Junior Kindergarten through Second Grade
Physical education in the earliest grades focuses on the development of the individual child and cooperation rather than competitive play. Movement is key to helping students develop a sense of body and space awareness while enhancing fine and gross motor skills. The students concentrate on improving coordination, listening skills, and following directions. Students develop self-confidence by achieving competence in skills, which enhance their enjoyment of a variety of physical activities. As a natural extension of the class, an introduction to health and general physical fitness is incorporated. A deeper understanding of spatial awareness and an increase of strength and stamina is nurtured as the child progresses from junior kindergarten to second grade.
Third and Fourth Grade
Third and fourth grade physical education focuses on continuing to develop self-confidence through mastery of basic physical skills and coordination. Students move into a deeper understanding of spatial awareness as they improve their strength, stamina, and overall physical fitness. Students are introduced to game skills and a variety of sports, yet the focus of the class remains on the development of the individual student. Cooperative play and teamwork are emphasized with competitive play being introduced with an emphasis on good sportsmanship. The characteristics of a healthy body and how to maintain it are built on the concepts learned in earlier grades.
Fifth through Eighth Grade
Fifth through eighth grade physical education focuses on students developing their proficiency of skills and the understanding of rules necessary to play school sports. At this level, students begin to acquire skills necessary for team and competitive play. Sportsmanship and the participation of an individual as part of a team are emphasized. Respect and tolerance for physical differences among students is also emphasized. Students are encouraged to develop leadership characteristics through team sports. Students build on prior concepts and further their understanding of physical fitness and overall conditioning. Also, in grades fifth through eighth, students must change into a P.E. uniform. This helps reinforce the responsibility of personal belongings and hygiene. Many of the students choose to play competitively on the after-school sports teams, which include field hockey, soccer, lacrosse, and basketball. Each season lasts approximately twelve weeks and meets twice a week after school and occasionally during gym class.