Skiing and Elementary School Physical Education

Matt Rohde
Fabius-Pompey Elementary School

In the earlier days of physical education, it was debatable whether or not downhill skiing (and now snowboarding) could be considered in the spectrum of a physical education curriculum. Our school district Fabius-Pompey (NY) has one ski area just two miles down the road, and two others within 10 miles. It would be a shame not to take advantage of such facilities, as well as the aerobic nature of skiing itself. So Cindy Ward, an elementary physical education teacher in our district for 18 years, has tapped into this resource as a special day for physical education class each February.

At the beginning of the school year, Cindy arranges a date with Toggenburg Ski Center in Fabius (NY), as well as a rain date, for the entire fifth grade to spend a day exercising on the slopes. 75-90 students participate each year. This is our sixth year of this event. We get anywhere from 30-50 volunteers that help supervise skiing and instruction. All of the students are placed in groups with adults based on their ability. They stay in these groups for the day.

Earlier in the fall, Cindy has the fifth grade classroom teachers send home a pamphlet that explains the procedures for the trip. One section explains the day, how students will receive instruction and that all "beginners" will be limited to "learning trails." Another section explains procedures for obtaining ski equipment on location. We do not allow personal equipment to be taken on the bus to the slopes. There is also a check list of equipment students will need to borrow (at no charge to the students). Finally, there is a signature required whether or not the parent gives permission for their child to leave the beginner trails, if an instructor approves of them moving to more advanced trails.

The last three sections include forms for volunteers, lunch accommodations, parental authorization and medical information and release. All of the volunteers are also provided with rental equipment, and everyone's ski pass is good until 10:00 p.m. on the day of the event.

Two winter's ago, Toggenburg's "ARISE and Ski" program made it possible for a student who utilizes a walker and wheelchair to participate with her classmates. A volunteer used a fiberglass bucket seat secured to two skis to control the student from behind with two straps. The young lady had a fabulous day, as did her classmates. Read more about this here!

For more information on Fabius-Pompey Elementary's ski trip, contact Matt Rhode.