PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Many schools around the nation have reduced the commitment to provide students with regular and adequate physical activity, even though it is recommended that children accumulate a minimum of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. A 2000 survey found that only 8.0 percent of elementary schools, 6.4 percent of middle/junior high schools and 5.8 percent of senior high schools provided daily physical education (PE) for the entire school year for all of the students in each grade.1

St. Mary’s has a long history of promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles. Students receive two classes of Physical Education class per week along with regular recess times during the day. Subsequently, students are encouraged to obtain daily activity goals and include other family members in their activities.

The school has been awarded the “Active Lifestyle Model School” award from the President’s Challenge and The Presidents Council on Physical Activity and Fitness and Physical Fitness Oklahoma State Champions for the 2003-2007 school years. Students are encouraged to exceed recommended goals using a reward system and recognition.

Our goal is to equip the students with knowledge and a desire for lifelong physical activity. Students are encouraged to engage in physical activity outside of the classroom through various forms of exercise. A regular running program is established through student participation in our “Oklahoma Jog”. Our “Fun Fit and Go” program promotes physical activity outside of the school day. Good health is emphasized and provides our students with knowledge and behaviors that enhance a high level of wellness and positive lifestyle.  Each year our fifth grade students participate in a sailing course on Lake Hefner and the ropes course.

The campus playground is designed to promote physical fitness. Surrounded by basketball/four-square court, sand volleyball court, and football/soccer field, our play equipment, including the one of a kind traverse wall, is specially designed for physical fitness.  A baseball/softball field is currently under construction as well as over 3 miles of hiking/cross country trails.

Additional after school programs such as fencing, archery, track and field and sports teams are offered at all age levels to round out student activity. Our students work and play hard to be physically fit.

Website Powered by Perimeter Technology Center