Phys ed class packed with new routines

Published: Friday, February 13, 2009
By Rachael Scarborough King, Register Staff

GUILFORD — Pupils at Calvin Leete School are patting themselves on the back this week after wrapping up their annual series of gymnastics performances.

Physical education teacher Debbie Golembieski started the program about 10 years ago, and she said it is now “one of the biggest events in school that kids get so hyped up about.”

This week, each physical education class presented a dance and gymnastics performance for parents and other community members. The event is scheduled to wrap up today with a schoolwide assembly.

Golembieski said she choreographed 18 class performances this year. The pupils also break into small groups to plan their own routines.

“The reason why I do it is not just for the skills,” she said. “I do it so they can interact with one another, gain self-confidence, come up with ideas, learn to accept one another’s ideas and problem-solve together.”

In addition to the kindergarten through fourth-grade pupils, members of the Guilford High School dance team and two North Haven students performed.

Golembieski said that many pupils look forward to the annual event, which she called “our own little ‘American Idol’ show.”

“Even the boys, where years ago traditionally boys would never get up there and dance (and) do gym — it was always this typical stereotype of being a girl thing — the boys just took onto it and love it,” she said. “They’re so enthused to get up there in front of the audience and perform for people.”