Joyful Spring P.E. Classes Include Beloved Mile Marker Program

Lower School P.E. has been full of fun this spring as students returned to a campus bright with sunshine, and classes packed with physical activity, such as hula hooping, soccer, catch, the “stinky shoe toss,” noodle tag, frogs and lily pads, and scootering.  

But there’s one yearly activity that takes over Lower School P.E. classes and that’s the Mile Marker Program.

“The Mile Marker Program is a track program which encourages fitness in a fun and validating way,” Lower School P.E. Teacher Scott Corris said. “Students walk, jog, or run laps around the track, and earn footprint marks on their marker cards along the way. When a card is completed—the equivalent of five miles—the student chooses a plastic shoe token, a “footie,” and places it on their shoestring lanyard.”

If a student completes 25 miles, they earn a large footie, and if they complete 50 miles they earn a 50 Mile Club T-shirt. This year, the Lower School P.E. team allowed miles to be tallied and accrued while at home through hiking, walking, biking, or jogging.

“I love seeing the looks on the faces of the students who earn footies, and hearing them talking with their friends about what they've done so far,” Corris said. “I also enjoy hearing from them about what kinds of hikes they go on with their families.”

This year, one student made a stretch goal of 1,250 miles! Charles S. ‘32 has already surpassed a 1,000-mile goal and doesn’t intend on stopping. With an incredible amount of parental support and routine, Charles is still working on reaching the extraordinary goal with just about 120 miles to go.

“I'm especially impressed that he's so driven, and has worked hard for so long,” Corris said. “This just shows us that each step and each breath makes a difference, and when you set your mind to doing something, there's no stopping you!”

With all of the changes this school year due to the pandemic, Lower School P.E. has adapted, making way for many new, positive results for Lower Schoolers’ physical and mental well-being.

“I really enjoy working with each child and being a part of their growth, not only in P.E. class, but also socially and emotionally,” Corris concluded. “We are honored to be able to teach in a community and space such as the Lower School, and we are incredibly excited about the new athletic center and getting back to more frequent classes in that space.”