The K-2 physical education (PE) program focuses primarily on motor development and the student’s advancement in building a relationship with fitness and physical activity. With those components at the core of the program, students also receive enrichment in social and emotional learning and practicing what it means to be a good teammate or classmate. The three areas of focus for motor development are locomotor skills, stability skills, and manipulative skills.

Physical education in 3-5 focuses on developing four physical skills (overhead throwing, catching, striking and running to kick a ball), all of which focus on body mechanics, spatial awareness, and effort/force. In addition, we focus on developing two social skills: teamwork (including listening, questioning, persuading, respecting, helping, sharing, and participating) and sportsmanship (which combine skills of honesty, fairness, respect, and graciousness in winning and losing). The students engage in a variety of fun, athletic, team-building activities that allow for repetition, which helps in the development of all these skills. On a daily basis the students engage in stretching and calisthenics, to help build a strong foundation for skill development. Dance activities help to promote rhythm and timing, while circus activities enhance balance, timing, hand-eye coordination, flexibility, and physical strength.

The Middle School physical education curriculum centers around developing four physical skills and two social/emotional skills. The physical skills are overhead throwing, catching, striking and running to kick a ball, all of which focus on body mechanics, spatial awareness, effort/force, and the relationship between objects that are thrown, caught, struck, or kicked. The social/emotional skills are teamwork (listening, questioning, persuading, respecting, helping, sharing, and participating) and sportsmanship (which combine skills of honesty, fairness, respect, and graciousness in winning and losing). On a daily basis the students engage in stretching and calisthenics, to help improve cardio, flexibility, agility, and muscle development.

Our comprehensive health education program addresses the physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of health. Students keep an online health journal through the use of Google Classroom to explore their beliefs and understandings around subject matter content. Students also have ample time for group and partner discussion. 6th graders study drugs, decision making, bullying, and harassment. In the 7th grade, students learn about nutrition and physical activity, social media, and become certified in CPR and first aid. 8th graders study relationships, human diversity and social justice standards, and mental health.