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The goal of the Physical Education Department at ACDS is to enhance the physical growth of each student as well as equip each student with the knowledge needed for leading a healthy life in and beyond grade school. We have seen some big changes this year in our department in hopes to prepare for an even bigger change next year. With the gymnasium being built this year we have been challenged to become a little more creative in our planning and it has really helped us grow. We are collaborating in each grade to prepare the students at ACDS with a quality program. The earlier the involvement in a quality program, the easier it will be for students to develop the skills required to acquire and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The focus in the Lower School is to expand basic understanding of movement and build confidence in student performance. The focus in middle school is to improve skills and include team concepts. Each student will come away understanding how to win graciously and how to accept defeat graciously. **Evolution of a physically healthy student**: In Kindergarten and First grade, students learn about movement, spatial awareness and beginning ball skills. In Second and Third, grade growing confidence helps students continue to develop gross and fine motor skills. We will introduce lessons in team game play and well as provide individual fitness challenges. In Fourth and fifth grade, we emphasize the importance sportsmanship during competition and introduce more complex skills involved in playing team and individual sports. As we approcha dn continue through middle school we touch on many different sports and games that will help develop the skills needed to pursue a lifetime of healthy activity. By the end of 8th grade, students will be understand the importance of physical activity and will demonstrate the ability to perform a wide range of gross motor and fine motor skills Physical Education is important to the development of the whole student. PE is a unique venue to teach children how to build and foster healthy relationships. Students are expected to be able to respect the abilities of others. They should also be able to work well with others as well as show a willingness to try new things in class. This all starts with Kindergarten PE. By the end of 8th grade, each student will understand the importance of responsible personal and social behavior that respects others in a physically active setting. They will also value physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self expression and social interaction.
 * Evolution of an emotionally and socially healthy student **