Middle School Physical Education and Health 

7th Grade Adviser

Middle School Boys Basketball Coach

• 13 years at Woods!
• 4 years as First Year Enrichment Advisor at Rochester Institute of Technology
• Teaching Certification in Physical Education and Health from Brockport State College in NY
• Master's in Physical Education with Sport Management emphasis from Ball State University in Indiana
• Bachelor's in Sport Science with Coaching emphasis from University of Kansas ROCK CHALK, JAYHAWK!
• Married to Alecia Matthews for 25 years!
• Children Jana and James who both attend high school at Woods.
• Loves basketball, playing golf, reading Rick Riordan books, cooking vegetarian meals, watching MCU movies & shows, playing video games, beach trips, and spending time with family. 
• Served in U.S. Army at Fort Campbell, KY
• Lives in Holly Springs, NC
• Native of London, Ohio

MY PERSONAL MOTTO:

BE READY, CHOOSE LOVE, PLAY!, & SAVOR THE MOMENT

MY PURPOSE:

TO HELP GOOD KIDS TO BECOME GREAT PEOPLE!

I'm excited to begin my 14th year of teaching at Woods! I love working here because I'm surrounded by terrific kids, faculty, and parents. When it comes to teaching, I believe that every student deserves a safe and nurturing environment which also challenges and stretches them. 

PE and Health curriculum focuses on developing personal and social responsibility and physical literacy joined purposefully with improving overall student wellness. Middle school students are changing and developing in numerous ways as they continue trying to figure things out about themselves, their friends, and the world around them. The curriculum is designed to help bridge the gap for students from elementary to high school. Students in middle school are constantly learning how to best engage with their expanding world. They will make mistakes, but we are here to guide and mentor them along the way. 

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW:

Physical fitness is the foundation of our PE program. Students begin each day with a full-body warm up and muscular strength and endurance exercises. Students will develop the fitness level, skills and physical literacy they need to effectively learn skills for the variety of games, challenges, and sports presented. Fitness testing presents students with a chance to measure their progress as they strive to improve their fitness throughout their middle school years.

Each student will also be challenged intellectually as they learn individual tactics and team strategies. Learning in a physical environment requires proper development of their kinesthetic intelligence to not only ensure success on the court or field, but also in broadening each student's ability to anticipate and solve problems in dynamic environments. Learning skills in tactical settings also improves confidence in themselves and each other. Applying team strategies improves communication and relationships as students tackle exciting situations with shared purpose.

Health focuses on topics which benefit adolescents as they mature and become more independent. Curriculum builds on concepts and skills, in addition to relevant information, that not only increases their awareness of these important topics, but also prepares students for taking more responsibility for their personal health and wellness and that of their community.

I've provided the National PE Standards below for your reference. Please check out the side bar menu for grade specific curriculum and grading details.

NATIONAL PE Standards:

Standard 1 - The physically literate individual demonstrates competency in a variety of motor skills and movement patterns.

Standard 2 - The physically literate individual applies knowledge of concepts, principles, strategies and tactics related to movement and performance.

Standard 3 - The physically literate individual demonstrates the knowledge and skills to achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical activity and fitness.

Standard 4 - The physically literate individual exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others.

Standard 5 - The physically literate individual recognizes the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and/or social interaction.