week!

Healthy Playground Makeover .... KEEP VOTING

Dear Parents-

This year Christie Elementary has the opportunity to win some amazing prizes for our wellness program.  Anyone in our community can click on the link below and enter for a chance to win a $30,000 grant for our school's healthy transformation AND a new playground.  While there are other prizes available, this would clearly be an amazing opportunity of our kids!  The sweepstakes runs until March 24, 2017 so please set your alarm on your phone or post a sticky note on the fridge to log on each day and vote.  Also, feel free to share with family and friends to help increase our voting numbers.  Thank you!

http://www.togethercounts.com/at-school/win-for-your-school/sweepstakes

NEW Lost & Found Procedures....

Christie Elementary is making some changes to the way “lost and found” items are managed.  In order to make it easier for students and parents to claim lost items, all clothing items will be displayed in the hallway near the office.  All lost and found items will be donated at the end of each month in order to keep the collection manageable.  Please be sure to drop by and look for your student’s belongings before the end of January!

January Fitness Calendar....

What better way to begin the New Year than with a calendar of activities to help kickstart some new behaviors!  Let's all make 2017 great with some healthy eating habits and 30 mins of daily fmaily activity.