Did you know there is a connection between physical activity and academic performance? Did you also know that physical activity helps to keep the brain fit and strengthens a student's ability to learn?

At Carpenter, our kids all benefit from PE.

Our dedicated and highly-experienced PE instructor, Marty Rackham "Coach Marty," has been working with children in youth sports for over 30 years and is in his 17th year running the Physical Education program at Carpenter. Coach Marty holds a BS in physical education from Bridgeport University and is a former professional soccer player with Brighton & Hove Albion, English 1st Division and the Houston Hurricane, NASL. In addition to dedicating his time to Carpenter, he currently plays competitive soccer, and is the head soccer coach at a local high school.

Coach Marty provides opportunities for all of our students to attain the important skills, knowledge and attitudes for a healthy lifestyle by introducing them to a wide variety of activities and sports in a success-oriented environment. He has created a grade-level specific curriculum that develops a positive, can-do attitude about physical activity. The PE program meets all federal, state and LAUSD mandated standards.

"PE keeps children both physically and mentally healthy," says Coach Marty. "Girl, boy, small or tall, every student deserves an opportunity to participate in physical education. While playing sports a child begins to get a sense of competition, concentration, and confidence, which is something that will be with them for the rest of their lives. And, in a world where children spend increasing amounts of time in front of the computer or playing video games, it is even more important to educate them physically."

Here is an inside view of just some of what your child might be learning in PE:

• Kindergarten – Fundamental motor skill development (balance, skipping, jumping, running) Ball skills (dribbling, throwing, catching). Introduction to game play.
• 1st Grade – Continuation of ball skills (kicking) motor skill development. Introduction to tagging and chasing games, playground games and rules stressing fair play and good sportsmanship.
• 2nd Grade – Introduction to team play (kickball, roundball, flag tag, soccer). Stressing the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship and learning more advanced playground games.
• 3rd Grade – More advanced team play and games involving a net. Learning the skills necessary to play volleyball, basketball and team handball. Introduction to capture the flag and flag-related games.
• 4th Grade – Intro to agility courses and track and field (sprinting, distance, hurdles, relay) More advanced game and team play.
• 5th Grade – Introduction of squads for competing. More advanced competitions, long-distance running and running for time. Preparation for the President's Fitness Test.

Research shows that physical activity can improve executive functions, the ability to concentrate, memory, and intellectual performance. Children given opportunities for physical activity are not only better able to concentrate, focus, and learn while in school, but they are provided with the opportunity to develop the skills, self-confidence, and enjoyment of physical activity that can foster a physically active lifestyle that will support their overall health throughout their lives. -- California Center for Public Health Advocacy

At Carpenter, our mission is to educate the whole-child, and through superb enrichment classes such as our Physical Education Program, we give our children the best education possible.

For more information on our programs, how to get involved or to answer any questions, please email us at carpenterpfc@gmail.com.