Enjoying PE at MBE

Cherry Thomas and Matt Cain are the faces behind physical education each day at Mountain Brook Elementary 

Thomas has been at MBE for 25 years and now teaches children of former students. She is also one of the Girls on the Run sponsors for the MBE site. She enjoys backpacking the Appalachian Trail, participating in water activities at the lake, reading, and painting pictures of animals and landscapes. 

Coach Cain is in his 13th year with MBE and is an assistant football coach at MBJH and the faculty sponsor for the MBHS girls varsity soccer team. He and his wife, Sarah Beth, have two young children, and he enjoys running, lifting weights, mountain bike riding, hiking, kayaking, and playing basketball. 

Grades K to six participate in PE at least 30 minutes daily, and preschool comes once per week for 20 minutes. During this time they play games such as soccer, flag football, lacrosse, softball, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, and track and field. Recreational and cooperative games include team building games and challenges, climbing wall, parachute activities, and dance. Fitness activities include heart rate monitors, dumbbell and barbell exercises, aerobic exercises, cross country trail running, and many other types of fitness components. 

The school participates in The Alabama Physical Fitness Assessment twice a year (fall and spring) and the HEAL (Healthy Eating Active Lifestyle) program. 

According to student surveys, their favorite activities are gladiator ball, soccer and flag football.  Grades 4-6 receive a grade in PE with skill, knowledge, and interactive behavior each counting for one-third.