Learning at Rashi
Kindergarten - Grade 2
At Rashi, we believe that physical education (PE) is an important part of student growth. PE programs are designed to:
- promote physical fitness;
- develop motor skills;
- instill knowledge and understanding of rules, concepts and strategies;
- teach the values of teamwork, sportsmanship and respect in a wide variety of competitive activities.
Our goal is to raise healthy children who are motivated to find forms of exercise that they will enjoy and will do for a lifetime.
Physical Education Emphasis
Students in grades K-3 participate in two fifty-minute PE classes per week. K-1 activities focus on rhythm and movement activities, running and tagging games, partner and group activities, and basic sports skill building. While many of the same activities and concepts continue in grades 2-3, the main focus is on specific sports units such as soccer, basketball, lacrosse and football. Students learn and practice the skills, strategies and rules of a variety of competitive sports under the framework of sportsmanship, teamwork and respect for classmates, teachers and oneself.
In grades 4-8, students participate in PE activities at the West Suburban YMCA. The YMCA offers a full gymnasium, large multi-use grass field, racquetball court, youth fitness room, indoor and outdoor track and plenty of extra space for a wide variety of physical activities. Trained and experienced YMCA staff members instruct students in classes such as dance, youth fitness, adventure/team-building and indoor and outdoor sports. Fourth and fifth graders have two weekly PE periods; for one of these periods they may choose from a group of electives that may include soccer, basketball, lacrosse, flag football, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, yoga, dance and fitness. Students in grades 6-8 have one extended weekly PE class. Middle school students must also complete a swimming unit and take the Presidential Fitness challenge at the end of the year.
Team Sports Opportunities
Rashi’s PE curriculum is enhanced by optional team sports. Through our Extended Day program, students in grades K-3 may participate in sports such as soccer, ultimate Frisbee and flag football.
In the winter, our very popular Rashi Rams basketball program gives students in grades 1-3 the chance to travel to the YMCA once a week, practice as a team and play against other area schools or town teams.
Each season, students in grades 4-8 have the opportunity to participate on a Rashi interscholastic competitive sports team (soccer, basketball, baseball/softball), coached by experienced Rashi educators. Practices occur at the YMCA during the school day. Rashi teams play games against other area independent schools. Every student who chooses to be on a team will have an equal chance to participate in all team activities. Factors determining student playing time are not based solely on skill and knowledge but also on effort, commitment, respect and teamwork.
