Every October all 3rd and 4th grade students will be tested for the Connecticut Physical Fitness Assessment.
The test items include sit and reach, curl-ups (a modified sit-up), push-ups, a one-mile run/walk and Body Mass Index (BMI), which is based on height and weight. The test items assess performance objectives of flexibility, strength (abdominal and upper body), endurance (cardiovascular) and body composition.
The CPFA is part of the Strategic School Profile which must be submitted by the school principal to the State Department of Education each year.
All testing will take place during regular scheduled physical education class periods unless otherwise needed to meet the deadline. The test items will be administered by the physical education teachers.
While all third and fourth grade students will be tested, only the fourth grade results are sent to the Connecticut State Department of Education. Whereas the third grade students gain valuable experience which better prepares them for next year. Exclusion from the testing requires a medical excuse from your doctor. If you have any questions about this issue, please contact our school nurse.
Here are some things you can do to get ready for the test.
1. Stretch all the major muscle groups in your body. Be sure to hold each stretch for at least 10 seconds and don’t bounce your body.
2. Start jogging for 10 minutes or more 3 to 5 times a week, one month or more before the test.
3. After you jog, lie down and do a few push ups and then flip over and do a few curl ups. Each day you should try to increase the number of push ups and curl ups that you did the day before.
4. Don’t give up.
5. Have fun!
