Athletics - The Peck School

Head, Heart, Grit: Go Pride!

At Peck, fitness and wellness transcend mere activity; they are the pillars of a joyful and energetic childhood. Through each game and practice, our students not only build their physical strength but also cultivate the enduring values of cooperation, integrity, and perseverance.

The Peck Pride, our mascot and rallying cry for school spirit and Upper School sports teams, stands for values we nurture throughout our athletic program: courage, teamwork, perseverance, loyalty, determination, strength of body, mind, and heart; and of course, pride in yourself and in your Peck teammates. Consideration of Others is as integral across our courts and playing fields as it is within our classrooms.

Our Approach

From our grades K-4 Physical Education classes to our grades 5-8 competitive sports program, health and happiness play hand in hand, shaping confident, considerate, and resilient individuals. Learn more about our athletics program by grade:

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PE in Grades K-2

In our K-2 physical education classes, children develop and enhance motor, spatial, and sport-specific skills through a combination of verbal and visual instruction, physical activities, and play.

As they advance to second grade, students expand on these skills with an added focus on spatial awareness and game strategies. The curriculum integrates STEAM concepts like motion laws, geography, and human anatomy into active lessons and games.

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PE in Grades 3 & 4

In third and fourth grade, students concentrate on enhancing their motor and sport-specific skills through various challenges, games, and intramural play. They develop a working knowledge of the rules and strategies involved in sports such as soccer, field hockey, basketball, volleyball, floor hockey, lacrosse, softball, and baseball.

As students progress, the curriculum places a growing emphasis on sportsmanship, being supportive teammates, and developing leadership skills.

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Sports in Grade 5

Fifth grade is a transitional period during which students learn various sports and are introduced to athletic competition. Students participate in competitions during the fall and spring, and traditional PE classes in the winter. This comprehensive approach nurtures teamwork, skill development, and overall physical fitness, fostering a lifelong love for sports and healthy living.

Fall Sports: Cross country (co-ed), Field Hockey (girls), Soccer (boys)
Winter: Physical Education Classes
Spring Sports: Baseball (boys), Lacrosse (boys and girls teams), Softball (girls), Track & Field (co-ed)

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Sports in Grades 6-8

Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders thrive in our competitive interscholastic sports program, spanning the fall, winter, and spring seasons. They face diverse middle-school teams, honing leadership, camaraderie, and teamwork through games and tournaments. This comprehensive program sharpens their physical and strategic skills, nurturing sportsmanship and preparing them for high school athletics and beyond.

Fall Sports: Cross country (co-ed), Field Hockey (girls), Soccer (boys)
Winter Sports: Basketball (boys and girls teams), Ice Hockey (co-ed), Volleyball (girls), Wrestling (co-ed), or may choose Winter Musical
Spring Sports: Baseball (boys), Lacrosse (boys and girls teams), Softball (girls), Track & Field (co-ed)

Peck athletes are incredibly coachable, support each other, respect their opponents, show discipline, gratitude, and resilience, remain committed and courageous throughout each season, compete with pride, and are terrific role models for our younger students.

Scott Dobbs
Director of Athletics

Learn More About Peck Sports (Gr. 5-8)

FACILITIES

Our 32,000-square-foot Diebold Center for Sportsmanship and Athletics includes two gymnasiums—Wentworth Gym and Manzo Gym—as well as two fully-equipped locker rooms, a weight room, and a new indoor training room. Peck's fields are currently undergoing renovation (slated for completion in Fall 2024). A new olive core-filled, multipurpose turf field and a new grass field are being constructed as well as a new spectator area with a concession stand.

artist rendering of the new peck athletic fields

GAMES & PRACTICES

For grades 5-8, practices take place during the school day at students’ designated sports classes, which occur during the last block of the day on Mondays through Thursdays. Interscholastic games and meets (non-tournament, grades 6+) are typically scheduled 1-3 times per week in the afternoons between 3-5:30 p.m. Tournament games may occur during school days or in the evenings.

Peck schedules interscholastic games against peer schools in the local Morris County area and participates in the Greater Morris County Junior Coaches’ Association.