Physical Education/ Health

The Enhanced P.E. standards correlates directly to the health and well-being of students for the rest of their lives. There are cognitive benefits which make students more receptive to learning.

The Physical Development and Health Curriculum lists eight philosophical statements that describe department beliefs:

1. Physical Education and Health make unique contributions to students’ physical development and significantly contributes to students’ social, emotional, and intellectual needs.
2. Students need to learn the importance of caring properly for the body, as well as how to use the body more efficiently.
3. Students must prepare early for healthy lives, remain active and fit, and develop an understanding of lifetime wellness.
4. Daily vigorous physical activity increases physical fitness and contributes significantly to cognitive fitness.
5. A positive attitude toward an active, healthy lifestyle will contribute to the development of an optimum level of wellness, now and in the future.
6. Emphasis needs to be placed on making activities age-appropriate, exciting, enjoyable, rewarding and challenging within a physically and emotionally safe environment.
7. The learning environment must be one that motivates, encourages and contributes to the development of healthy attitudes towards wellness.
8. Professional development activities are available to each physical education and health teacher throughout every school year.

Safety and emotional well-being are important aspects in the implementation of the physical education program. Appropriate activities for each grade level are carefully selected so that students are participating within the limits of their age, skill and grade level. Rules are taught and reinforced.  A professional staff guides students to recognize their own physical limitations and how to adjust their behavior accordingly.  Students are expected to demonstrate respect for individual differences. Effort and participation are valued as key factors in personal growth.