5th grade students Max Bear, with hula-hoop, Donovan Slick-Driscoll, balancing a chair, Diego Victor with trampoline and Eryk Hoag with pogo stick. News-Herald photos/John Speer

It was circus time at the Meskwaki Settlement School on Nov. 24 and the PE students of Sarah Murphy put on quite a show for their fellow students, family and staff.

Murphy brought together a five-week circus unit for elementary PE classes and it was really a “three-ring” affair with kids in grades 1-6 taking part.

“I saw a level of commitment and interest that has been unparalleled by any unit we’ve done in the three years I’ve been at the Meskwaki Settlement School,” Murphy told The News-Herald. “I feel very strongly in providing a quality Physical Education program with a wide variety of activities, not just traditional sports. This unit was a great opportunity for students to broaden their interests and try new things.”

Those attending saw everything from jugglers to tricycle riders, clowns doing acrobatics to tumbling, balancing and trampoline performances.

She said 4th, 5th and 6th graders “completely designed their own acts.”

Elementary PE Teacher Sarah Murphy and Zandra Youngbear, 6th grader portraying a clown, have some “microphone fun.”

Murphy who was part of the show on her own was decked out as the ringmaster and introduced acts while at the same time keeping 100 or so performers on their marks. She said credit for the success of the five week session goes to the support she received from Principal Paul Henely and “the cooperation and flexibility provided by all classroom teachers.”

As an “Extra added attraction” music teacher Megan Assenmacher-Umthun performed in her own aerial act.

1st Grade students Dorothy Bear, Kobe Wabaunasee, Amyla Sheridan, Isabella Kapayou, Sevastian Scabbyrobe and Kyrah Bear with Damien Davenport and Cadelle Youngbear in the background.

Gia Sam (4th) and Sia Bear (4th) do a “ High-5” with Leticia Washington (4th) in background while spinning plates during their act.

Meskwaki music teacher Megan Assenmacher-Umthun performs as an aerialist in opening up the circus at the Meskwaki Settlement School on Tuesday, Nov. 24. News-Herald photos/John Speer