Class is closed - for those that have received a confirmation a reminder that a mandatory student/parent meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 16th at 6:30 pm in room S125 with Mr. Bibel and Mrs. ...more

York Physical Education, Health, and Driver Education Department

Home of the Dukes

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the 2012-2013 York Open House. My name is Rachael Shepherd and I am the Physical Education, Health, and Driver Education Department Chair. I am entering my seventh year at York and my first full year as Department Chair. I am a York High School graduate and a member of the Elmhurst community. I have spent my entire life involved in athletics and physical activity and strongly believe daily physical education for our students can be the most meaningful part of their day. 

Our Physical Education program helps students develop health related fitness, physical confidence, cognitive understanding, and positive attitudes about physical activity. We want York students to have adopted a healthy and physically active lifestyle by the end of their careers at York.  

A typical York student spends the majority of their time at school sitting. Therefore, we believe it is important for our students to engage in physical activity throughout the school day. The research is clear: 

• Physically active and fit students demonstrate better grades and higher achievement test scores.
• PE and physical activity improves academic achievement by enhancing concentrationand by helping students to be more attentive.
• Aerobic activity not only increases blood flow to the brain, but also speeds recall and reasoning skills.

We value Physical Education at York. We believe high-quality Physical Education can enhance concentration, decrease discipline problems, and improve academic performance. We are committed to providing experiences for our students that improve mental alertness, academic performance, and a readiness and enthusiasm for learning.

I invite you to visit any of our physical education classes to observe NASPE’s (National Association for Sport and Physical Education) four components of a high-quality physical education. They include the opportunity to learn, meaningful content, appropriate instruction, and student and program assessment. 

If you would like to set up a visit you may reach me at the number below or call 630-617-2403.  Otherwise, please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.

Sincerely,

Rachael Shepherd

Department Chair for Physical Education, Health, and Driver Education

York High School

630-617-2427

Mark Bibel, Elizabeth Carlson, Terry Clarke, John Constable, Catie Feigh, Dave Kalal, Don Kasper, Kris Lundine, Mary Kate Martinelli, Michelle Rodriguez, Markus Roy, Annette Schulte, Jenny Thiede, Nicole Young