• Middle School Physical Education

    Physical education at the Middle School is an integral part of the total education program. It contributes to the development of the individual in many ways: positive self-image, teamwork and cooperation, socialization, goal setting, problem solving, large and small muscle development, hand-eye and foot-eye coordination, patterning, spatial relationships, physical fitness, dance, and the understanding of human motion.

    All students have the ability to improve their level of competence, regardless of the rate of improvement. Students are encouraged to seek that improvement based on their own abilities and current level of development.

    Activities are integrated into a three-year program. The physical education curriculum focuses on the following goals by grade level:

    Sixth Grade
    • Help students acclimate to their new school environment
    • Promote understanding of the importance of physical fitness
    • Development of hand-eye and foot-eye coordination
    • Development of spatial relationships
    • Positive decision-making habits
    • Development of pro-social skills such as altruism, compassion, empathy, trust, honesty, and respect
    • Development and understanding of team building skills such as cooperation, leadership, followership, participation and communication
    Units covered in sixth grade include:

    Fall
    • Challenge Course including low ropes, team building initiatives and activities
    • Track and Field
    • Cross Country running
    Winter
    • Stunts and tumbling (hand-eye coordination, balance, circus skills)
    • In-line skating
    • Fitness (concepts of fitness, cardiovascular training, upper and lower body resistance training)
    Spring
    • Fitness testing
    • Hand-eye coordination (partner and team activities)
    • Striking, catching, throwing
    Seventh Grade
    • Continue development of positive social behaviors
    • Continue to promote understanding of the importance of physical fitness
    • Development of kinesthetic awareness
    • Continue development of spatial relationships
    • Continue to promote positive decision-making habits
    • Continue to promote team-building skills
    Units covered in seventh grade include:

    Fall
    • Tennis
    • Field hockey
    • Aerobic dance/movement
    • Wrestling
    • Cross Country running
    Winter
    • Hand-eye skills
    • Volleyball
    • Challenge Course (indoor climbing and belaying activities)
    • Fitness
    Spring
    • Fitness testing
    • Tennis
    • Cardiovascular endurance activities
    • Jump rope skills
    Eighth Grade
    • Continue development of positive social behaviors
    • Continue to promote physical fitness, especially in relation to quality of life
    • Game construction and rule development
    • Explore sports interests that might be continued at the high school level
    • Continue to promote positive decision-making habits
    Units covered in eighth grade include:

    Fall
    • Challenge Course (high ropes initiatives and team building)
    • Cross Country running
    • Orienteering
    • International games
    Winter
    • Challenge Course (indoor climbing and belaying activities)
    • Functional fitness and speed development
    • Basketball
    Spring
    • Fitness testing
    • Hand-eye activities (softball, football, rugby, lacrosse, ultimate Frisbee)
    • Dance