PHYSICAL EDUCATION  

The focus of the MMS Physical Education Program is to help children create a healthy foundation of fitness for life by providing exposure to a wide range of activities and sports while making fitness fun and enjoyable. Students will be assisted in working towards meeting physical fitness standards and will participate in other fitness programs such as Jump Rope for Heart. 

Creative play, movement to music, and obstacle courses allow the children to explore what their bodies can do. Students are introduced and encouraged to practice locomotive activities such as skipping, hopping on one foot, and balancing during both creative movement times and playground activities. Daily outdoor playtime allows the children to develop their muscles and coordination through climbing, swinging, sliding, running, and sandbox play. (This is a part of classroom activities taught by classroom teachers, not a separate class.)

Kindergarten classes have P.E. classes twice a week for 30 minutes each. Students are introduced to basic movements and athletic skills. The focus is on the enjoyment of participating in physical activities. Each class starts with a stretching routine that changes every quarter. The remainder of the class is devoted to skill development. Units include fundamental movements such as running, stopping, skipping, jumping, kicking, throwing, and catching. Various sports equipment is used, however, the emphasis will be on the skills and locomotive development as opposed to sport-specific skills.

Lower elementary students have P.E. four times a week for 30 minutes each class period. The focus is on participation and discovery of activities. Some sport skills are introduced. Each day begins with a stretching and warm-up routine before students are led through games and activities to develop skills and movements. One day per week is devoted to a large group game that corresponds with the skills being developed. This provides the students an opportunity to work together and to learn how to play a specific role on a team. Cardiovascular and general fitness training are also components of the program. Sportsmanship is constantly emphasized

Upper elementary students have P.E. four times per week for 45 minutes each class period. The focus is on team building and creating a fit lifestyle. Personal exploration of various sports and activities help students find activities that they will enjoy as they age. Each day begins with a stretching and warm-up routine that changes every six weeks. Students are led through games and activities to develop skills and movements. One day per week is devoted to a large group game that corresponds with the skills the students are working towards, which provides students an opportunity to work together and learn to play a specific role on a team. Cardiovascular and general fitness training are also important components. Sportsmanship is constantly emphasized.

Upper elementary students have P.E. four times per week for 45 minutes each class period. The focus is on team building and creating a fit lifestyle. Personal exploration of various sports and activities help students find activities that they will enjoy as they age. Each day begins with a stretching and warm-up routine that changes every six weeks. Students are led through games and activities to develop skills and movements. One day per week is devoted to a large group game that corresponds with the skills the students are working towards, which provides students an opportunity to work together and learn to play a specific role on a team. Cardiovascular and general fitness training are also important components. Sportsmanship is constantly emphasized.