PUBLISHED ON October 6, 2026
Brennan Hotard '30
At Chapelle, PE is more than just a class. It’s where students are pushed to move faster, work harder, and discover just how far they can go. Physical education at Chapelle is about more than simply showing up for class. With both regular and advanced PE options, students have the opportunity to improve their fitness, develop athletic skills, and learn the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Chapelle’s PE program focuses on helping students become more confident, active, and prepared both on and off the field.
Chapelle’s PE program offers students more than just an opportunity to be active during the school day. According to Wendy Zucconi, regular PE focuses on overall fitness and foundational skills, while Advanced PE for sports is designed for athletes who want to improve their performance, strategy, and ability to compete in the particular sport they play. Zucconi hopes students understand that being active is not only about being good at a sport, but also about taking care of themselves, building confidence, and finding ways to stay healthy throughout their lives. She also wants students who may not consider themselves athletic to find an activity where they can be physically active and have fun. Chapelle’s program emphasizes fitness, wellness, teamwork, sportsmanship, participation, personal improvement, and confidence while offering a variety of activities, sports, fitness challenges, and health-related lessons so every student has the chance to find something she can enjoy. PE also connects physical activity to health topics like nutrition, CPR, first aid, and the effects of vaping. Zucconi hopes students leave Chapelle with knowledge and skills they can use beyond high school. She also values building relationships with students and creating an environment where they can work hard, laugh, compete, and make memories together.
Michael Krajcer also emphasized the importance of connection and teamwork within PE. He explained that allowing each team to practice or work out together allows students to build the communication and camaraderie that teams need. Beyond teamwork, Krajer believes PE can help students develop a better understanding of the importance of their physical and mental health. He explained that exercising even a little each day can go a long way toward improving overall well-being. Krajer also valued the relationships he built with his students, especially being able to connect with each student in different ways. For him, checking in with students, helping them when they needed it, and simply being able to socialize with them were some of the most meaningful parts of teaching PE.
Ultimately, Chapelle’s PE program gives students more than physical activity. Whether students are working on their fitness, preparing for a specific sport, or simply finding an activity they enjoy, the program encourages them to build confidence, take care of their health, and work well with others. With an emphasis on fitness, wellness, teamwork, and strong relationships, Chapelle continues to raise the bar and show students that the benefits of PE can extend far beyond the gym.
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