The NOVA Experience
Physical education and sports
NOVA has many very talented, competitive athletes in our midst: soccer players,
swimmers, tennis players, baseball buffs, competitive bike riders, basketball
players. You name it, we've got it. We also have some students who have
never liked P.E. and never participated in any kind of organized sport. Our
PE and extra curricular sports program melds these two groups together into
a supportive whole. PE classes are varied, but every game is designed to build
the leadership and sportsmanship skills of the talented athletes and to build
the enjoyment and confidence of those less physically inclined. It's truly
a joy to see the kids working together, encouraging each other, solving group
game arguments with “rock, paper, scissors” and moving on to play
without adult intervention.
During the winter trimester, our PE program moves off-site and students have the opportunity to pick recreational sports opportunities around the community. While the choices depend on availability and student interest, here are some recent off-site PE classes:
- climbing at the rock gym
- bowling tennis/racquetball
- volleyball
- partner dancing
- swimming
- golf
Extra curricular sports activities add to the mix, giving students
a broad base of recreational sports opportunities to choose from, playing
on NOVA teams with their friends. Many new friendships are formed in
recreational basketball teams, soccer teams, and cross country practices.
Our more competitive athletes continue to actively participate in their
sports outside of school through their club teams, and some go back to
their home middle school to be a part of public school sports after school.