The New P.E. program is a comprehensive program of health and physical education for elementary school children. The New P.E. is administered through FranCenter, a nonprofit institution specializing in providing services to non-public and public schools. The New P.E. is based on the latest research findings in the areas of motor development, physical fitness, body mechanics, nutrition, and safety education.

The New P.E. program has been ten years in development and has been extremely well received by administrators, teachers, parents, and students. The program has made notable improvements in the areas of health and fitness of students, relationships between students and teachers, and upon the total school environment. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are developed in children as they address the movement challenges presented by the instructor.

Why was the New P.E. developed?

Many non-public and public schools are unable to provide a quality health and physical education program because of declining enrollments, financial cut-backs, limitation of equipment and space and lack of qualified personnel. The New P.E. provides the opportunity to establish a comprehensive program for today's boys and girls. Schools who already have physical education can improve their program by adopting the New P.E.

Who designed the New P.E. program?

The New P.E. program was designed by Dr. Robert E. Marciante, a specialist in health, physical education and curriculum development with over 20 years of teaching and clinical experience. Dr. Marciante has taught at all grade levels and has worked with exceptional children and adults.

What can a school expect of the New P.E. program?

The first thing a school can expect is a sound, well-planned and sequential program. The New P.E. includes: 1) a comprehensive physical education program with emphasis on physical fitness, posture, skill development in gymnastics, games, sports and dance; and 2) health and safety instruction including the elements of good nutrition. The second thing a school can expect is that the program will be conducted by a qualified professional educator. Furthermore, a school should expect the New P.E. program to provide for the individual differences of students.

Finally, the school and parents should expect to receive frequent communication regarding the program and student progress. This occurs through written communication, progress reports, fitness test results, demonstrations, school sponsored programs and conferences. The New P.E. program also provides "homework" assignments to children. Homework includes skill practice, fitness exercises, projects and written reports.

Demonstrations, workshops, conferences, and seminars for parents

By involving parents, an important reinforcement and support for students in the program is provided. Parents whose children are enrolled in the New P.E. are encouraged to attend a variety of programs sponsored by the school.

These programs are designed to:

1. demonstrate student progress and program activities,
2. report on the President's Physical Fitness test results, and
3. keep parents abreast of the latest information in Health, Nutrition, and Physical Education.

What is the cost of the program?

Program costs are determined by: 1) the number of days per week the program is to be conducted; 2) the overall school enrollment; 3) the school's current inventory of P.E. equipment. Schools may fund the FranCenter Physical Education Program through the general school budget, a family activity fee, home-school organization, or special budget.

FranCenter purchases and provides free of charge to the school, all necessary equipment and materials to conduct the program. Each child receives a minimum of two periods of instruction per week by a qualified instructor. FranCenter also provides training and materials to classroom teachers in order to supplement the instructional program.

How can a school adopt this program?

A school can adopt the New P.E. program with approval of the superintendent, principal, and school board. A presentation of the New P.E. can easily be arranged by contacting FranCenter.