What a Long, Strange Trip It’s Been

We made it, or at least the finish line is in sight.   Looking back at the school year Coach Collins and I have witnessed a lot of growth and it has been our great privilege and pleasure to work with the tremendous students at Riccardi School.   

Our gym has seen so much activity; tag games galore, Ghost Busters, Valentine’s Day activities to get the heart pumping (Don’t go Breaking my Heart with a burpee for every time they say heart - tough one), stealing the Leprechaun’s gold, Basketball, Volleyball, Floor Hockey, Fitness, Soccer, Mat Ball, Football, Rolling, Holiday Stations (oh, Jingle Bell Rock is still in my head), Rope Swinging, Obstacle Courses, Jumping Rope, Balance, Math O’ Topia - and that was all just last week.   Okay, not really, but we did all that and much more.   The year will end with some Field Day games and Golf.

Also - there was a tremendous Riccardi turnout for our Saugerties Elementary School Track and Field Meet at the high school.   A lot of the members of the Varsity Track team are Riccardi alum and a good number of them were one-time participants of earlier versions of that event.   It was great to see everyone there and our older students interacting with the younger ones.   Great stuff!

Tips for a Healthy, Happy, Active Summer:

Swim Safety: Don’t just pack it, wear your life jacket. Learn about boating before you go floating. Think so you don’t sink. Swim with a buddy in a supervised area. Be cool and follow the rules. Reach or throw, don’t go.   We will give the students a quick lesson on these subjects.   As always in PE - have fun and stay safe.

Bicycle Safety: Ride in the direction traffic is going (right side), obey traffic rules, wear a helmet, use turn and stop signals, inspect your bike before you ride, look both ways before going into traffic, and use lights and reflectors when riding at night.

Walking Safety: walk opposite the direction of traffic (left side), look both ways before crossing the road, use the crosswalk when crossing a main road, be seen: wear bright clothes, use a light at night, and wear reflective clothes at night. 

See You In September

Coach Collins will be working at Morse and Cahill next year - we will miss him. 
Coach Below will be joining me, Coach B. (Buonfiglio that is) - are two B’s better than one - I guess we will find out.   I am sure we will have a terrific school year coming up.   In the meantime - a fond farewell to our wonderful sixth graders and we wish everyone the best summer ever.   Thanks again and see you soon!