Bowling Champs!

We had some great bowling matches last week. Here are the 1st place teams!

PE Bowling 2010

Syracuse Stars

Throughout the school year, Mr. Recker and the 3rd-5th grade PE students take part in a program called "Syracuse Stars." Syracuse Stars was created to honor one student in each section of PE class. Students in each section get to vote one time for the classmate of their choice. Mr. Recker gets to vote 3 times for the student/s of his choice. When voting, students are asked to think about a classmate who has displayed the 5 Syracuse Star Qualities. Those qualities are:

1. Work Ethic - someone who tries hard, gives a lot of energy, and strives to improve!
2. Positive Attitude - someone who brings a good mood to class, is enthusiastic, confident, happy, and realizes the benefits of caring for their health!
3. Focus - someone who is on task, alert, listening, and following direction!
4. Sportsmanship - someone who wins and loses with class & dignity, treats their teammates and opponents with respect, and competes fairly and safely
5. Leadership - someone who consistently sets a great example for others and strives to go above and beyond the average

As you can see, a Syracuse Star really is a standout student! All votes are completely anonymous, as Mr. Recker does not allow students to share their votes with anyone. From here on out, a new Syracuse Star will be voted on each month. This first round of Syracuse Stars is from the start of school through the end of October. Here are the Stars!

3rd Grade




4th Grade



5th Grade

1st Qt. PE Videos - 2010

1st Qt. PE Pictures - 2010

Doane Blogging Study Week 6 - Relationships & Personal Character

Researchers from Brigham Young University recently concluded that being connected to others increases survival by up to 50%! They believe that people are motivated to take better care of themselves when they are involved and invested in others. Advanced science is also proving that positive social interaction turns on genes that promote health, while negative social interaction can turn on genes that promote inflammation in the body. There is no doubt that our relationships can be a major factor in determining our health. It really makes sense to choose our friends wisely. It also makes sense to try to be a good friend. Spend time with those who make you feel happy.

Hall of Fame College Basketball Coach John Wooden always told his players, “Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation. Character is what you really are; reputation is merely what you are perceived to be.” I have always loved this Wooden quote. I remember it whenever I feel like people are judging me unfairly or when I feel afraid to make the right choices in my life. It does not matter what others think of me. I know who I am, what I stand for, and the type of person I want to be. That is what is important. People that stand up for what is right, what is just, and what is positive in this world have high character. These people are the real role models. They are true leaders.

Do you feel like your relationships are healthy? Is social interaction important to you? Does it make you feel good to be around others like you? Do you feel you have high character? Are you more concerned with your character or your reputation? What qualities do you think true leaders should possess? Do you know anyone who is a good role model? Please share your thoughts, questions, and comments below!

Doane Blogging Study Week 5 - Brain Health

The human brain is the control center of the human body. In fact, it regulates every process that goes on within your body. It gives your body the directions for learning, moving, and even breathing! It truly is a remarkable organ.

Nutrition is a very important aspect to brain health. Your body needs certain nutrients to produce ATP (cellular energy) for your brain to run on. B vitamins, magnesium, CoQ10, and calcium are all needed to make energy. You can get these nutrients from natural whole foods. Research has also shown that eating 0.9 lbs of fruits and vegetables per day can preserve high brain function and help prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.

The brain is mostly made of fat - specifically, omega-3 fatty acids. The most important omega-3 fat is called DHA. All healthy brain cells are made up of DHA. It is incredibly protective of the brain and allows the brain to function at a high level. The best sources of DHA are fish and grass-fed animals. Other good sources of omega-3s include eggs, greens, and nuts.

New brain research points to the importance of something called BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor). The brain releases BDNF to repair brain cells and rejuvenate brain tissue. There are three ways to increase BDNF in the body:
1. Aerobic exercise – get your heart rate up and challenge your body physically!
2. Learn something new – this challenges your brain circuitry and new connections are formed
3. Nutrition – blueberries, turmeric, and fish are three top BDNF boosters

Building and protecting the brain is very important to learning, focus, and memory. What did you find most interesting about this article? When do you feel you learn the best? How do you learn best? Please share your comments, questions, and thoughts below!