Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! My name is LaTrice Shields, and I am excited to be your child’s Physical Education teacher for the third year at WGLA.

With over 33 years of teaching experience, I am passionate about inspiring young minds to become creative thinkers, independent learners, and physically active individuals. Physical education is crucial for a child’s overall development. Research shows that it improves cognitive function, boosts self-confidence, and enhances academic performance. My goal is to create a fun and engaging learning environment where your child can develop a lifelong love of physical activity.

This year, we will focus on a variety of skills and concepts, including:

• Fundamental Movement Skills: locomotor movements, body and spatial awareness, physical effort, chasing, fleeing, dodging, manipulative skills
• Fitness: body fitness, jumping and landing, rolling, balancing, weight transfer, rhythmic skills
• Life Skills: First Tee program, self-assessment, sportsmanship, cooperative skills, equipment use

Our primary focus is on skill development and enjoyment rather than competition. I believe that every child can achieve success at their own pace.

To ensure your child’s safety and participation, please provide a doctor’s note if your child needs to be excused from class. Additionally, athletic shoes (sneakers or tennis shoes) with flat soles are required. An extra pair of athletic shoes kept at school can be helpful.

I am committed to your child’s success. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. I encourage you to visit our physical education classroom to learn more about our program.

When I’m not teaching, I enjoy playing tennis, power walking, and spending quality time with family and friends. Some of my favorite things include crab legs, elephants, the color black, gardening, Starbucks Chai tea, chocolate, and a good fiction book.

Let’s work together to make this a fantastic year!

Sincerely,

LaTrice Shields, Physical Education Teacher