What PE class is best? In high school at Hackley, students now have the option to pick what they do in sports, outside of joining a team. The New York government mandates a minimum of 90 minutes per week for schools to dedicate time for kids to exercise, so what should you do for that time?

One option is to join a sports team, the choices vary depending on the season. This past fall season, students could take field hockey, soccer, tennis, football, or cross country. This is a great way to build connections with people, through teamwork and activity. Sarah Sichel-Outcalt, a sophomore in field hockey said, “I’ve made many good friends, the team is so fun.” However, that’s not for everyone, another option is to take a PE class. 

There are many PE classes which also vary season to season. Students could choose to take volleyball, yoga, fitness center, weight room, squash, hiking, guided workouts, and even bowling in the fall. These classes are diverse, and relaxed. With no major commitment, easy for people who have other commitments, or don’t like athletics. One student taking Fitness Center, Desi Cabanillas said, “It’s very relaxed, but at the same time, if you want to work hard you can.” 

The third option is less of an option, an exemption is only accessible to kids who do sports outside of school. A minimum of two hours a week, in exchange for no obligation to go to a Hackley sport or PE. Instead, students can use the time to focus on their outside activities, or schoolwork, or even just to relax. Ben Sichel-Outcalt said, “It’s very useful to finish my homework and any other tasks I have to accomplish.” 

Therefore, it depends on what you are looking for, and what you value with your time.