Poly gets physical: Spotlight on K-8 physical education program

Students in kindergarten through eighth grade have the opportunity to learn a variety of lifelong skills. Depending on the age, students spend anywhere from two and a half to just over three hours a week in physical education. Daily physical fitness activities/exercises begin each period, followed by a variety of activities, which may include: ball handling, throwing, catching, footwork, racquet skills, football, volleyball, tennis, soccer, basketball, softball, track, badminton, and games. A swimming curriculum begins in fourth grade and continues through Middle School.

The program offers a progressive curriculum that ensures participation and skill development. All activities taught allow for the development of leadership and sportsmanship qualities. Coaches seek to address the needs of the individual child and develop self-confidence in a fun, safe, learning environment. Regardless of individual skills, coaches work toward allowing each child to experience success in every class.
Physical Education Department Chair Lisa Caragher quotes from the mission statement when explaining the Physical Education Program: "The program emphasizes activities that will develop individual skills, self confidence and an appreciation for physical activity that will follow them throughout their lives."

Clearly, the program is a favorite among students. Kindergartener Xiya S. ’26 explained that she likes PE because she likes playing games. William O., also a member of the Class of 2026 agreed, saying his favorite game involves jumping over balls. Owen M. ’25, a first-grader weighed in with his opinion: “I like PE because you get to run around a lot and play games that are different than recess.” Sophie M. ’21, a fifth-grader shared her own point of view: “I like playing games, but I really like learning something,” she said, indicating the volleyball court where the girls are learning specific skills. Alana T. ’21 added, “I like that you get to learn new sports that you might not know a lot about.”

Middle School students have a lot of opinions when it comes to discussing the highlights of the program: Seventh-grade girls mention how nice the coaches are ("They’re not too strict, they teach and give examples.") The eighth grade class is split on competitive sports, but they agreed it’s nice to move after sitting in class for several hours. Sophie S. ’18 mentioned how great it is to be able to try new things, and that you don’t have to be really good to participate. And Ellie K. ’18 said that she loves that it’s a class with all of your friends, which resonated with the rest of the lunch table.

The next time you’re cheering on our skilled Middle and Upper School Panthers, remember that a lot of the athletes started here, in K-8 Physical Education!
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