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September 13 th , 2005

Dear Parent or Guardian,

  I am very excited that your child has shown interest in our Unicycle Club here at Endeavour Intermediate School . Last year by the end of the school year we had over 45 students riding unicycles and we have 33 unicycles. I am even more excited to see what our students are going to accomplish this year. My goal is to have these students become competent in the skills needed to be proficient at unicycling. There will be periodic performances and opportunities to ride in public. Clubs like this are popping up all over the country and the skills help students improve physical fitness, strength, cardiovascular, balance, self-confidence, behavior and academic performance. Unicycling is different than bicycling in that there are no bars on the unicycle to keep the rider from landing on their feet. In unicycling one learns to land on their feet and let the unicycle fall. Also a unicycle does not pick up speed because they only go as fast as the rider can pedal. Children will be required to bring and wear a bicycle helmet. I have two groups here at Endeavour, one is the Rollin' Rockets made up of experienced riders. The other group is my beginners group where students come to learn. Starting on Monday September 26 th in the morning all students interested in learning how to ride the unicycle can come and learn. Unicycle team will meet on Wednesdays 8:00-9:10 A.M. and beginners will meet on Monday and Fridays 8:00-9:10 A.M. All students will need to pay a $5.00 fee to join. This fee will help keep up maintenance on 30 unicycles and purchase other needed equipment. If morning transportation is a problem arrangements can be made to ride the SLMS bus to Endeavour. On Fridays students can check out unicycles for the weekend to help them learn. The unicycle must be returned on the following Monday.

To be part of the unicycle team, students must be able to demonstrate the following skills (Level 2 Test):

•  Mount with left foot

•  Mount with right foot

•  Ride 10 m between two parallel lines 30 cm apart

•  Ride a figure 8 with circle diameters smaller then 3 m

•  Ride down a 15 cm vertical drop

•  Make a sharp 90 degree turn to the left

•  Make a sharp 90 degree turn to the right

If you have expertise in any of the skills listed above and would like to be involved, contact me. Thanks again for letting your child be a part of this adventure. Interested in more information on unicycles? Go to my website at http://www.fife.k12.wa.us/endeavour/staff/jneil/rockets.htm If you have questions please feel free to contact me.

Thanks,

James Neil

Physical Education Specialist

Endeavour Intermediate School

jneil@fife.k12.wa.us

(253) 517-1400 ext.22415

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Unicycle Club Permission Slip

  I the parent/guardian of _____________________________ give permission for them to participate in the Endeavour Intermediate School Unicycling Club. I understand that my child will be participating in an activity that has potential for injury and hold the Fife School District harmless in the event of injury. I understand that my child will be required to bring and wear a helmet. I also understand that this group will meet several times a week before and after school. Please return the $5.00 fee and this portion to Mr. Neil. Make checks payable to Endeavour Intermediate School .

Parent/guardian Signature __________________________________ Date __________