Physical Education (PE) is a class that all students must take in school.
It focuses on developing physical fitness and promoting health.
An alternative school in Iowa is allowing its students to earn PE credits in a unique way.
This is by assisting disabled residents and senior citizens, instead of having the kids run laps around a track or play basketball on the court.
What a fantastic idea!
Students in traditional high schools typically complete their PE courses through sport-like activities.
However, students at the Alternative Learning Center (ALC) in Dubuque can earn their credits through other kinds of physical activities, which are extremely helpful too.
They are encouraged to fulfill their PE requirements by assisting people in the community who are unable to do their yard work.
Tim Hitzler, a social studies teacher, is the program’s creator.
He was inspired when the school started its garden several years ago. Since then, students have worked with Hitzler for two hours each day during the final two weeks of the school year.
Hitzler told People:
“Once kids do it once, they wanna do it again. It’s good for them to learn real-life skills. They work hard, it’s not easy. They’re sweating when they’re done.”
ALC is designed specifically for junior and senior high school students.
They are kids who’ve have struggled to succeed in a traditional school setting.
These students are most likely on the verge of dropping out. This learning center offers project-based and independent learning opportunities. This is to help them recover credits and get back on track toward graduation.
According to Mike Cyze, a spokesperson for the Dubuque Community School District, students can choose from a variety of activities.
This would count toward their PE credit as part of the school’s curriculum during the last two weeks of school. These activities include yard work for neighbors, cleaning golf courses, and cleaning a river barge.
However, twelve of the 29 teens who signed up for the service program specifically requested to do yard work.
Hitzler believes that the program’s impact stems from the simple act of helping others.
The yard work program, in particular, has proven beneficial to both students and the community.
The students do whatever the homeowners require — such as raking, pulling weeds, cleaning gutters, cutting bamboo, and tending to chicken coops. It not only allows students to give back to the community, but it also provides them with a great workout.
Can gardening be considered exercise?
Gardening has many advantages beyond simply connecting with nature and creating a beautiful yard.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “gardening qualifies as exercise.” Just 30 to 45 minutes spent outside (in the yard) can burn up to 300 calories.
Hitzler mentioned that,
“The students aren’t typically too excited at the beginning, but once they get involved and start doing the yard work, they become more motivated. They really like giving back to people and meeting the person.”
The program has also evolved into a community-building initiative.
Some members of the community have even invited the students to dinners and cookouts. It’s no surprise, then, that some of the students have volunteered to continue their service over the summer.
That was probably a tasty dinner they prepared!
“I’ve had students that graduated that have come back to help. There’s something about helping people that really need it,” said Hitzler.
Hitzler even uses his pickup truck for the project and his yard tools and some from the school.
With this act of kindness to the disabled and elderly, we can all learn from Hitzler.
To do a good deed, you do not have to be a student receiving PE credit — you can do it on your own.
Watch the video below to see the amazing experience of the students!
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