Health
Student views on gym clash
kira herron photo
There are differing opinions on whether gym is a productive or unproductive class among students. Gym teachers are doing what they can to make gym a more serious class.
Physical education instructor Carrie Harjes believes strongly in the physical education program.
“I think we have one of the best in the district,” Harjes said.
The school receives a three year grant called the Carol White Grant which brings in $50,000 per year for three years toward brand new equipment for gym and sports.
“Our gym is starting to look more and more like a fitness center,” Harjes said.
Teaching physical education is a very serious task to Harjes.
“You live in your body. Without your body you don’t have anything else,” Harjes said.
Harjes feels that she is accomplishing her goal as a gym teacher.
“My goal is to get students moving, and to be active,” Harjes said.
Harjes does not understand why students do not take the class seriously.
“It makes me wonder what their goals are, what their expectations are, what they think of PE, or maybe they had a bad experience in the past,” Harjes said.
According to Harjes, not dressing, participating, or even communicating with others in the class is a definite problem in the gym class.
Freshman Rena Knutsoa does not remotely look forward to going to gym class.
“There is no one in the class who I am friends with and it’s dumb,” Knutsoa said.
Knutsoa feels that there is no real point to her gym class.
“It’s a complete waste of my time,” Knutsoa said.
The gym class creates an uncomfortable environment for Knutsoa.
“I don’t feel comfortable around the people in that class. I feel vulnerable,” Knutsoa said.
Knutsoa admits that her distaste of gym class stems from her own laziness.
“A lot of people hate gym class because they are all lazy like me,” Knutsoa said.
Knutsoa has no fear of gym affecting her health, and is unhappy about being required to take gym by law.
“It won’t change anything about our health even if we are required to take it,” Knutsoa said.
On the other hand, sophomore Cameron VanGundy looks forward to going to gym class.
“It can be fun,” VanGundy said.
VanGundy has a positive opinion on the physical education program.
“They really focus on the fitness aspect of gym,” VanGundy said.
VanGundy feels students can be productive with gym class but it depends on the person.
“One half of the school cares and really likes gym and there is another half that just doesn’t care,” VanGundy said.