Physical Education Requirements in New York State

Since volunteering with students on the autistic spectrum, Yonkers, NY, resident Michael (Mike) Paulercio has continued to pursue his goal of working with youth. Mike Paulercio recently completed his studies in physical education at Westchester Community College, a member of the State University of New York higher education system.

In an effort to reduce childhood obesity and encourage healthy habits, each state imposes regulations as to the amount of required physical education offered in elementary and secondary schools. In New York State, all students in the sixth grade and under must have at least two hours a week of scheduled physical activity, which excludes outdoor recess time. In addition, daily gym classes are required for kindergarteners and children in first, second, and third grades. Further, high school students must earn at least a 2.0 in physical education to obtain a diploma. 

Except in cases of medical necessity, students are not permitted to waive their participation in physical education. However, student athletes who can demonstrate proficiency in their sport may be eligible for exemptions.

The Value of Physical Education Programs in Schools

Michael (Mike) Paulercio is studying physical education at Westchester Community College in Valhalla, New York (NY). Upon completion of his degree, Mike Paulercio of Yonkers, NY, plans to be a physical education teacher.

Physical education programs teach children a variety of life skills and are proven to enhance physical and mental health. Below are some of the top benefits for children who participate in physical education programs.

1. Encourages an active lifestyle. Youth who take part in physical education are more likely to be active outside of their academic program, and twice as likely to live active adult lives as a result of being conditioned to getting exercise in their childhood years. 

2. Improves academic performance. Research shows that active children perform better as students.

3. Facilitates skills development. Physical education helps children develop self-discipline and learn to set goals.

4. Enhances social skills. Taking part in physical education helps kids to strengthen their relationships with their peers, be respectful, and cooperate with others.

5. Encourages self esteem. Children involved in physical education classes gain confidence and increase their self-respect.

How Physical Education Benefits Students

New York resident Michael “Mike” Paulercio first discovered his interest in physical education after an experience volunteering with high school students. Alongside working at a supermarket in Yonkers, Mike Paulercio is working towards an associate’s degree in physical education. Graduates with this degree often continue their education to become a licensed physical education teachers, and work in elementary and secondary schools. Physical education classes are an important part of the wider school curriculum.

While most states require K-12 schools to offer a physical education curriculum, few students engage in the daily hour of physical exercise recommended by health experts. However, there are several benefits to expanding physical education in schools.

1. Improvements in Behavior. Students who participate in a sufficient amount of physical education courses are more focused during class time. Physical education has also been linked to better test scores and higher grades.

2. Health. When children have more opportunities for physical activity, they are less likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or heart disease later in life. Physically active children also have stronger bones and healthier hearts.

3. Cognitive Benefits. Studies have shown that physical activity can reduce symptoms associated with depression and anxiety. Children who engage in regular exercise are also more likely exhibit feelings of self-worth and self-acceptance.

Career Trends for Graphic Designers

New York-based undergraduate Michael “Mike” Paulercio balances his position as a grocery clerk at a Yonkers, NY, supermarket with a course load towards a degree in physical education. In addition to making the Fall 2017 semester Dean’s List, Mike Paulercio earned a credential in graphic design.

The most popular positions for qualified graphic designers include web production artists, user-experience designers, and infographic designers, all of which are in high demand. Listed below are some of the defining employment trends for graphic designers.

1. Flexible Scheduling. Improved cloud-based platforms and the development of portable devices with increased memory and processing capacity have made it easier for graphic designers to carry out their tasks outside of the office. More companies are offering work-from-home and telecommuting options to attract and retain talented designers.

2. Contract Positions. Approximately one out of every five graphic designers work for themselves. There are a growing number of online job platforms that connect freelance designers to clients in diverse industries. Graphic design is also a popular career path for digital nomads, or people who work online while traveling or living abroad.

3. Soft Skills. While successful graphic designers must have a strong technical background and expert knowledge of design software, employers also look for designers with well-developed soft skills. Graphic designers must be able to work well in a team, complete tasks on time, and communicate clearly with their clients.

