May 21, 2013

"Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body. It is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity."

                                      —John F. Kennedy 

Physical Education Requirement

All students in grades K-12 are required by New York state to participate in the Physical Education Program. For a student to graduate High School, they must successfully earn two credits of physical education. A half unit of credit is given for the successful completion of physical education at each grade level. 

Elementary Physical Education Policies

Physical Fitness Attire

Students must wear sneakers that have either laces or Velcro. They must have good support and non-marking soles. Footwear such as hiking boots, wrestling shoes, heeled boots, flip flops/shoes of any type are unacceptable. Safety is our primary concern. T-shirts and athletic shorts or an athletic sweat suit are acceptable. Please refrain from wearing skirts or dresses for activities or wear shorts under them.

Freshen-up Time

Third, fourth and fifth-grade classes will have time to wash hands and face at the end of class in the locker rooms. If they use deodorant, this is the time to reapply.

Medical Excuses

Students who have notes to be excused from physical education classes should bring the notes to the nurses office immediately after reporting to homerooms. An excuse from physical education means that no sports/activities will be allowed at recess time either. A note from a parent is effective for only three consecutive days. If necessary to be excused from physical education longer than three days, a note from a physician is required.

Grading

The focus will be on the student’s effort, participation, sportsmanship and being prepared for class.

Schedules

Kindergarten, First, and Second grade will have P.E. EVERY DAY for 30 minutes.

Third, Fourth, and Fifth grade will have P.E. EVERY OTHER DAY for 50 minutes.

The President’s Challenge 

The President's Challenge is a physical fitness and award program open to second- through fifth-graders. It includes five events that measure muscular strength/endurance, cardio-respiratory endurance, speed, agility, and flexibility. The program offers two different awards. Learn more about the program.

Presidential Award–Boys and girls who score at or above the 85th percentile on all 5 events are eligible.

National Award–Girls and boys who score at or above the 50th percentile on all 5 events-but fall below the 85th in one or more of the events.

Events:
1. Curl-ups: To measure abdominal strength/ endurance by maximum number of curl-ups in one minute.
2. Shuttle Run: To measure speed and agility.
3. Endurance Run/Walk: To measure heart/lung endurance by fastest time to cover a mile distance ( 1/2 mile for second grade).
4. Pull-ups: To measure upper body strength/endurance by maximum number of pull-ups completed (*To qualify for Presidential Award). OR flex-arm hang alternative to pull-ups (*To qualify for National Award).
5. Sit and Reach: To measure flexibility of lower back and hamstrings.