Along with supervised sports, marching band is one alternative way for students to earn physical education credits. This photo depicts the Plymouth High School Marching Band earlier this year. Photo provided by: Mrs. Goble
By Matthew Libersky
Around two years ago, a law was passed in Indiana allowing students to earn the two required physical education credits through either marching band camp or participating in 60 hours of a sanctioned sport. Plymouth High School first made this option available for last school year’s freshman class.
The intention of the program was to allow students more freedom in their schedule. Guidance counselor Mrs. Aimee Portteus said that it has been quite successful, due in part to the large number of students participating in marching band and eligible sports.
However, the effects of this increased scheduling freedom have yet to be seen. “It remains to be seen what impact if any the decision to offer alternative PE credit will have on student enrollment in rigorous upper-level courses,” principal Mr. Jim Condon said.
As a grade still needs to be recorded, the coach or supervisor reports their participation to Mr. John Barron, who, as head of the Physical Education and Health department, “submits grades to [myself] just as with any other course,” Mrs. Portteus said.
It might seem that keeping students and coaches accountable would be difficult, but incidents of students earning credits that they should not have are rare.
Sophomore John Stillson said that he was able to earn his PE credits through marching band and sports last year. “The program started when I was a freshman so we were the first ones to get the opportunity to use it and I definitely think it was a great idea. Students are able to focus on school and are able to have more electives in their schedule which opens up many opportunities that would not be there otherwise,” Stillson said.
Marching band is the other route to earning a credit in this way. Freshman Jessica Celmer said marching band takes away from her time to do homework, so she values the ability to take a study hall in place of PE to make up for her lost time.
One possible issue in marching band being an option for students to earn PE credits is the possibility of people signing up solely for the credit. Shelby Haisley, a sophomore in marching band, said that she was thankful for the ability to free up her schedule, but also said that she is wary of the risk of students joining marching band just to get the credit.