Sierra High School’s physical education program has been expanding as a result of more freshman and sophomores entering the program. Consequently, Sierra High School has acquired gym time, using the gym at the District Office two days a week. This grant will enhance the PE program by proving indoor volleyball equipment. The students have been telling me how much they want to play volleyball.
There are multiple benefits for students getting to play volleyball. Many of our students are disengaged, since the students have been asking to play volleyball they will be more likely to engage in the activity. The students will also have a physical outlet from their academic day and other social/emotional feelings and frustrations. Finally, PE credits will also be earned, to graduate students need two years (20 credits) of PE. Students also need to earn 40 elective credits. Extra PE credits are transferred to the Elective credit category.
The success of the program relates closely to the benefits of having students play volleyball. The students want to play volleyball because it is a sport they participate in socially outside of school. Since they already have fun playing the sport they will more likely engage in the activity at school. Volleyball will also provide an energy outlet that our students need. I have students participate in PE even though they are done with their credits, because they want/need that physical outlet to relieve academic tension and social/emotional feelings and frustrations. Credits will also be earned for graduation in PE and the Elective category.
The volleyball equipment will be stored and used in the District Office gym. Sierra High School has storage space in the old girls locker room in the District Office gym.
At time Sierra High School participates in school wide activities designed to build unity, called wellness days. The equipment could be used to support our wellness days.
The PE budget we receive is not enough to purchase the indoor volleyball equipment. Our PE budget is also impacted by the fact Sierra High School needs to participate in physical education state testing because we now have freshman students. Monies from the PE budget are needed to purchase equipment for the state testing.