A Hearty Laugh

A recent study out of the Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD found that laughing causes the blood vessels of the cardiovascular system to dilate and relax.  This means that the vessels open up wider, allowing blood to flow easier throughout the body.  In other words, your heart doesn't have to work so hard to pump blood where it needs to.  This proves that laughing really is great medicine! 

Exercise & Your Brain

Did you know?  When you exercise, your brain releases something called BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor).  BDNF rejuvenates brain cells and circuitry to improve your mental function.  Exercise also increases blood flow to the brain which means more oxygen and nutrition reaching the brain.  Want to think more clearly?  Make exercise a routine part of your lifestyle!

2010-2011 Rocket Fitness Scores

Here are the fitness score averages for each grade from the 2010-2011 school year. Let's make it a goal to beat these this year!

Average Rocket Fitness Scores

2010-2011

5^th Grade

Plank: 1:33

Pacer: 32

Push-Up: 7

Broad Jump: 4 ft. 2 inches

Med ball Throw: 12 ft

20 yard shuttle: 6.31 seconds

30 yard sprint: 5.95 seconds

2010-2011

4th Grade

Plank: 1:38

Pacer: 28

Push-Up: 5

Broad Jump: 4ft. 1 inch

Med Ball Throw: 10 ft

20 yard shuttle: 6.38 seconds

30 yard sprint: 6.15 seconds

2010-2011

3rd Grade

Plank: 1:42

Pacer: 20

Push-Up: 5

Broad Jump: 3 ft. 9 inches

Med Ball Throw: 9 ft

20 yard shuttle: 6.93 seconds

30 yard sprint: 6.65 seconds

Blongo & Bocce Ball 2011

May PE Stars

Here are our final PE stars of the year. They received the most votes amongst their peers and Mr. Recker.

PE Stars show excellence in: Work Ethic, Positive Attitude, Focus, Sportsmanship, Leadership


3rd Grade




4th Grade



5th Grade

Student Question - Is Gum bad for you?

A student asked: Is gum bad for you?


Answer: Gum is probably not very harmful if you are chewing a gum very low in sugar. The negative aspect of gum is that it trains our brain & taste buds to want something sweet. This can lead some people to eat more sugar or junk food. However, if the gum is preventing you from unnecessary snacking (on junk food), then it's probably not bad.

Student Question - too much macronutrients?

A student asked: How much macronutrients is too much?


Answer: First off, let me say that if you are eating whole, fresh, natural foods, your chances of overeating macronutrients (protein, carbs, fats) goes way down. If you eat too many of any kind, you can put unwanted stress on the body and create problems with metabolism. Too much is when you overeat to the point you feel stuffed. Too much would also be if you eat when you are not even hungry. Hope that answers your question!