Students in grades 3-5 stimulate physical development through activity in a variety of basic and advanced movement forms. Aerobic endurance, muscle strengthening, game strategies, and coordination movements are developed using a variety of modalities. These include skill drilling, game playing, and intramural activities. Included in the curriculum is instruction in ball skills, soccer, baseball, tennis, gymnastics, rhythms and dance, jump rope, and bowling. Personal health and hygiene classes are incorporated into class. Students in grades 3-5 may participate in interscholastic cross country in the Fall and grades 4 and 5 may participate in track in the Spring.
Middle School P.E.
The middle school physical education program provides every child with the environment to develop fitness, basic skills, teamwork, and individual/group sportsmanship. The aim is to develop and strengthen the child's self image and her/his mind-body relationship through activities that provide for both success and challenge. The program stresses learning through guided discovery and problem solving. The overall importance of fitness and living a healthy lifestyle are integrated throughout the curriculum. The activities are meant to encourage children to stay active throughout their lives.
The program from sixth to eighth grade begins to develop individual fitness and conditioning, and further develops agility and coordination, teamwork and sportsmanship; the participation in team sports and fundamentals of officiating each sport. A greater emphasis is placed upon the development of the necessary skills and knowledge of the rules in various sports.
RECAP from the Middle School Phys. Ed teacher:
It has been an exciting year in the middle school physical education classes! The students have participated in several sports: soccer, flag/touch football, floor hockey, volleyball, basketball, and now, baseball. The children are so enthusiastic and full of energy. It is great to see the boys and girls use their energy in a constructive manner. What is so impressive is the school spirit that is demonstrated on a daily basis. I am so proud of how the children support one another no matter where their athletic capabilities lie. Being a good sport is a must!
For the last several weeks, the students have participated in the Presidential Fitness Testing. The objective of these tests was to promote the idea that being in good health and keeping physically fit is an individual responsibility. The President's Challenge Physical Activity and Fitness Awards Program involve five tests: sit-ups, sit and reach, shuttle run, one-mile run, and pull-ups or push-ups. By implementing these tests, the students learned the importance of physical fitness for life. The testing process took a long time to complete, but it was well worth the work and the results were successful. I am so proud of my students!
