You catch a glance at the clock that just turns to 11 p.m. You sigh and realize you still have lots of homework to complete after an exhausting day of school and sports. This scenario is very common for Edison Intermediate School, so it would be very beneficial for students to have the option to opt out of gym class if they participate in a school sport. Some research supports opt outs from gym. Kaylee Lyman, author of “Should Student Athletes Have to Take Gym Class?” stated, “Injuries are something that we, very committed athletes, live in fear of: especially those who have an incredible passion for the sport or sports they may play. Gym class is a place where the risk is extremely high for a student to get injured. Kids are messing around and not being careful with their actions.”
This shows that not taking gym class will benefit the athletes in their sport and allow them to have a less likely chance of getting injured. Seventh grader Leah Giarrusso shared her opinion on this topic. She said, “I would have more time to do homework and would be able to get it done instead of waking up early and doing it.”
Furthermore, Julie Greicius, author of “Health Hazards of Homework” said, “A new study by the Stanford Graduate School of Education and colleagues found that students in high-performing schools who did excessive hours of homework experienced greater behavioral engagement in school but also more academic stress, physical health problems, and lack of balance in their lives.’”
This quote mentions how homework causes a lot of stress and can cause problems such as a lack of focus in classes. This relates to a statement made from an eighth grader at Edison Intermediate School (EIS), Alen Mehmedovic. He stated, “I spend a lot of time doing homework, and it causes a lot of stress throughout the day especially since I play multiple after school sports.”
Field hockey coach and Physical Education teacher at EIS Corinne Varhley explains a different point of view. She stated, “Students don’t need to opt out of the gym class in Middle School. In high school It makes more sense because it is a bigger commitment. In middle school, P.E. is more of a social class, although most girls I coach in high school enjoy going to gym class because they already have a free period.”
As a coach, Mrs. Varhley is able to see how her team is able to play well while still participating in gym class. It is clear that students and teachers have different views on this topic, although many kids agree with teachers. Sixth grader Nicholas Decorte mentioned, “I like gym class because of physical activity. Also I play hockey, so gym benefits me because I’m an energetic boy.”
This demonstrates that some students enjoy gym class as a fun time during school to socialize and get their energy out, while other students prefer to use that time to do homework and study. Another interesting point shows that two siblings who both partake in multiple after school activities have different views on this topic. Sixth grader Graham Elmquist said, “ I usually have homework, but I like gym class.”
However, Graham’s older sister, eighth grader Sydney Elmquist stated, “Athletes should be excused from gym class, so they have energy for their game or practice.”
Social Studies and Debate teacher at Edison Intermediate School Mr. Matthew Varhley stated, “Being a part of an after-school sport is physical activity and the purpose of gym is to engage in a physical activity. Therefore, the after-school sport meets the requirements of the gym.”
In conclusion, there are a lot of views on this topic and strong arguments to each side, although we believe having a decision to opt out of gym class for a study period if you participate in school sports will benefit the athletes.
