Did you know that only 27% of U.S. students in Grades 7-12 actually get 60 minutes of physical activity per day as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)?\r\n
\r\nAt Ridgefield High School, 41% of RHS students either engage in physical activity in the Physical Education Department or are enrolled in the high schools’ health/wellness classes. RHS offers 12 Physical Education and Health classes daily. Its program includes classes in core, toning, and strength and conditioning.\r\n
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Junior Chris Lund (on left) is spotting for sophomore Nathan Sinks as he executes a front squat exercise
The goals of the RHS Physical Education/Health Education Department are to gain understanding in fitness and strength concepts; to engage students in a variety of fitness, strength, conditioning and game activities; to improve a student’s fitness, strength and motor skills; and to encourage activity for a lifetime. According to the CDC, physical activity helps to improve cognitive performance and reduces depression and anxiety. \r\n
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Freshman Annika Farley performs a 45-second battle rope training as freshman Emma Haynie keeps time.
Junior Trent Meisner executes a 285-pound clean and jerk Olympic-style lift -- a personal best.
Ted Beyer, Jason Buffum and Tom Zimmer comprise the very capable teaching staff in Physical Education/Health Education at RHS. Their combined teaching experience spans a remarkable 59 years.
Buffum sees to it that students enjoy the classes. He encourages them to “dress down, participate and have fun while doing it.”\r\n
\r\n“PE is like a trick, said RHS senior, Michaela Cloyd, “because it makes working out fun.”\r\n