We are thrilled to welcome David Barth as South Huntington School District’s new Supervisor of Physical Education, Health, Athletics and Recreation.
Mr. Barth’s experience as a K-12 Physical Education and Health teacher, Athletic Director, and coach provides him with an excellent view and understanding of the entire K-12 program, and the needs of the programs and successes at each level. Aside from his teaching experience, Mr. Barth has vast coaching experience ranging from 7th-grade Basketball at the Friends Academy, to Boys Varsity Soccer at Freeport High School.
Throughout his education career, Mr. Barth has been an advocate for providing a quality Health and Physical Education program to all K-12 students. Outfitting students with knowledge and skills necessary to lead a safe, active, and healthy lifestyle is critical to an individual’s overall success. An aligned K-12 curriculum with lesson plans designed and developed to maximize student engagement and learning are the cornerstones to this success. It is the responsibility of all involved in Health and Physical Education to ensure that when the students step outside of the school environment, they are equipped with the ability to make healthy life choices and that they understand and recognize the value of participating in physical activity.
Mr. Barth believes that participation in an educational-based interscholastic athletics program is a necessary supplement to any student’s education. Interscholastic athletics is a tool that can be used to help build character traits such as commitment, self-confidence, self discipline, leadership and so much more. In addition to the many positive health benefits, participation in an educational-based program creates a sense of belonging and community, unlike any other activity. Mr. Barth is a true believer in the mission of the NYSPHSAA to develop teams and individuals of character, civility, and citizenship, and work to uphold these characteristics on a daily basis. Athletics alone does not teach or uphold these characteristics, both strong coaching and leadership are the driving forces.
With last year’s modified sports seasons, we’re looking forward to a school year resembling some sort of normalcy. Training for Fall sports begins August 23rd, and “you see the numbers at the offseason workouts are pretty strong because I think the kids are just so excited to be there,” shared the equally excited Athletic Director David Barth.