Physical education taking a more personalized approach

Changes to the Newton High School 2017-18 academic handbook were approved by the school board on Monday, and among the alterations were details about NHS’s new physical education curriculum.

NHS Principal Bill Peters outlined the changes for the board.

“We are revamping the way we do our PE,” Peters said. “For years we had freshman PE, strength and conditioning, and just PE. We’re going to do something a little more personalized for the kids, where they can control their environment and type of workout they’re interested in.”

One new course available to students will be centered around personal fitness. Peters said this is useful because when students leave school, they do not necessarily have a large group of people to play volleyball with, for example.

“A few years ago we added some equipment in the upper part of the gym, which was extremely beneficial,” he said. “We found that a lot of kids prefer not the team sports, but want to get their exercise by walking or using the elliptical.”

The high school will continue to offer team sports for students who want to play basketball and other group activities. In addition, an option for individual sports, like tennis, pickle ball and badminton will remain available.

“Some things where ‘I’m in a competition, but I’m alone’ and others where ‘I’m in a competition, but I’m on a team,’” Peters said.

Freshman will still have to go through a set curriculum, which includes a course in CPR.

Strength and conditioning at NHS is broken down into two categories – athletic and nonathletic. Athletic strength and conditioning consists of more Olympic-style lifts. Nonathletic focuses more on wellness-style lifts and using machines with more straightforward movements.

“There’s a lot more to PE than there used to be,” Peters said. “And that’s good because it gives it to everybody.”

Other changes to the academic handbook include the addition of a business administration class and a slight tweak to World Literature 1650-present. These courses will correspond with DMACC credit.

“It’s a great opportunity for those kids to get a start on their college classes,” Peters said.

NHS will also be starting a Next Step program this spring. Next Step will bring potential employers to the school and give students a chance to learn about careers and the skills needed to excel in them.

Contact Justin Jagler at
641-792-3121 ext 6532
or jjagler@newtondailynews.com