For many of us, we have grown up knowing a kid who was in the Learning for Life Program. But what most people don’t know is that these kids participate in the same day-to-day activities as every other student at Lisle High School (LHS). This is just one of many ideas that the Adapted Physical Education class here at Lisle aims to prove as they incorporate peer leaders and Learning for Life kids in a fitness class.
The Adapted Physical Education Program at LHS strives to give a fun and energetic way for all students, regardless of ability, to partake in movement and play. The program achieves this mission by pairing peer leaders with Learning for Life kids to create an environment of inclusiveness and vibrance that benefits all students involved.
Many if not most students don’t know much about this class, what it involves, or how to get in. This however needs to change, and it starts by making students aware of all that this class does to make a positive difference in the LHS community.
The Adapted Physical Education class is a 1-year gym elective where peer leaders are paired up with a new Learning for Life buddy every six to seven weeks. This allows for increased interaction among the students and the formation of multiple new friendships throughout the school year.
Jacki Consuegra, a senior at Lisle High School, said, “I definitely recommend this class. I think that we don’t promote it enough. And I think it’s a class that helps you view the students here a lot differently and how to interact with them.”
While this class aims to help Learning for Life kids develop skills they will need in the future once they graduate; this class also leaves a significant impact on the peer leaders as well. The Adapted Physical Education class is a way for both peer leaders and Learning for Life kids to experience different paths and challenges in their lives.
Mrs. Debbie Kehoe, a physical educator at Lisle High School, expressed, “It’s a great experience for the leaders. It’s a skill that most people don’t have to be able to work with someone who needs more time or more patience. It shows how passionate, caring, and patient they can be, and that’s a skill in life you will need in any job.”
When asked what she would take away from this class, Ally Russell, a junior at Lisle High School said, “I will take away the life lessons that they teach me…It’s really inspiring to see when they score a goal or can upgrade the weight they are lifting because you can see their accomplishments and how proud they are of themselves.”
This class provides essential insight into the idea that everyone has something to learn from the people around them. Along with developing skills in social interaction and responsibility, all of the students in the Adapted Physical Education class have learned valuable key points that will shape the people they want to become and influence the path they decide to take in life.
Lisle High School offers Strength and Conditioning, Fitness 1, Activities Physical Education, and Adapted Physical Education as the four elective classes juniors and seniors can choose from for gym class. All of the physical education classes at Lisle High School focus on the physical health of each individual student, but the Adapted Physical Education class incorporates ideas in social health as well.
Senior student, Sharayn Gonzalez explained, “While all the other gym classes tell you how to be physically healthy, I think this gym class emphasizes being socially aware and healthy. A lot of the work we do has to do with socializing with all different kinds of people, and that was something I was really interested in.”
The Adapted Physical Education class is the only gym class that requires students to be selected after completing an application which can be found on the Lisle High School Wellness page.
The different perspectives that are shared between peer leaders and their buddies is an experience that can only be found in this program. This class is full of acceptance, positivity, and energy that brings people together and gives them that classic high school gym experience in addition to creating lifelong memories.
The Adapted Physical Education class has given students an experience that extends beyond the classroom. This class has influenced how students view their differences and also how they choose to embrace them.
“I’ll take away a lot of new friendships while also hopefully impacting some lives of the kids in the class. I think it has been a great experience so far and it’s only going to get better.” Charlie Gurgone, a junior peer leader stated about the class.
The Adapted Physical Education class has provided a unique way of developing skills in interaction and teamwork that has left an imprint on both peer leaders and Learning for Life kids. Each day, students learn new and valuable lessons that they will take with them as they move on from this part of their lives.
This colorful atmosphere has blurred the line that separates “normal” and “different” in our current day society. With good times, bright smiles, and energetic laughter, The Adapted Physical Education class is making an impact on the LHS community and it’s time to join in.
