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Gym optional for some Dayton students under proposed policy

Jan Underwood/Staff photographer Houda Hamadi (right) waits for the "double dutch" jump rope during gym class at Stivers School for the Arts.

Is the idea of letting student athletes and band members opt out of gym fair?

Vote Limit: Once per Week

Should athletes, cheerleaders and band members be given a pass from gym?

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By Anthony Gottschlich, Staff Writer Updated 11:18 PM Sunday, November 15, 2009

DAYTON — When high school junior Evan LaChance was on the school swim team his freshman and sophomore years, practice lasted two-and-a-half hours a night, five nights a week.

Despite all that swim time and staying in shape, Evan must take one year of physical education if he wants to graduate Stivers School for the Arts in 2011, a requirement he and his parents, plus other students, parents and teachers in the district, find a bit silly.

“I personally think you get more out of a varsity sport than a 45-minute gym class,” said Evan, an honor student who stands a fit 5-feet-10 inches and weighs 150 pounds.

Some school districts, such as Centerville and Kettering, have dropped the gym class requirement for students like Evan, thanks to a 2007 state law that allows districts to waive the class for students who participate in interscholastic athletics, marching band or cheerleading for at least two full seasons. Proponents argue the time in gym class would be better spent on electives and college prep courses.

The Dayton school board is considering the same, and will hear public comment on the topic at a special meeting at 6 p.m. today, Nov. 16, at 115 S. Ludlow St.

Some gym teachers say a policy change would be a mistake.

“Physical education is more than just physical activity,” said Keith Cosby, a veteran gym teacher in the district. “When we talk about physical education, we’re talking about the whole realm of physical education, trying to introduce our students to what we consider lifetime sports.”

Keep reading: Will this have an effect on childhood obesity?

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