Eighth Grade Physical Education
(year long commitment for both boys and girls through Physical Education class and/or Athletic Team Participation) Participation in the physical education course, dance, or any sports team meets the seasonal requirement.

Physical Education
The Physical Education Department presents a varied program based on the recognition that the integration of physical, emotional, social, and mental health is imperative to the development of the individual. The physical education curriculum consists of team sports, individual sports, daily aerobic and conditioning activities, and quarterly physical fitness testing. There is an emphasis on teaching the benefits of exercise and proper nutrition to enhance health and wellness. Physical education in the Middle School includes, but is not limited to, those sports which are offered in the Middle School athletic program. Physical education is a required course for sixth through eighth grades.

The following are goals of the physical education curriculum:
• To develop the fine and gross motor skills of each student;
• To improve skeletal muscle strength and the aerobic and anaerobic endurance of each student;
• To improve student knowledge in the various activities;
• To enhance the student’s self-concept;
• To improve the social and sporting skills of each student;
• To instill an interest in life-long fitness;
• To introduce each student to at least one life-carry sport.

The units of study in Physical Education per season are as follows:
Fall Season
Badminton, Pilates/Yoga, Frisbee Games, Ultimate Golf, Freestyle Jump Rope

Winter Season
Fencing, Recreational Games, Juggling, Yoga/Pilates, Bowling

Spring Season
Badminton, Pickleball (like tennis), Handball, 3 v 3 Softball, Pilates/Yoga

Included in each season will be cardiovascular, flexibility and muscular endurance components.
 

Dance
This course offers a strong foundation in dance technique, for both beginning and more advanced dance students. Instruction focuses on correct posture, basic coordination, rhythmic patterns, fundamental dance positions, effort/shape, and dance conditioning techniques. Ballet, Jazz (both Lyrical and Funk), and Tap dance styles are introduced. Dance history, and basic terminology are integrated into the exploration of various dance genres. The course enforces essential life skills such as concentration, self-discipline, precision, goal-setting, confidence-building, self-expression, teamwork, effective communication, and responsibility. Students will be responsible for learning instructor-choreographed numbers to be presented at various school functions and the biannual dance recitals. Physical education or dance is required all year for sixth through eighth grades.


Middle School Interscholastic Athletics
For those 8th grade students who choose to participate on a seasonal sport, their practices will be held during the Physical Education block. During the season or seasons in which they are on a St. Margaret’s Middle School team, this will meet that season’s Physical Education requirement. Our goal is to foster greater opportunities for more students to experience the lessons that can be learned through teamwork. Though not required to participate on a team sport, we certainly encourage that they do so.

 

Fall Season	Winter Season	Spring Season
Football (boys)	Basketball	Volleyball (boys)
Cross Country	Lacrosse	Track and Field
Volleyball (girls)	Golf	Soccer
Dance	Dance	Softball (girls)