Buffalo School District

This semester I was placed at Buffalo School #4. This was my first placement at a Buffalo city school, and to say the least it was a real eye opener. Throughout my time at Canisius I have been placed at Williamsville, Amherst, and Lancaster. These schools are known for having some of the nicest equipment and facilities in the area. This isn't the case in the Buffalo School District.
Much of the equipment that the school has is old and out dated, and a lot of it seems to be on its last leg, so to speak. But on the up side to this, I did have a good experience when it came to interacting with he students. The children that attend this school, and live in this area, in general come from low income backgrounds. Many of the students are somewhat on their own when it comes to things like laundry, homework, and transportation. In my experience these types of responsibilities at such a young age really hardens the child and often leads to social disadvantages. Because of this reality, it seems like your relationship with the children has to be cultivated in a different way. I found that many of the students really confide in  the teachers and come to them to talk about normal everyday occurrences in their life. But many of these occurrences that they seem to think are normal, really leave me in awe.
This is my first time at a quote" Inner City" school. It is much different then I ever expected. Any thoughts?

New School New World

This semester I was placed at Buffalo Public School #4. This is the first time that I have ever set foot in a Buffalo Public School, and it was an eye opener. In the past I have been spoiled with schools like Amherst, Williamsville and Lancaster. It wasn't until now, where I really started to begin to see the major differences in the two districts.
Aside from the differences, I really enjoy my time there. The kids are a little rowdy but it keeps it interesting. Much of their curriculum is based on traditional sports like Football ,Baseball, and Basketball. This is ok, but I do feel that it is important to diversify our lessons. I think that by sticking with the same sports we leave out a large portion of the students who do want to participate but don't simply because they don't  like the curriculum.
 I hope to use this placement as a good opportunity to expose some of the students to a number of games that they might enjoy playing now, and  throughout their life.

September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

More than 23 million children and teenagers in the U.S. are obese or overweight, a statistic that health and medical experts consider an epidemic. While obesity rates have soared among all age groups in this country, obesity is a particularly grave concern for children.
Childhood obesity puts nearly one third of America’s children at early risk for Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and even stroke – conditions usually associated with adulthood.
It’s not too late for our children. Every September, National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month (COAM), gives elected officials, educators, physicians, and you the opportunity to take a stand and fight childhood obesity. This year, there are dozens of ways you can help bring the message back to your state, city, workplace and home. Need some ideas to get you started? Download our toolkit, which offers quick, easy ways you can get involved.

Celebrating Success:2010 COAM

Last year, the country came together for the health and wellness of our children. September 2010 was the first-ever National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Individuals and families across the country brought national attention and urgent action to children affected by the obesity epidemic.
Leading the charge, President Obama and the U.S. Congress both issued proclamations declaring September 2010 the first-ever National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Organizations nationwide brought the issue home by planning educational events for children and families. News organizations told the story, and adults everywhere lent their support. For a full recap of 2010 National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, download the wrap-up report.

 It wasn't until after I read this article, that I became aware that they devoted the month of September to informing people of the childhood obesity problem that is plaguing us today. I think that as physical educators, we have our work cut out for us. When I read articles like this I really begin to think of what my goals and objectives will be when I have my own class. Childhood obesity has become an epidemic in this country, and I feel that as physical educators we hold some of the responsibility of cleaning this mess up. I think that along with phys ed class, we should also concentrate more on nutrition. I think that educating kids early on, about proper meal choices and portion size is crucial. And I think that it is up to us. Placing this responsibility in the hands of the parents was obviously the wrong decision.

Thoughts?