MSS PACER Test and looking ahead to spring!

Pacer Test and Beyond!

At the end of February, the 6-8th grade students participated in the PACER (Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run) Test, which is an aerobic capacity test that becomes more difficult as it progresses. This is done to measure the aerobic fitness levels of each student as well as endurance. In preparation for this, the physical education classes worked on their aerobic conditioning, which has been a part of their curriculum since the beginning of the school year. The students kicked off the school year with a mile long run every other Tuesday.  Due to the change of seasons, they now focus on guided runs in the gymnasium for a period of time before their physical education class begins.

In the spring, our students will gear up to partake in the MSS Fitness Test, which is another physical aptitude test. It focuses on teaching people to make fitness a part of their everyday lives. They will go through a series of challenging events, starting with pushups, sit ups, sit and reaches, and concludes with a mile long timed run. The standards are based on national guidelines for their particular age groups.

As you can see, our students are hard at work! There is a lot to be learned and developed as we move towards the home stretch and I am elated to watch the progress they have made and continue to make each class. Every student did an amazing job on the PACER Test! Surely physical fitness is a skill that is developed over time but judging by their commitment and the strides that I have seen thus far, I am confident that we will all finish off the school year on a positive note.