Near North Montessori School Sports and Fitness Program
Overview:
A significant body of work has emerged regarding the benefits of participating in sports and fitness programs. In most private schools across the nation, sports are considered so beneficial that they are an integral part of the curriculum. The benefits derived from participation in sports are viewed as essential to the aims of education and can create a strong learning dynamic that complements an academic program.
Participation in athletics builds self-confidence and teaches good health and fitness habits that can last a lifetime. On the playing field, student-athletes learn skills, strategies, relationships, leadership and responsibility, as well as the importance of planning and goal setting. Sports can provide students with the opportunity to excel in a different setting. Being part of a team also creates a sense of belonging and offers a supportive network that contributes to emotional well being and positive interaction in society. Sports and fitness participation helps in teaching the importance of establishing strong bonds with and respect for peers.
The review of our athletic programs and facilities were a fundamental concern and component of NNM’s Strategic Planning Committee’s work last Spring. As such, we feel it is an appropriate time to formulate reasonable, initial expectations for all participants in the Near North Montessori Sports and Fitness Program.
Guiding Principles:
NNM athletic and fitness participation must be healthy, positive, and safe for everyone involved. They must be conducted in an environment that teaches values and ethics while strengthening the community. Athletic and fitness participation should promote competition without conflict and enrich the lives of each student-athlete.
Program Initiatives:
It is the intent of the Near North Montessori Sports and Fitness Program to provide opportunities for participation of as many students as possible. The objective will be to create the framework for offering interscholastic and intramural programs. Our program will commence by administering nationally approved baseline physical fitness testing to all our students during their standard gym rotations.
Interscholastic Programs:
The planned enhancements to NNM’s Sports and Fitness Program have already led to higher visibility and improved relations within our community. We have worked to create an association with other Chicago-area independent schools for the purpose of interscholastic league competition (CAMS). We are planning for the expansion of our afterschool program offerings. We are also in the process of updating the school Web site with detailed communications and scheduling information.