Procreate 4.1 Boosts Artists' Illustration and Perspective Capacities

Michael “Mike” Paulercio is a Yonkers, New York, student who is pursuing a physical education degree at community college. Also maintaining a position as a grocery clerk, Mike Paulercio enjoys graphic design and has achieved certification in the field.

One of the essentials for many graphic designers is Procreate, an app designed for the iPad that amplifies digital painting, sketching, and illustration capacities. Released in mid-2018, the latest version Procreate 4.1 includes the Liquify filter, which enables 120fps pixel manipulation and results in extremely fluid effects. 

Those who work with characters can take advantage of the Symmetry Drawing Guide, a new feature that mirrors brush strokes in real-time and boosts workflow. In addition, Perspective tools have been augmented with isometric and 2D guides, and more accurate. control-over-grid measurements. The end result is that pictures from various perspectives are quickly created and rendered, without sacrificing any detail within the overall artwork.

Westchester Community College Awarded Largest Grant in Its History

Yonkers, NY-based undergraduate student Michael “Mike” Paulercio enrolled in State University of New York‘s Westchester Community College in 2016 to pursue a degree in physical education. During his time at WCC, Mike Paulercio has been an active and successful student who served as a peer mentor to first-year students and made the Dean’s List in 2017.

In October 2018, WCC received a multimillion dollar federal grant, the largest in the school’s history. The U.S. Department of Education's Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (DHSI) program bestowed a five-year grant totaling $2.7 million to support the operation and expansion of Westchester’s Caminos al Exito (Pathways to Success) program, which is geared toward supporting at-risk Hispanic students. Between 2010 and 2015, Westchester’s Hispanic student population grew by more than 30 percent, which qualifies the school as a Hispanic-Serving Institution..

A portion of the grant will fund the creation of the Office of First Year Students, which will aim to reduce attrition rates and help students define an attainable career path earlier in their college experience. Funding will also be used to modernize school-wide technology systems and improve student access to advising and mentoring.

United Nations' World Autism Awareness Day

Michael (Mike) Paulercio of Yonkers, NY, is on track to receive an associate's degree in physical education at the end of 2018. Before enrolling in a New York State community college, Mike Paulercio gained hands-on experience doing volunteer work with young people with autism.

Since 2008, the United Nations has recognized April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day. Proposed by a Qatari representative, the special day promotes the discussion of autism research and the support and well-being of autistic people throughout the member countries. 

Each year, the UN focuses on a theme or area that impacts individuals with autism. In the past, Awareness Days have focused on employment, education, self-empowerment, and gender-specific challenges faced by girls and women diagnosed with autism. At UN headquarters on World Autism Awareness Day, the secretary general customarily speaks before the UN body and outlines how UN policy will consider and empower people with developmental disabilities.

Defining the “Wow” Factor at Stew Leonard’s Grocery Stores

Michael “Mike” Paulercio is a Westchester Community College student who is pursuing a major in physical education. A grocery clerk with Stew Leonard’s in Yonkers, NY, Mike Paulercio provides customer-focused services that earned him a college scholarship from the regional New York retailer. 

Interviewed recently, the son of the company’s founder Stew Leonard, Jr. spoke about his strategies for expanding and improving the customer experience at what has been dubbed The Best Grocery Store in America. One of his strategic emphases centers on “the wow,” which involves a new customer walking in and finding a unique experience that they were not expecting.

This “wow” factor reflects many moving parts, including an in-house bakery that produces everything from bagels to fresh bread. The retailer maintains partnerships with approximately 150 local farms, which ensures the freshness of products. In addition, there are many free samples to choose from as customers walk different sections. 

The single largest differentiator that Leonard draws attention to is its friendly, motivated staff and the company maintains an extremely low turnover, in the single digits. All employees are taught to go the extra mile, from giving friendly smiles at the cash register to opening doors for customers loaded down with groceries.