we create an atmosphere where students feel safe and learn to challenge themselves and their teammates in a way that builds skills, confidence, and character.
we eschew the "win-at-all-cost" model of coaching in favor of both wanting to win and using sports to teach broader lessons; draw from the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA), a nonprofit founded by Stanford University.
Teamwork: working together in a positive and inclusive manner toward a common goal; sharing responsibility toward continued improvement
Hard Work: giving it your all, even when challenged and pushed to your limits; being consistent and balanced through exhaustion and staying focused on the tasks at hand
Commitment: consistently showing up on time, prepared and ready to focus on giving your best effort for yourself and for the team
Respect: combining dignity and empathy, best expressed through both verbal and non verbal communication
In lieu of a PE class or team sport in a given trimester, students can request an Independent Study in PE (ISPE).
This option enables students to pursue sports at a high level outside of school and/or pursue an interest that Burke does not offer in the Physical Education or Athletics Departments.
Current and recent ISPE's include:
ballet
fencing
gymnastics
hockey
rowing
tennis
trapeze
Students can also complete an ISPE in a sport that Burke offers as long as they also participate in the Burke team in the appropriate season. Students cannot complete the entire athletic requirement through ISPEs. They must still participate in at least one Burke team sport.