FWPA has launched a new physical education class focused on developing endurance and teamwork. The updated program was introduced at the beginning of the new school year, currently only for tenth-graders. The changes are part of the administration’s desire to make the classes more productive and healthy.
The new program includes circuit training, bodyweight exercises, elements of track and field, and games that require teamwork. Physical education teacher Mr. S. explained that it’s important to him when students work hard in his class and that he dislikes laziness. He often tells them that he’s not able to do specific exercises with them, but he also understands that they are stronger and more resilient than he is, which allows him to assign them more strength-training assignments. In short, he says, “I see my students being lazy, but I don’t let them sit around, because exercise and strength are very important.” Mr. S also said he enjoys watching his students work together when they play volleyball or badminton.
Ms. Thornton emphasized, “I wanted to provide our senior students, starting in 10th grade, with every opportunity to earn the physical education credit required for graduation. Therefore, we had space available and I decided to add a physical education class.” Clearly, this decision was made because the principal not only wants to improve students’ chances of earning the required high school diploma, but also because students need to be physically fit to prepare for it.
Several students also shared their impressions of the newly introduced class. According to Juliet Kiseleva, the new format could even be interesting. “I like how I could participate in sports and also get credit for it!” she said.
Mark Nastichenko added, “For me, the most important thing is that I can even take a little break during class and do something I love.”
One student, Anna Ryaguzova, gave a more detailed answer. “In this PE class, I like sports the most. I enjoy playing badminton and volleyball, and when we go outside and play sports, my expectations for this PE class are to become athletic and promote a healthy lifestyle,” she explained.
Students are striving for a healthy lifestyle! The new class is already showing positive effects on students, and the school strives to make physical education classes not only important and useful, but also varied and enjoyable.
