Right as the gymnasium doors swing open, laughter fills the room, the atmosphere fuels adrenaline, and the hot, sweaty stench of a period’s lap around the field feels almost comforting. The class of physical education is not only essential for students’ development in physical fitness skills, but is also a great way for students to learn the value of teamwork, discipline, and healthy habits. PE is conducted by coaches Amber Geer and Sarah Schlesinger where they offer a safe space for students’ physical and mental well-being. Coach Geer and Schlesinger contribute to the growth of student’s social skills and overall health by incorporating active, enjoyable ways to keep the mind flowing. For burnt-out students physical education serves as an “outlet” from the classroom, creating more engagement in what the class has to offer. Coaches Geer and Schlesinger do a great job of making the class environment enjoyable– incorporating all kinds of team-centered activities and a chance for all students to improve their physical fitness and skills. The different sports provided in the class helps students learn the importance of strategy and the emphasis of participation, and allows everyone to show a bit of their competitive side, such as the hand-eye coordination skills in pickleball and the body-control in basketball. Physical education represents a breath of fresh air compared to the long, hard school days. The support of the girls’ coaches, coach Geer and coach Schlesinger, is important for every teenage girls’ mental health. The two coaches are the embodiment of what the class of physical education is: engaging and dynamic. Freshman Keira Bohr agreed by saying that the class refreshes her energy by having “fun playing sports, hanging out with my friends, and even having meaningful conversations with my coach.” The coaches and friends really do impact the feel of the class environment. Freshman Ava Meraz touched on the fact that PE has a “strong environment because everyone doesn’t judge and everybody can just have fun.” Freshman Kaitlin Windtberg had the same perception on the class and explained, “PE is my favorite class of the day because it really lets me be active in an environment that is super supportive with all my friends. I’m happy to know that at the end of the school day I can go to PE and do the sports I love with the people I love.” If you want to experience great connections with peers and mentors, and fun activities while restoring mental and physical well-being; PE is the class for you!
