Starting next year, BSM’s P.E. electives are transitioning from mandatory to optional.

In past years curriculum along with the 2021-2022 school year, every student in grades 10-12 have had to participate in a wellness credit. A new change starting next school year will allow Physical Education to become an elective of choice. Freshmen, however, will still be required to fulfill a P.E. credit both semesters.

Right now, wellness classes consist of a half block period (40 out of the 80 minutes), oftentimes leaving kids wandering the hallways outside of their wellness class. Administration would prefer that wasn’t the case.

The four P.E. electives that will be offered next year include intramural sports, outdoor adventures, racquet sports, and intro to strength training. The students that sign up for these electives aren’t forced into these classes like they are currently, which excites BSM gym teacher Mr. Hanson. “It’s gonna be a lot of fun for the people who have interest in these things because everyone who is signing up wants to be there…and that’s not necessarily the case right now. So I think the classes that do go on are going to be really awesome,” Hanson said.

The outdoor adventures elective will only be offered in the first semester due to weather. Students will take part in a number of fun outings. This first semester course offering will include canoeing, camping skills, outdoor cooking, fishing activities, team building activities, backpacking, conditioning, survival skills, archery, and hands-on activities. Hanson is excited for the return of this elective next year. “I’m really excited to do our outdoor adventures class, which was a wellness elective that we had several years ago. Everybody who took the class really enjoyed it because we get to get outside…so it’s just a really awesome class,” Hanson said.

In the intro to strength training class, each student will know how to develop a personal fitness plan and will measure and evaluate personal fitness. Hanson is really excited to teach this course. “I’m excited for strength and conditioning…this is another step people can take to learn more about their personal fitness…hopefully were going to be helping students understand more about why they’re exercising and we can help them create great workout plans,” Hanson said.

Students such as sophomore Olivia Olson are looking forward to creating good workout habits they will use beyond the class. “I’m really looking forward to the intro to strength training class because I need to keep up my fitness in the basketball off season…I’m excited about getting to create workout plans,” Olson said.