Ed. Note: This story is posted primarily the Opinion/Editorial section of The Eagle’s Cry.
During the fall and spring quarters, every physical education class is required to contain a cardiovascular unit; which consists of running a mile for five consecutive gym classes. In New York State, there is no specific requirement for students to run the mile as a part of their physical education. However, schools such as BHS, emphasize the importance of rigorous physical activity followed by strict requirements such as, having to run the mile within 12 minutes or under to receive full credit.
Many students at BHS have expressed strong opinions about the mile run in physical education as well as yoga classes. A significant number of students believe that the mile should not be stretched out over five days. An anonymous BHS student had stated “Unnecessary. I signed up for yoga, not track.”
Some argue that the mile feels like a span of 5 days is unnecessary. A BHS junior who wished to remain anonymous said, “We should just have 2-3 days to do it”, as well as another student, who said, “I don’t get the point of five days like my time stays the same. There’s absolutely no way that I will magically get faster in five days.”
Additionally, some students believe the mile run should be optional or for kids who are interested in physical education more. For example, those who play sports or participate in other physical activities should be running the mile.. Others have emphasized that the mile run is not relevant to class, especially for those enrolled in courses like yoga, where running is not a focus. But, the gym teachers think otherwise.
When it comes to their health. Mr. Hack, a physical education teacher, said, “I think it’s good to run the mile, since it gives kids good perspectives on the reality of how healthy they are.”
Mr Franzke agreed: “Running the mile is beneficial to student health.”
Both phys. ed. teachers said the mile allows kids to understand their level of fitness, as they think few really do that in their free time.
