AVON — A full month before the Olympics began, the spirit of the Winter Games was already pulsating through the St. Agnes School gymnasium Jan 8.
At one station set up in the gym, students used their feet to push carpet pieces around a makeshift track, simulating a speed-skating competition. In another area, youths launched themselves off a springboard after running starts, mimicking ski jumping. Elsewhere, competitors slid discs along the floor toward a circled target, similar to a curling contest.
Filling the air were abundant screams and cheers from the young competitors. Meanwhile, the famous “Bugler’s Dream” Olympic fanfare blared continuously, pushing the gym’s decibel level even higher.
Eric Stevenson, St. Agnes’ physical-education instructor, noted that his early January “Olympic Training Center” classes were serving as a buildup to the actual Winter Olympics, set for Feb. 6-22 in Italy. The initiative is typical of the inventive ways that Stevenson approaches gym class; other highlights have included floor hockey, Wiffle ball, cup stacking, zombie tag, pickleball and Frisbee golf.
“You play a ton of different games, you’re exposed to tons of new sports. Mr. Stevenson makes them so fun,” said Hannah Cox, a St. Agnes third-grade student.
Frank Arvizzigno, diocesan superintendent of schools, said these types of activities reflect an overall diversity in physical education compared to previous generations.
“You’re trying to make it more engaging, with hands-on and creative activities. Gone are the days when you just give students a basketball and tell them to shoot it around,” Arvizzigno said. “There’s a lot more planning and thought.”
Physical-education instructors in Diocese of Rochester’s Catholic schools seek well-rounded approach
Arvizzigno noted that all diocesan Catholic schools follow New York state’s physical-education requirements, which call for at least 120 minutes of weekly class time for elementary-school students. He added that instructors strive to present a well-rounded curriculum through which exercise is accompanied by related videos, personalized instruction and class discussions on the importance of fitness, nutrition and other healthful life choices.
Stevenson said this detailed focus helps debunk the stereotype that gym class is simply play time.
“Physical education is getting more respect,” said Stevenson, who, in addition to his duties at St. Agnes, teaches physical education and health at Rochester’s St. Ambrose Academy.
Cole Gerwig a St. Agnes fifth-grader, said he’s learned through Stevenson’s classes that “it’s very important to be active, to get strong and healthy.”
In addition to gym class, many diocesan schools offer Catholic Youth Organization sports along with such fitness initiatives as running, golf, bowling and ski clubs; jump-roping fundraisers for the American Heart Association; and walk-a-thons and road races that serve as school fundraisers.
“There’s definitely been a push for more physical activities, beyond gym class and beyond regular school hours,” Arvizzigno said.
Catholic-school students from Diocese of Rochester report that their gym classes are a ‘ton of fun’
While the menu of physical-education options has grown, Arvizzigno observed that Catholic values emphasized in gym class have remained a constant.
“Every lesson should have a Catholic component,” he said, using good sportsmanship as an example: “There’s that teachable moment to be like Jesus in how you treat others; how to lose appropriately and how to win appropriately; being respectful; playing by the rules; safety. All of that is connected.”
Along with the focus on fitness and faith, Stevenson said that physical education should be fun for all students, whether or not they’re athletically inclined.
“I try to give every kid a positive experience. You want to create memories for the kids, that they were having a great time with their friends playing their favorite games,” he said.
That ideal resonates strongly with Hannah and Cole, based on their gym-class experiences at St. Agnes School.
“It’s like you’re outside having recess,” Hannah said. “You’re exercising, but having fun.”
“A ton of fun,” Cole added.
Tags: Catholic Schools
