If you are a student-athlete, there is a lot of pressure on you between homework, practice, games, and studying. Option 2 can relieve that pressure by giving you extra time during school to complete homework or just relax. If you choose option 2, you will be exempt from gym class and instead, go to the media center for a study hall during that period. As gym teacher Mr. Grill explains, in order to be eligible for option 2, “You have to do a Cresskill sport or activity after school or you have to be involved in a USA-sponsored activity after school”. Filling out a form everyday describing what you did in your sport is the only requirement for keeping option 2 and a passing gym grade. Students are then free to use the time that would normally be gym class to focus on their academics.
Playing sports can be overwhelming and student athletes often spend hours a day practicing or playing their sport. This takes away time from homework and studying. Without taking option 2, student-athletes often need to stay up late to deal with the workload. Lack of sleep can cause students to be less productive during the day and therefore have more work and need to stay up later. This not only allows students to not fall behind on homework but encourages them to take up a sport and become athletes, which can be good for their mental and physical health by boosting endorphins, promoting an active lifestyle, and staying fit. As a student-athlete myself, I can say that taking option 2 would be very helpful for balancing school and sports. Despite the many positive attributes that come with option 2, it does in fact mean losing your gym period which can be a deal breaker for some people.
Mr. Grill encourages students to stick with gym if they don’t think option 2 would help. Gym class can be a good time to socialize with other students, stay active, and can be a good challenge. Mr. Grill states, “Being in physical education is also very helpful for them to stay mentally and physically active.” This can help engage students and keep them active throughout the day. Many student-athletes don’t need option 2 or don’t use the time given to them productively. For these athletes, sticking with gym class can be helpful to give them something to do and work on during those 45 minutes. Gym class can also be a good break from school work and give students a break from the onslaught of information that they experience throughout the day. Taking study hall can eliminate that break and cause students to overwork themselves. For some student-athletes, gym class can be a fun time to blow off steam and hang out with friends, and option 2 isn’t beneficial.
To conclude, Option 2 can be helpful or unnecessary depending on your situation.
