Juggling Course : Classiest Act? It’s a Toss-Up

Sixth-graders in Calabasas have juggled a new course into their crowded curriculum of English, math, science and social studies.

A physical education class in juggling has become a requirement for the 250 sixth-grade pupils at A. E. Wright Middle School.

A final exam of sorts was staged Wednesday for two dozen students who competed for trophies in a lunchtime contest. They juggled apples, hard-boiled eggs, cartons of milk and soda cans from their lunch bags, along with tennis balls provided by the school.

“Juggling is perfect for teaching hand-eye and foot coordination,” said Jean Flemion, head of the school’s physical education department. “It’s a non-threatening activity that gives everybody a chance to succeed, whether they’re an all-star or not.”

Flemion said he got the idea for the class when he received a juggling book and three toy balls as a Christmas gift a few years ago. He said he was surprised by the degree of coordination required to keep the three balls flying.

Donald Zimring, Wright’s assistant principal, said Los Angeles County school officials have nominated the unusual juggling class for an award from the California Assn. of Health, Recreation, Physical Education and Dance Teachers.

Wednesday’s top jugglers were Andy Ziskin, 12, and Cass Bird, 11. Andy juggled four balls at once; Cass did some 360-degree spins while juggling three balls.

Tucker Heintz, 11, was spattered by chocolate milk from a carton he used in the act that won second place. He said the class has caused him to juggle his priorities as well.

“I wanted to be maybe an airplane pilot or an actor when I grow up,” he said. “But now I think I might join the circus. I could be a juggling clown.”