P.E., Athletic departments adjust to life with no gym
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| Students play indoor soccer in the alternate gymnasium, one location where P.E. classes have been held while the main gymnasium is being repaired. |
 The P.E. Department is getting more creative. Since the closing of the gymnasium in early February due to mold under the floorboards, P.E. teachers have had to problem solve to accommodate up to five classes each period without the use of their main instructional area.
A few of the ten teachers in the department say the task was less burdensome because the staff and students have been flexible. Additionally, they say, good teachers can teach anywhere.
"I looked at [the loss of the gym] as an opportunity," said Mark Ring, P.E. Department Chair, who added that it allowed the teachers to try activities above and beyond what they are used to.
For the past few weeks, about two P.E. classes each period have been bused to Antioch Lanes on a rotational basis for bowling. This has left the alternate and small gyms as well as the workout center for the remaining classes to play games or participate in other fitness activities. Sometimes, students even use the hallways near the gymnasiums for their warm-up jog. Ring said the department also has looked into bringing students swimming at the Lindenhurst YMCA as well as renting a climbing wall.
Once nice weather hits, space will be less of an issue because classes will take place outside, P.E. teachers say. Temperatures are predicted to reach the high 40s this week, meaning classes might be outside soon enough.
The gymnasium is expected to be repaired within the next 10 weeks. The building is safe to occupy despite the mold. Because it is unlikely the gym will reopen before the end of the school year, the Athletic Department has scheduled spring sports practices and competitions at facilities outside of LCHS, such as the local middle schools and the Libertyville Sports Complex. |
