The Ames Community School Board voted unanimously (7-0) to add four new Physical Education courses to the high school on Dec. 12, 2022.

Tara Stemsrud, an Ames High P.E teacher, publically proposed Aquatics, Lifeguarding, Outdoor Recreation, and Lifetime Activities to be added to the course options during the previous board meeting on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022. 

Expanding the course offerings is anticipated to provide more choices for students and better participation in physical education courses. 

Stemsrud mentioned that Ames’ current course offerings, Move P.E, and Weights, were lackluster in opportunity, especially for the size of the student body and that few individuals actively participate in current courses. 

Aside from teaching students how to swim, aquatic and outdoor safety, archery, and sports not affiliated with the high school, among other activities, the courses also offer an opportunity for students to receive their lifeguarding certification and provide more opportunities to build connections in the community.

Stemsrud noted that this course changes likely would have been implemented during the 2022-2023 school year following her recent employment at Ames: however, there were a variety of procedures and deadlines that postponed the changes to the registration handbook. 

Following the recent approval, students can expect these courses to be available for 2023-2024 course registration. As class registration nears, more courses and activity information will be available for students.