BFMS Newsletter February | Page 2

Page 2 Terrier News Fall physical fitness results and Games from Around the World with Mrs. Smith Students in 5th and 6th grade physical education are studying games from around the world. We have done games from Australia, India, Belgium, and Denmark thus far. Students now know that Australia is the only country that is also a continent and that the largest barrier reef is located on the north shore of Australia. India’s main diet is a vegetarian diet due to the fact that many of their religious beliefs prevent them from eating meat. Belgium is famous for its chocolates and waffles, and the area of Denmark is about half the size of the state of Maine. Students also researched recipes from countries of their choice and will be finding games of their choosing from different countries. They will be looking at rules of the game, the country of origin, and how it is similar to games American children play, The fall physical fitness data is listed below. In general, both boys and girls in both 5th and 6th grade show areas of weakness in upper body strength, abdominal strength and endurance, flexibility of the hamstring muscles and hip area, and cardiovascular endurance (aerobic capacity). They show strengths in back strength and flexibility. Students recently looked at their test scores and analyzed their own scores and made connections between how often and long they are physically active outside of school and how that affects their test scores. They also made plans to improve their scores on their spring testing. Modified Curl up Flexibility Trunk Lift Pacer run Pull-up 6th grade Boys 57% met 50% met 72.7% met 86% met 61.9% Girls 48.3% 38.7% 64.5% 64.5% 61% 5th grade Boys 47% 11.7% 64.7% 88% 31% Girls 62.5% 33% 56% 100% 75% All benchmarks are age-related and all of the above scores reflect a cumulative total for all 5th grade classes, and all 6th grade classes. January Guidance News – Ms. Morris 8th graders will begin high school transition activities this month. A parent letter was sent home with a timeline of important dates: January 29 – Freshman Academy Team to visit BFMS to talk with 8th graders to explain the registration process & to distribute the Program of Studies. February 5 – 6:30 - Parent/ Student spaghetti dinner & information night at BFUHS February 12 – Registration meetings 1:00 – 3:15 at BFUHS for students— * parents must attend* I will be working in the 8th grade classrooms for the next two months on their M AP (My Academic Plan) Binder. The binder will follow them to BFUHS will include activities and information that will help 8th graders with their high school transition. February 6 – Technicool (safe technology & cyber bulling information) from the State of Vermont will be here for all student assemblies & a parent presentation at 6:30 in the auditorium during regular CSA meeting time. The NBC (No Bystander Crew) will be involved in the Technicool presentations by developing some pre & post- student activities.