Physical education is concerned with total mental, emotional and physical development of the individual. This development is attained through physical activities that promote sportsmanship, muscular coordination, leadership and the ability to follow others. Children are taught to recognize their own strengths and weaknesses as well as those of other children.

In kindergarten, two 30-minute periods for physical education are provided per week. In grades one through three, each child is scheduled for three times per week for 30 minutes. In grades four through six, students have physical education four times per week for a total of 120 minutes. A before or after school intramural program is also available for students featuring many activities.

Adaptive physical education as defined by the Committee on Adaptive Physical Education of the AAHPER is "a diversified program of developmental activities, games, sports, and rhythms suited to the interest, capabilities and limitations of students with disabilities who may not safely or successfully engage in unrestricted activities of the general physical education program." Adaptive physical education will be provided for pupils with chronic disabling conditions and also for those recuperating from injuries and accidents and those convalescing from long and short-term illnesses. This point of view precludes the concept of "gym excuses." Special evaluation will be made to determine the most appropriate program for your child. Close coordination will be needed between you, your family physician, and the school.

The President's Challenge Physical Fitness Test is administered annually to youngsters beginning in the fourth grade. Students who qualify with high physical fitness scores receive Physical Fitness Award patches. This testing program is offered by the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports in cooperation with the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education and Dance.

In October of each year, the department conducts an after-school cross-country meet for boys and girls in grades 4-6. Held at the Colonie Town Park, this event has six races, where over 500 students compete. In the late spring, we have an annual track and field meet for boys and girls in grades 5 and 6 during the school day at the Shaker High School track.

View the Elementary Physical Education Handbook (PDF)

Elementary Cross Country Race was fast-paced fun — all the way to the finish line!

On your mark...get set...go! The district's annual Elementary Cross Country Race took place on Oct. 10 at the Colonie Town Park. Boys and girls in grades four through six, from all six elementary schools, competed in a 1.0 mile cross country run. Congratulations!

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