BUTLER TWP — Butler High School students this summer will have the option to take gym class at their own pace, through online fitness lessons and scheduling exercise time at the high school weight room, pool and/or track.

Brian Slamecka, Butler School District assistant superintendent, said the pilot program is geared for athletes on teams at the school as well as students in other physically demanding school activities such as marching band.

Class schedules will be tailored by the students, who will choose designated open gym times to complete physical fitness, and can take online fitness and wellness classes at their leisure. Gym teachers and coaches will supervise and sign off on physical fitness time.

Students are required to schedule at least 30 hours of gym time, and an additional 10 hours can be used at sports practice.

Slamecka said the traditional summer gym class has been popular at Butler. Last year 12 sections of the class were filled. He hopes that with the online classes offering more flexibility, more students will opt to sign up.

The class will cost $150 per student.