PE Department Stays Active During E-Learning

With the recent stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented some unique challenges for physical education departments across the country which center on physical interaction, collaborative learning and, of course, movement. But since the transition to e-learning in mid-March, Loyola's PE teachers have handled the obstacles in stride, developing creative ways for Ramblers to stay active and healthy while learning from home.
“We check in daily via Zoom, and students have been busy with challenges,” says Physical Education Department Chair Susie McGovern.  “Teachers have been sending out their personal bests -- in situps, pushups, mile times, etc. -- and are encouraging their students to beat their scores.”  

In addition, online classes are frequently offered in dance, yoga, and strength and conditioning. The PE curriculum has been adjusted to take an even greater focus on nutrition and immune system support by sharing topics about the six essential nutrients - protein, carbs, fats, vitamins, minerals and water. To supplement students’ at-home workouts, the department has compiled and shared a list of platforms and apps that provide free fitness, meditation and mindfulness programs. And, as a way to make connections between Loyola’s Jesuit mission and the plight of the current times, Ramblers read and reflected on an article in the Wall Street Journal about by Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, who was Jesuit-educated at both Regis High School and College of the Holy Cross. 

All in all, engagement and wellbeing have been the names of the game in physical education at Loyola Academy for the past few weeks, and the department has no signs of slowing down. “Most importantly, we stress how important it is to keep your body moving and how this will help sleep, mood and overall health,” adds McGovern. 
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