Archery in school might sound like a bad idea.
But, it might be a unique learning opportunity at Sheffield Area Middle High School if the Warren County School District is the recipient of a grant from the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
The National Archery in the Schools program is "designed to teach international-style target archery in physical education classes," according to a fact sheet from the Game Commission.
Matt Jones, the school district's coordinator of grants and foundation development, informed the school board's Curriculum, Instruction and Technology Committee on Monday night that a teacher in Sheffield is interested in the program. The committee forwarded to the full board for action at November's meeting.
Board member Donna Zariczny asked whether the program is offered as a physical education class or as a club. Directory of Secondary Education Amanda Hetrick indicated that it could be either but the "intent is to do it as an after-school club" which was the Game Commission's suggestion.
The fact sheet from the Game Commission says that "students shoot at 80cm bulls-eye targets placed before an arrow curtain in their gymnasium."
Hetrick said that the the equipment used is "modified. (We're) not giving kids compound bows."
Citing that the program is "very safe," she added that a student "could get a little scratch from the arrow but it wouldn't be something we would be concerned about. (The program is) meant to introduce them to the sport" with the hope that student families as well as the community could provide experiences that advance past an introduction.
Board member Tom Knapp asked, "This will be closely regulated? It could be dangerous. As long as