Welcome to Physical Education!
Hi, I am Elisabeth Patterson, Physical Educator at Longfellow School. I am excited about teaching Sports, games, fitness and health to our students. My goal is to have all students enjoy moving and staying healthy.
I grew up in Austria and studied Physical Education and Industrial Arts at the University of Vienna, Austria. I taught these two subjects in Waidhofen High School there. In 1990 I moved to the United States. I attended the University of Illinois at Chicago and obtained a Master's Degree in Adapted Physical Education. I taught in two other school districts in this area before joining Oak Park School District in 1998. I taught Adapted Physical Education and Physical Education in several of our Elementary Schools for five years. Since 2003 I have been Longfellow's Physical Educator.
We have two PE teachers at Longfellow, so some of the classes are taught by Mr. Mike Dolan.
Please contact me, preferably by e-mail, if you have any questions or concerns.
Dress code for PE:
Students need to wear gym shoes in order to participate. They can be with velcro closures or ties. Long hair needs to be tied back. Dresses and skirts are allowed, but shorts should be worn underneath. Clothes should allow for freedom of movement.
Important for participation after cast removal:
Please remember when a student has a cast removed following an injury, that a note is required from their doctor, which allows them to return to physical education.
Sport and Fitness Events throughout the school year:
On the first Wednesday in October, Longfellow School will participate once again in International Walk to School Day. We promote walking especially on this day, but also every day. Students who walk will earn stamps. Walking to school has great physical and mental benefits. It can help your child be a better student, and on top of it it is fun.
The Turkey Trot will be held in November. All students in grades 3, 4 and 5 run laps around Longfellow field. All students will receive a small prize when they finish. The best prize of course is increased physical fitness and improved stamina!
May brings us lots of fun activities:
ACES (All Children Exercising Simultaneously) will take place on the first Wednesday in May. All grades will participate in different activities. Students need to wear gym shoes.
The ANNUAL DISTRICT 97 ADVENTURE RUN will take place on TBD at 8:00 am at Lindberg Park in Oak Park. This event is different than the Fun Run, which is a fund raiser in the Fall. The Adventure Run is a free of charge fun run for all students in District 97. It is noncompetitive. It is organized by District 97 Elementary PE teachers.
OLYMPIC DAY will be held on a Friday in May. Students will participate in many low competitive activities. Please make sure your child wears gym shoes, shorts or pants (no dresses), and sun screen.
Healthy, active kids are better learners!
Every month from February to May our school's wellness committee has a focus on a different health aspect. Students will learn in fun and creative ways how to be healthier. Here is what we focus on:
February: Sleep and healthy breakfast
March: Nutrition
April: Hydration
May: Exercise