Class Expectations for the 2026-2027 School Year

I will expect these things when you walk into the gym everyday!!!!!

6th-grade Pre-Athletics is a massive milestone for you guys. It’s less about recess and more about building the foundation of a student-athlete.

Here are five key things you should expect for their sons this year:

1. The "Dress for Success" Routine

Expect a major shift in daily organization. You will be required to change into athletic uniforms daily within a strict time limit. This builds accountability and time management.  You will get a daily uniform grade.  

• Pro Tip: Having a dedicated "gym bag" spot at home helps avoid the morning "where are my shoes?" panic.

2. High-Intensity Physical Conditioning

We are moving beyond basic games to focus on strength, agility, and cardiovascular endurance. Your son will be pushed physically to prepare for the rigors of 7th-grade competitive sports. Expect some sore muscles and a much larger appetite!

3. Character and Discipline Over Scoreboards

In Pre-Athletics, we grade the effort and the attitude, not just the talent.   

We focus on:  Following multi-step directions, showing respect to coaches and peers, and punctuality and "coachability."

4. Introduction to Sport Fundamentals

Throughout the year, we will rotate through the basics of various sports:  Football, Basketball, Track and Soccer. This isn't just about playing the game; it’s about learning the terminology, rules, and specific drills they’ll need to know for middle school tryouts next year.

5. Increased Responsibility

Students are responsible for bringing their gear home to be washed, and keeping track of their own belongings. We are teaching them to take pride in their equipment and their space.  If students are taking other students belonging, we take this violation very seriously and has no place in our program.  

Got Questions? I am here to partner with you to make sure your son has a successful and growth-filled year. If you have any specific concerns or just want more details on our curriculum, please don't hesitate to reach out! eric.miles@argyleisd.com

DESIRED OUTCOMES for PreAthletics 

• Students will enroll in athletics the following year and be able to demonstrate a higher level of skill and performance.

• Students will improve their speed, strength, and conditioning. Periodic progress reports will be sent home showing individual improvements throughout the year.

• Students will easily transition into and be prepared for summer strength and conditioning programs.

• Students will learn the basic rules, fundamentals, skills, techniques, and schemes for each sports unit. Coaches will have the opportunity to evaluate and identify athletes by sport and position.

• Students and parents will have an opportunity to learn Argyle ISD athletic policies, procedures, and expectations.

• Students will exhibit improved decision making in and out of the classroom as they work through an organized character education curriculum.

• The relationships built and knowledge gained in pre-athletics will provide an easy transition to the Argyle ISD athletics program for both the parents and the students.

Students will learn the components of a successful athletic program learning to:

Key Words Students We Use - Commit, Compete, Finish/Win, Maintain Self-Discipline, Accept Coaching, Be a Part of a Team, Overcome Adversity, Develop a Growth Mindset, Develop Leadership Skills &  Have Pride in Their School.

6th Grade Pre Athletics FAQ:

1. What is Pre-Athletics?
Pre-Athletics is a Physical Education class designed to prepare 6th grade students for UIL Athletic Programs, offered by Argyle ISD, while still implementing the required 6th grade PE TEKS.

2. What is the purpose of Pre-Athletics?
Pre-Athletics is designed to provide students with an advanced curriculum directly linked to upcoming UIL sports in which they will be eligible to participate in as 7th graders. 

3. Will Pre-Athletics count as required PE credit?
Yes, state law requires that all middle school students must complete at least two years (four semesters) of PE credit.  This requirement includes the following: two semesters in grade 6 and at least three semesters in grades 7 & 8. Pre-Athletics will count as one year (2 semesters) toward the credits needed for 6th grade PE. 

4. What sports are taught throughout the year?
Fall: Football, Cross-Country
Winter: Basketball
Spring: Track & Field
Late Spring: Soccer

5. What types of workouts can I expect throughout the year?
Physically, the course will focus on athletic conditioning, strength, agility and sport-specific skills. Workouts will be more rigorous than a traditional PE class. 

6. What does a typical week look like?
Monday-Wednesday-Friday - Dynamic Warmup/Body weight strength and Sport Specific Skill Work
Tuesday & Thursday - Dynamic Warmup and Conditioning and Agility Work.  Character Development, Academic Improvement,
7. Will activities occur outside of the school day?
There will not be any activities outside of the school day related to direct athletic competition.

8. What other topics are covered besides sports?
In addition to the PE TEKS; throughout the course, leadership skills, responsibility, academic awareness, and many other aspects will be included to ensure the development of the whole child. Athletes will be introduced to the academic expectations related to being a Argyle ISD student-athlete and will understand the eligibility requirements of all UIL student-athletes. 

9. How is Pre-Athletics different than PE?
Pre-Athletics is a more rigorous physical education course, which requires workouts that will build up to, and then be comparable to the workouts that the 7th grade athletes complete in athletics.  

10. How is my grade determined in Pre-Athletics?
Much like a traditional PE class, student’s grades will be determined by Uniform Dress Out, Participation, Attitude, Effort, and Behavior.

2026 - Key Objectives for 6th Grade Pre-Athletics

Week 1 - Beginning of School Routines (Locker Room, Gym, Weight Room, Procedures)

Procedures & Culture

Locker room routines, dress-out procedures, whistle commands, accountability, and team terminology.

Week 2

Base Athletic Movement (Proper Mechanics, Stability, Performance)

Introducing the dynamic warm-up, proper running mechanics, core stability, and basic agility (drills using ladders or cones).

Week 3

Strength & Conditioning Intro (Strength and Conditioning, Body Weight, Low Reps, Perfect Form)

Bodyweight movements (squats, lunges, push-ups, planks) with a heavy focus on form over speed or reps. Intro to cardio pacing.

Week 4

Testing & Expectations (Getting Baseline Testing to Grow From)

Baseline fitness testing (e.g., timed mile, shuttle run) and establishing individual goals for the year.