Physical Education

Physical Education will help the students of Niles Township High Schools gain the knowledge that will allow them to lead healthy, active, and fulfilling lives.  The work in this department is guided by the following three principles all of our students will realize the ideal of developing “a sound mind in a sound body;” that “fitness is for all;” and because one cannot store it, “fitness is for a lifetime.”

STATEMENTS OF PURPOSE

We believe and adhere to the following beliefs and best practices in our profession:

1. Effective human productivity depends upon optimum physical well-being and healthy living. Education for physical development and health provides students with the knowledge and attitudes to achieve healthful living throughout their lives and to acquire physical fitness, and the development of a healthy lifestyle.

2. Physical Education is a part of the total educational system that will provide experiences for our students through physical activity. This will prepare our students to meet the challenges of daily living and enjoy life to its fullest.

3. Physical Education should meet the interest and needs of all students through instruction in and the development of an understanding and appreciation for total body fitness, sport skills and recreational games.

4. Physical Education should teach activities which would help to maintain an active life-style and develop a wholesome attitude towards their physical selves. Physical Education also develops a desire to participate in leisure time activities and benefit from the social growth these activities can provide.

5.  The Niles Township Physical Education Department will:

1) Provide every student the opportunity to develop a strong, healthy body;
2) Encourage good health habits;
3) Aid in the development of athletic and recreational sports skills for use now and in adult life;
4) Teach the social values inherent in both competitive and cooperative activities.

The high school years are a tremendously important period in the development of each student, physically as well as mentally and emotionally. A healthy body enables one to more fully enjoy all aspects of living and assures a greater likelihood of success in any worthwhile undertaking. We urge every student to become thoroughly involved in our daily program encompassing a wide variety of activities. Regular, enthusiastic participation is the pathway to a longer life and a more satisfying educational experience.

The guiding spirit of our four years of work with our students can be best described through the almost universal educational outcome in Latin:
 

“Mens sana in corpore sano”

“A sound mind in a sound body”