The physical education program at Jackson offers all students, regardless of ability, the opportunity to experience success in a caring and supportive environment. Our program is based on the idea that children learn many valuable lessons through play and that play is essential to each child's overall development. Play allows children to be self-directed and motivated to solve problems that are important to them. Through play, their critical thinking skills are enhanced and they learn to be more flexible in their thinking and problem solving. In addition, they gain an understanding of their bodies and an appreciation for activities that can last a lifetime, helping to keep them both physically active and physically fit.

Children not only need social skills in order to play, but many skills are reinforced through play as well; in other words, "the ability to get along," to recognize and accept individual differences, to work together with others to reach a common goal, to share, to cooperate and to show true concern for others are qualities that are essential in almost every aspect of their lives. In addition, when children play, they are actively engaged and their attention is not easily distracted. We can accomplish much during this time!

Our main goal at Jackson has been to create a success oriented, inclusive program that offers a broad range of activities to fit all ability levels. We are continually evaluating and modifying our curriculum by creating dynamic units that capture students' interest. The New York State Learning Standards for Physical Education along with past curriculum review work give a sound direction to our program. The NYS Learning Standards are:

Standard 1: Personal Health and Fitness

Students will have the necessary knowledge and skills to establish and maintain physical fitness, participate in physical activity and maintain personal health.

Performance of basic motor and manipulative skills, competency in a variety of physical activities and proficiency in selected complex activities, designing personal fitness programs to improve cardio-respiratory endurance, flexibility, muscular strength and endurance, and body composition, are instructional examples of standard 1.

Standard 2: Safe and Healthy Environment

Students will acquire the knowledge and ability necessary to create and maintain a safe and healthy environment.

Demonstrating responsible personal and social behavior in cooperative games, climbing activities and sport activities, understanding that physical activity provides opportunity for enjoyment, challenge, self expression and communication and identifying safety hazards and reacting effectively to ensure a safe and positive experience for all are instructional opportunities that meet standard 2.

Standard 3: Resource Management

Students will be aware of and able to access opportunities available to them within their community to engage in physical activity.

Becoming informed consumers, being able to evaluate facilities and programs, accessing information on the internet, being aware of career options are instructional opportunities for standard 3.