At Westminster, we believe a strong mind belongs in a strong body.  We also believe we have a mandate to be good stewards of our bodies.  To this end, our certified physical education instructor tailors each PE class to the age and coordination of each age group.  Each class, from prekindergarten through 5th grade, takes PE classes twice a week.

Physical education is not just about playing sports.  Students learn healthy lifestyle choices such as good eating habits and how important regular exercise is to maintain good health.  The lively games they play help children discover that physical activity can be fun.  But because sports often are team competitions, the students learn the importance of good sportsmanship and treating others as we would like to be treated.

JUMP ROPE FOR HEART
Each year during the month of February, all PE classes are invited to participate in this national event sponsored by the American Heart Association. We teach our students how to serve our community by raising money for a cause, while promoting fitness. Jump Rope for Heart aims to raise awareness of heart disease and educate the public about heart health.  The students may collect donations from friends and neighbors.  All money collected is given to the American Heart Association.  Students jump rope, including some clever self-choreographed routines, in their weekly PE classes.

PRESIDENT'S CHALLENGE
The President's Council on Physical Fitness sponsors the President's Challenge as a national event for any individual or groups.  Anyone can log onto their website to register and keep a log of physical activity and progress.  Our students train for the five school-age sanctioned events.  During PE classes in the spring, each individual is tested in these five events.  Students can earn award certificates and badges for levels of physical achievement.

FIELD DAY
The all-time favorite physical fitness event of the year is Field Day, which takes place in May.  This Olympic-style series of child-friendly athletic events faces off the White team against the Blue team each year.  Teams can earn points for individual and team events.  This half-day event on the soccer field is made possible by an army of willing and generous parent volunteers who serve as time-keepers, starters, scorers, and snack and water distributors. It is a tremendously popular event, worthy of Olympic excitement for the Day School students. The action on the soccer field even draws clusters of Prep School spectators when their schedules allow.