Meeting the Needs of All Learners
Mr. Christopher Yannazzo, Supervisor
Julie Cirkus, Secretary
The ultimate goals of the physical education program are to help students develop through physical activity and to foster awareness and appreciation of the importance of fitness. Beginning in first grade, students have regularly scheduled classes taught by physical education teachers. First through fifth graders have physical education twice a week all year. In the middle school, physical education is given on an alternate-day basis for the entire year. In grades eight through twelve, students are offered a variety of activities that are divided into three areas: lifetime sports, team sports and physical fitness.
The lifetime sports activities offered are badminton, dance, golf, ping pong, tennis and social dance. Classes include skills development, written tests, skills tests and tournament play. Students are encouraged to participate in the various activities on their own.
Team sports emphasize skills, strategy and rules of the game. The intangibles such as team work, cooperation and sportsmanship are promoted. The sports include basketball, ultimate frisbee, lacrosse, softball, track, touch football, volleyball and soccer.
Physical fitness includes individual fitness programs, step aerobics, strength training, and jogging. Two categories are stressed: health-related fitness, which relates to characteristics such as flexibility, strength and cardiovascular endurance; and skill-related fitness, which includes eye-hand coordination, balance, agility and general coordination.
Adaptive/developmental physical education is available in all grade levels. It is designed for students with medical excuses, special needs and students who have a low fitness level. They have adaptive/ developmental physical education from two to five days a week, depending upon their specific needs.