Blue Ribbon Status Awarded to Avery Coonley’s P.E. Program
The Avery Coonley School (ACS) is excited to share that their Physical Education (P.E.) program has been awarded Blue Ribbon status for the years 2023-2028 by the Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (IAHPERD). The Blue Ribbon Committee gave the ACS P.E. program exemplary marks in all areas and noted no weaknesses to the program.
The Avery Coonley P.E. faculty have dedicated numerous hours to create an innovative program in which all students can thrive. Students in preschool through Group Eight are given opportunities to grow and explore new activities while also gaining confidence alongside their peers.
"We provide an environment where it is physically and emotionally safe to learn through failure. Through moderately structured activities, our students gain confidence by trying again and again to solve a problem or overcome a situation. Taking ownership of discovering certain skills or strategies makes the bond between student and play even stronger and more fulfilling."Adam Metcalf, P.E. Teacher & P.E. Department Chair
The program provides a variety of experiences and challenges for all students in order to foster a lifelong appreciation of physical fitness and wellness. It promotes social development through experiences in group games, leadership opportunities, and cooperation. It develops character by fostering an attitude of honesty, a spirit of fair play, the acceptance of individual differences, self-confidence, and self-control. At each grade level, students build upon the skills and attitudes previously learned and an emphasis on character development is maintained from year to year.
In addition to regular P.E. classes that begin in Kindergarten, students in Groups Five through Eight can choose to join an ACS interscholastic athletic team.
At the IAHPERD Convention in December, both Adam Metcalf, ACS P.E. Teacher & P.E. Department Chair and Joseph Schallmoser, ACS P.E. Teacher & Athletic Director, will be recognized for their commitment toward providing a high-quality, diverse physical education program which meets the needs of their students. The School will also be honored at the convention with a plaque and banner.
