Hadley Phys Ed a Blue Ribbon winner again!
For the second time, the Hadley Physical Education program has won the Blue Ribbon award for excellence from the Illinois Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (IAHPERD). To evaluate the program against its criteria, IAHPERD sends a team to the school, explained PE teacher Tom Lofgren. “They are very thorough.” Hadley has many visitors from other schools as well who are looking to learn from Hadley's PE program. Focusing on lifetime fitness rather than athletic competition, Hadley’s program seeks to provide students of all ability levels with the skills and desire to be fit for life. The PE curriculum features a rotation of team and individual activities both outside and indoors, games, cardiovascular activities and systematic use of the Hadley Fitness Lab. “Our kids are awesome,” said Tom, noting that the kids track their fitness stats and understand the concept of fit for life. “Our program is about personal growth and development.” Technology, such as heart monitors and hand-held devices that provide a video orientation to the Fitness Lab, helps the program succeed.
The spirit of welcome at Forest Glen
For a demonstration of school spirit, unity and welcome, Forest Glen's Welcome Back Eagle’s Assembly could hardly be beat. Organized by two of the fifth grade classes, the assembly featured a welcome to, and introduction of, all new students and teachers. In addition, the fifth graders introduced those whom it is essential to know--the school nurse, secretaries, principal and assistant principal. Highlights included dramatic entrances by Principal Mary Hornacek and Assistant Principal Tim Lofgren who burst through large paper banners to the delight of the children, and the flag ceremony by a Forest Glen Scout troop. In addition, there was a visit by the Dr. Seuss character "Cat in the Hat" who kicked-off the PTA reflections program with a story that held the children rapt. The assembly was concluded by spirited renditions of the school song and the “Star Spangled Banner".
