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That’s why every Green Vale student engages in physical education four days a week. PE is integrated into the overall school curriculum in a manner calibrated for each grade level. The substantial frequency and duration of PE and sports periods is a hallmark of a Green Vale education. Regardless of age or skill level, athletics exposes a child to diverse situations presenting endless opportunities for empathy, goal setting, problem-solving, and improvement through practice, leadership, and resilience.

Education surrounding the importance of fitness and exposure to methods for improving and maintaining fitness are introduced gradually.

Athletics Facilities

Indoor:

  • The Watters Center multi-use recreation space
  • Oversized gymnasium with an electric dividing wall that accommodates two full-size basketball courts plus bleacher seating
  • Two climbing walls
  • Stereo sound system to accompany certain classes or events 
  • Mirrored dance studio with ballet bar and sound system
  • Comprehensive fitness room
  • Expansive student locker rooms

Outdoor:

  • Grass fields that accommodate all teams without sharing field space
  • 4 soccer fields
  • 2 field hockey fields
  • 3 flag football fields
  • 2 baseball fields
  • 2 softball fields
  • 4 lacrosse fields

P.E. Faculty

Mike Kotula

Mr. Kotula is Athletics Director coordinating all aspects of the PE program, while also teaching  Pre-K through 4th Grade. He also coaches our GVS interscholastic team each season. He is a former college football player with a master's in physical education from Adelphi University. He is also a state-certified P.E. teacher.

Kelly Gelles

Mrs. Gelles has been a P.E. teacher at GVS for 23 years for Pre-K through 4th Grades. In addition, she is a three-season interscholastic coach for 5th through 8th Graders. She holds a bachelor's degree in physical education from the University of Delaware.

John DeNicola

Mr. DeNicola has been teaching P.E. since 2019. He works with Pre-K - 4th Grade and coaches 7/8 flag football, 5/6 boys basketball, and 5/6 baseball, with having played each of these sports competitively including a L.I. championship in football.  He holds a BA in physical education and a master's in health education from Adelphi University.

Kariena Richards

Ms. Richards teaches PE to all grade levels.  Born in Ireland, Ms. Richards was a member of the Irish national soccer team. She competed in World Cup qualifiers and the Youth Olympic Games. She was later recruited to play at Hofstra University where she earned a BA in psychology while captaining the soccer team to two NCAA tournaments.