LEXINGTON PARK, Md. (June 10, 2011)—Esperanza Middle School has been selected as a Maryland Physical Education Demonstration School for 2011-13. This is the first secondary school in St. Mary's County to receive this honor and the only secondary school in the state for 2011-2013. This recognition is awarded to schools whose physical education programs are considered to be exemplary, and thus model programs in the state.
The Maryland Physical Education Demonstration Schools Program is affiliated with the President's Council for Physical Fitness Center Award Program which recognizes schools nationwide that promote physical fitness. In Maryland, however, the entire physical education program is evaluated through an initial application and a subsequent on-site visit. As a part of the application, teachers are required to list three Exemplary Features and provide evidence of Quality Teaching; Philosophy; Organization and Administration; Curriculum and Planning; Assessment and Evaluation; Professionalism; and Facilities, Equipment, and Supplies.
A visitation team comprised of experienced middle school teachers from Anne Arundel and Montgomery counties spent the entire day at the school evaluating the program. Ms. Linda Barrett, Visitation Team Leader, noted in her evaluation that the team had observed innovative programs that included bowling, rollerblading, rugby and Wii; the ability of the Physical Education staff to come together collaboratively; and the quality of lessons that included 'kid friendly' objectives, high activity learning time, safety reminders, and closure.
Source: St. Mary's County Public Schools