Hi Parents! 

Parents, If you need to speak with me, you can contact me 3 different ways!....

1.  My e-mail address: kss91354@hotmail.com   

2.  Parents, please don't hesitate to phone me about questions or concerns you have: (H): 708-342-0137, (C): 708-890-6030.  (Phone number at St. George: 708-532-2626)

3.  Meet me after school by the parking lot gates, where I do traffic duty between 2pm and 2:20pm. 

 Scroll down to bottom of this page for the best kids web sites about fitness, sports, health and safety.

 IMPORTANT!  Parents of pre-teens and teens:

Regarding "Human Reproduction" Education!!!: It's up to YOU Parents!  We do not cover this subject in our 'health' curriculum.  It will be covered during freshman year in high school, however, I believe that kids need info before that.  I know how it was with my own son and daughter..... they have questions, but are 'embarrassed' to ask parents - so they get their info from friends who may be giving them incorrect info!  Therefore, make sure you are pro-active about talking to your pre-teen/teen and giving him/her the info he/she needs.  Info about puberty, healthy relationships, what's appropriate and what's not, reproduction, etc. for your teen, can be found at the "TEEN" section of www.kidshealth.org.  You might want to visit the site before you allow your child to surf around on it, just to make yourself familiar with the content, and be ready for any questions which may arise.  If there's specific info that you want your child to have, you can always print it out from that site as well.  The library has some good books also.  Ask your librarian to make some recommendations!  I urge you to teach your children WELL about this particular subject!  They need to learn it from YOU!  (Which reminds me, I saw a hilarious episode of 'Malcolm in the Middle, regarding this subject.  Lois (the mom) took Malcolm, her son for a ride in the car.  She got on the expressway, locked the doors, and began to tell him everything - from A to Z.  He couldn't escape!...although at first, he wanted to!  By the end of 'the talk', Malcolm was very comfortable about everything, much more relaxed and informed, and he thanked his mom for forcing him to listen!  (It was funny and so true!  --  my kids were like Malcolm.  At first they didn't want to hear about it from me....but I forced them, and ultimately, the were grateful.)                                 - Ms. S.

Thank you for your continued support, parents!  You are awesome!  Okay, I have a secret to tell you.  There are always children who get a detention or scolding, from me, from time to time.  I DO have to keep the kids safe and civilized, afterall, and I take that very seriously - so I do what I have to do.  Occasionally, a parent will come back to me and scold ME for giving their child a detention, or a trip to Mr. Weston's office (which is rare)!  Thank goodness most of you support my actions!  Those couple of parents who defend their child's unacceptable behavior are only empowering their children to continue to bully or be disrespectful or careless.  That's not good!  Again, to those of you who support me (99% of parents), again I say THANK YOU!  I love all of these precious children, and I want to do right by them, teach them well, watch them grow, keep them safe, provide a supportive and nurturing environment, help build their self-esteem, and see them smile - alot!! 

FYI -  Here are brief summaries of NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION FROM NASPE (NATIONAL ASSOC OF SPORTS AND PHYS ED); followed by NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR HEALTH EDUCATION (standards are summarized below).  Our program follows standards and guidelines from NASPE (Nat'l Assn of Sports & Physical Education),  ISBE (Illinois State Board of Education), and AAHPERD (American Assn of Health, Phys Ed, Recreation and Dance).  The Archdiocese of Chicago has now published standards which include the standards of the Illinois State Board of Education, found at:  http://www.isbe.state.il.us/ils/pdh/standards.htm - along with Catholic doctrine (values, sportsmanship, scripture).  I believe these are the highest and most sensible and realistic standards for P.E. & Health in the world (seriously!).  I am studying these standards and incorporating them into the curriculum, so rest assured, your child is getting the very best 'physical' education!

The National Standards published below are very broad and general.  The isbe (state of Illinois) web site has the detailed standards which cover every aspect of P.E. & Health: Movement Skills; Physical Fitness; Team Building; Health Promotion/Disease Prevention and Treatment; Human Body Systems; Communications and Decision Making. 

National Standards for Physical Education

Physical activity is critical to the development and maintenance of good health. The goal of physical education is to develop physically educated individuals who have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity.

A physically educated person:

Standard 1: Demonstrates competency in motor skills and movement patterns needed to perform a variety of physical activities.

Standard 2: Demonstrates understanding of movement concepts, principles, strategies, and tactics as they apply to the learning and performance of physical activities.

Standard 3: Participates regularly in physical activity.

Standard 4: Achieves and maintains a health-enhancing level of physical fitness.

Standard 5: Exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others in physical activity settings.

Standard 6: Values physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and/or social interaction.

            Standards Provide the Framework for a Quality Physical Education Program

What is worth teaching and learning in physical education? The national content standards define what a student should know and be able to do as result of a quality physical education program. They provide a framework for developing realistic and achievable expectations for student performance at every grade level. These expectations are the first step in designing an instructionally aligned program.

National Standards Provide Guidance for Developing State and Local Standards

States and local school districts across the country have used the national standards to develop standards, frameworks, and curricula. Others have revised their existing standards and curricula to align with the national standards.

Standards Increase the Professional Stature of Physical Education

The national standards demonstrate that physical education has academic standing equal to other subject areas. They describe achievement, show that knowledge and skills matter, and confirm that mere willing participation is not the same as education. In short, national physical education standards bring accountability and rigor to the profession.

National Health Education Standards

HEALTH EDUCATION STANDARD 1 – Students will comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention to enhance health. 

HEALTH EDUCATION STANDARD 2 – Students will analyze the influence of family, peers, culture, media, technology and other factors on health behaviors.

HEALTH EDUCATION STANDARD 3 – Students will demonstrate the ability to access valid information and products and services to enhance health.

HEALTH EDUCATION STANDARD 4 – Students will demonstrate the ability to use interpersonal communication skills to enhance health and avoid or reduce health risks.

HEALTH EDUCATION STANDARD 5 – Students will demonstrate the ability to use decision-making skills to enhance health.

HEALTH EDUCATION STANDARD 6 – Students will demonstrate the ability to use goal-setting skills to enhance health.

HEALTH EDUCATION STANDARD 7 – Students will demonstrate the ability to practice health-enhancing behaviors and avoid or reduce health risks.

HEALTH EDUCATION STANDARD 8 – Students will demonstrate the ability to advocate for personal, family and community health.