During the hot summer days where the temperature reaches nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit, students taking summer PE have to walk two miles around the high school track. PE coordinator of grades 6-12 Christi Hopper said while summer PE allows students with less time during the school year to earn a credit, it is also risky because of the blazing heat during summertime.

“I think it isn’t very safe for students to run around a track while the temperature is almost 100 degrees,” Hopper said. “However, it isn’t going to stop the summer PE program because the coaches do a nice job of giving the student breaks and getting them hydrated.”
Senior Rohit Rao, who took summer PE in 2013, agrees with Hopper about how the coaches give them adequate breaks to avoid the serious heat. He said getting rid of the class wouldn’t be a good idea because it captures the interest of many students.
“I thought it was smart to do the class during the summer,” Rao said. “It sucks that it’s really hot, but its the most efficient way to earn a PE credit.”
Coach Jeff Bazat was the instructor last year for summer PE during the time Rao was there. Bazat said the summer PE program is a great way for students to get outside in the summer and stay healthy.
“Some students tend to get a little lazy during the summer, and the summer PE class is a great way to avoid that,” Bazat said. “There aren’t any health concerns related to it because as a coach, we know when the right time is to give the students a break because the classes are during times when its the hottest part of the day.”
The program also provides a chance to earn a PE credit to those who can’t fit it in their schedule during the school year. Hopper said that is the biggest positive with summer PE.
“We want everyone involved in some kind of physical training,” Hopper said. “Overall, this program is a great chance for everyone to be physically fit.”
By Harsh Singh
Art by Claire Simon
Infographic information source: livestrong.com