physical education bits and hike with Mr. Guilmette

Hello Parents,

          I would like to communicate a few things that are going on in physical education and beyond. First what have we been doing in physical education class? First we completed our dance unit before April vacation. During that unit the students in grades three to six had to create a dance in groups of four and perform the dance on the stage. We had several groups perform their dances in front the entire student body and staff at last Friday's community meeting. The dances were fun to watch!

          Since school has started up again after April vacation we have started using scoops and lacrosse sticks to work on their throwing and catching skills and use those skills in a game situation. We will also be working on improving their fitness levels by working on aerobic endurance, muscular endarance and flexibility. We will have a mile run in May and we will test their muscular endurance by having the students do as many push-ups and curl-ups as they can. The students will also do flexibility tests.

          I, Mr. Guilmette will be leading a family hike up Mt. Wachusett which is in Princeton, MA. I think Mt. Wachusett is a great mountain to climb for young children or for anyone. I have been hiking since I was six years old. My first hike was up Mt. Monadnock in southwestern N.H and have been hiking mountains ever since. I have hiked all of the 4,000 foot mountains in N.H and VT. I have also done some hiking in the mountains located in the western part of the U.S. I love being outdoors and I feel hiking mountains is a great way to get exercise and enjoy nature. I thought it would be great to have some Blanchard families get together to enjoy a nice hike on a nearby mountain. Details for hike will be stated below. This event is not sponsored by Blanchard Memorial School. Blanchard Memorial School will not be responsible for any injury that might occur to a participant from Blanchard Memorial School. Parents or guardians will be required to sign a waiver form before hiking.

When: Saturday May 18th: Meet time 10:00
What: Leisurely hike up Mt. Wachusett: The entire hike up and down will be +/- three hours.
Where: Meet and start of the hike will be at the Mt. Wachusett Visitor Center on mountain road about a 1/2 mile past the Mt. Wachusett Mountain ski area
Requirements: Children must be accompanied by an adult, participants should try to wear hiking boots, but sneakers are okay, water and snacks.
Hike will be cancelled if it is raining or if rain is expected.
Questions: If you have any questions or would like to express interest then you may call me at  extension 253 at Blanchard and my e-mail at Blanchard is rguilmette@boxboroughschool.org
Directions: If you have a GPS, if you put in 345 Mountain road Princeton MA as the destination that will get you to the Mt.Wachusett Visitors Center. If you use Mapquest put in 345 Mountain road in Princeton MA that will give you directions to the Mt Wachusett Visitor's Center. The drive will be approximately 40 minutes from Boxborough.

Sincerely,

Mr. Guilmette