PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

                                                                                                                            Year                                                                                           

                Course Title                                Course Number               Offered                   Credit                     Taken

 

                Freshman Program                  601                                      Full year                 1                              9

                Sophomore Program               605                                      Full year                 1                              10

                Junior Program                         609                                      Full year                 1                              11

                Senior Health                             614                                      Any qtr.                   1/8                          12

                Independent Study                                                                1^st semester         1/2                          12

 

The Health and Physical Education Department recognizes the importance and value of regular physical activity. The development and maintenance of an aggressively comprehensive and progressive curriculum is the primary function and purpose of the Staples High School Health and Physical Education Department. In remaining consistent with the “Schools of the Future” document that all students “experience personal success, develop self-esteem and respect for others and acquire interpersonal skills and habit of personal health and fitness”, the Health and Physical Education Department intends to honor this commitment, through the below listed course offerings.

 

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

Grading: Students taking Physical Education will be graded according to the following criteria, and is aligned with the content standards of the National Association of Sport and Physical Education: level of participation, behavior, preparation, attendance, effort, attitude, skill development and knowledge.

 

Uniforms: Appropriate “athletic” wear is necessary. A change of clothes is required, although no specific uniform is mandatory. Sneakers are a requirement.

 

Lockers: Students may choose a locker in the boys or girls locker room for personal use. They must purchase a combination lock from the Staples High School store. This lock belongs to students after purchase, and may be used for their entire 4 years at Staples. Locks must be removed over the summer.

 

FRESHMAN PROGRAM - Transitional/Competency Year    (601)

All freshmen are required to participate in ¾ year on physical education classes in addition to ¼ year of health education. The freshman physical education curriculum is divided into 6 units including: swimming, fitness, tennis, badminton, floor hockey and volleyball. This variety of activities will help support their physical, emotional mental development through both individualized and team activities. Students will learn to identify and improve their individual physical skills and levels of fitness. The freshman health program includes topics on substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, and suicide prevention.

 

SOPHOMORE PROGRAM - Conceptual/Competency Year    (605)

All sophomore students are required to participate in ¼ year of fitness concepts, 1/8 year of health education and complete the rest of the year with a variety of physical education classes. The sophomore physical education curriculum is divided into 7 units including fitness concepts, softball, team handball, new games, flag football, fitness and swimming. The Connecticut Physical Fitness Test is administered to all tenth grade students during the fall. Students will actively participate in a variety of activities to experience and reinforce healthy lifelong habits through both individual and team activities. Students will continue to identify and improve their individual physical skills and levels of fitness. The sophomore health program includes topics on substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS education.

 

JUNIOR PROGRAM - Proficiency Year     (609)

All juniors are required to take a ¾ year of physical education activities and ¼ year of health education. Students will select activities each quarter based upon individual interests and offerings. The different areas students may choose from include: lifetime activities, recreational games, and competitive games. Emphasis is placed on finding activities students may carry over throughout life for maintenance of health, new activity experiences, intermediate and advanced skill technique development competitive game play, as well as social and civic responsibility. The junior health education program includes topics on diversity, AIDS and discrimination and violence prevention.

 

SENIOR PROGRAM     (614)

Senior Health Seminar is a required course. Topics include: drunk driving, decision-making, and self-defense. All seniors are required to take 1/8 year of health education.

 

SENIOR ELECTIVE PROGRAM   (616)

This course focuses on a variety of selected activities during one quarter. Activities may be selected form areas of interest such as lifetime activities, recreational games and competitive games. Activities challenge students to participate and compete while practicing teamwork, sports etiquette, cooperation, decision-making, leadership and communication.

 

INDEPENDENT STUDY

 

To meet the needs of some students, an Independent Study in Physical Education is offered to a limited number of seniors. Independent Study is not to be taken in lieu of regular Physical Education.  Independent Study work is only allowed during the first semester when a course or option does not exist in the regular program or cannot be scheduled in the regular programs. Requirements for enrollment in Independent Study are as follows:

·          Open to seniors only.

·          Only permitted in the first semester of senior year.

·          Activity should involve a minimum of 3 hours per week for one semester.

·          Contracts can be obtained in the Physical Education Office or the Guidance Office.

·          The Department Chairperson must approve final contract for Physical Education.