Deer Park School District

Deer Park Expands Intramural Sports Opportunities at Elementary Level

The district has introduced intramural sports programs at its elementary schools, giving students more opportunities to explore a variety of athletic activities while building skills, confidence and enthusiasm for lifelong physical activity.

The initiative began at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, led by physical education teachers Ryan Argenziano and Keri Zuk, who previously ran intramural programs before budget cuts eliminated them. Drawing on their experience as varsity-level coaches, the teachers developed a proposal and presented it directly to Superintendent Jim Cummings, who approved the plan and encouraged the school to move forward.

The program was designed to introduce students to a wide range of sports in a fun and supportive environment, increase participation in physical activity, and help students discover interests that could carry through middle school, JV and varsity athletics. It also connects families with community-based resources so students can continue playing beyond the school day.

Last year, Argenziano and Zuk noticed a decline in participation in certain team sports as students advanced through the grades. In response, club units were dedicated to intramural activities to spark interest early and sustain excitement as students progress. As a result, JFK launched an intramural club that introduces students to sports they will encounter at the middle and high school levels.

Student interest was immediate and strong. Due to high participation, JV and middle school coach Keri Schumaker, joined the program to work with third graders on foundational skills and proper techniques while Zuk and Argenziano focus on fourth and fifth graders, helping prepare them for middle school athletics.

After completing the first unit on basketball, students were connected with community opportunities at St. Cyril’s and Suffolk PAL to continue playing outside of school. The program has since moved on to volleyball, with additional sport units planned, including flag football, baseball, softball, soccer, badminton, tennis and lacrosse. Each unit is skill-based, and students use short instructional videos to learn rules and techniques.

"We’re excited about how the program is already engaging students and building enthusiasm for lifelong physical activity and helping our Deer Park school sports teams," Zuk said.

"We are thrilled with the success and growth of this program and look forward to seeing how it continues to inspire our students in the years ahead," JFK Principal Kelly Benson said.

John Quincy Adams Primary School launched its intramural program on Dec. 4, led by physical education teacher Ted Kockenmeister. The after-school program meets weekly for a total of 10 sessions, focusing on five different sports, with two sessions dedicated to each, beginning with bowling.

"I look forward to continuing the program, and I think the students will have fun and learn a little more about the sport than they would in a regular PE class," Kockenmeister said.

At May Moore Primary School, the intramural program began in January under the direction of physical education teacher Dan Friend and first grade teacher Alyssa Torres. The program is paired with the school’s Sports Club and offers students opportunities to explore sports skills in greater depth.