Physical Education is an integral part of the general well being of all the students and developing positive exercise and living habits is important to all students regardless of cultural background, ethnic heritage and native language. The basic concept that all people can create a healthy body through regular daily exercise is emphasized and methods to reach that goal are studied.
The main focus is evaluating the students personal fitness levels and developing programs that will improve the individual’s muscular strength, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance. Maintaining these three basic areas will help to improve self-esteem, decrease stress, improve overall stamina and develop a more productive student in all areas of school life.
In addition to personal fitness, time is spent teaching those sports with a high carry over value such as basketball, volleyball, tennis and softball. These are sports that are most frequently participated in after school and in a recreational setting and can be gender separated or co-educational.
The physical education department also supports the New Haven Board of Education philosophy that emphasizes reading and writing across the curriculum. The department allows for a comprehensive writing and reading program throughout each marking period.
Students need to earn one full credit of physical education for graduation.
#812 PHYSICAL EDUCATION: CO-ED GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12
Level None Credit 1.0 FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: None
Course Description: This Physical Education course is grade integrated and co-educational. The course begins with the Connecticut Fitness Test so an individual assessment can be made and personal fitness goals can be established. Besides working on improving and maintaining a high level of fitness, the course also gives instruction in many team and individual sports such as soccer, volleyball, badminton, basketball, softball, football floor hockey, swimming and pickle ball that have a carry over value after the student graduates. The students study and learn skills, strategies of team play, cooperation and sportspersonship. Creative and persuasive writing assignments are expected for each of the units of study. The course maintains a continuous effort to improve literacy and writing skills along with improving critical thinking and self-assessment.
Course Assessment: Daily participation – 50-60%; fitness improvement – 10-20%;
written work – 20-30%, Testing 10-20%
#815 CO-ED SWIMMING GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12
Level None Credit 1 FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: None
Course Description: This is a co-ed swimming course designed to improve the swimming ability of all levels of swimmers from the non-swimmer to the more advanced. Other material covered include Adult, Child and Infant CPR, Standard First Aid and other modules such as weight training step aerobics, water aerobics and water games. There is a $1.00 fee for a bathing cap and a $4.00 fee for lost goggles. Students need to provide their own towel and appropriate swimsuit.
Course Assessment: Daily participation – 50-70%; fitness improvement – 20-30%
written work – 10-20%.
Physical Education Electives
#816 LIFEGUARD TRAINING GRADES 10, 11, 12
Level None Credit .50 FALL SEMESTER
Prerequisites: Minimum Age: 15
Level IV Swimmer (American Red Cross Standards) Fee: $55.00
Course Description: The Lifeguard Training program is designed to present students with the materials and skills necessary to pass the Red Cross Certification testing procedure. If the student passes the certification portion of the course, the student will be qualified to obtain employment as a lifeguard in the state of Connecticut.
Students must be able to swim 500 yards without assistance before acceptance into the course. There will be extensive book and water work. Participants must be a minimum of 15 years old and be a Level IV swimmer. The $55.00 course fee will cover the costs of books, pocket masks and certificates.
Course Assessment: Practical application: 60-70%; Homework: 20-30%; Written tests: 10-20%.
#820 PERSONAL FITNESS/LIFESTYLE CHOICES GRADES: 10, 11, 12
Level: None Credit 1.0 FULL YEAR
Prerequisites: 1 year of PE or Swimming
Fee: $15.00 for pedometer
Course Description: The Personal Fitness course is an intense fitness program teaching you how to make healthy choices in you life. It emphasizes individual personalities and attitudes to keep you involved in the learning process and show you ways to be and keep physically fit. The course will cover health-related physical fitness, nutrition and stress. Each student will develop their own personally tailored fitness program and set goals for lifestyle changes.
Course Assessment: Written assignments/Tests 15-30%, Personal progress journal 30-40%, portfolio and peer assessment 20-30%
#830 WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTOR GRADES 9, 10, 11, 12
Level: None Credit .50 Half Year – Spring
Prerequisite: Minimum Age: 15
Level IV Swimmer (American Red Cross Standards) Fee: $52.00
Course Description: The Water Safety Instructor program is designed to present the students with the materials and skills necessary to pass the Red Cross Certification testing procedure. If passed successfully this will allow the student to be qualified to obtain employment as a Swimming Instructor in the state of Connecticut.
Students must be able to swim 500 yards and pass the Level IV swimming skills without assistance before acceptance into the program. There will be extensive book as well as water work.
Course Assessment: Practical application – 40-50%; homework – 10-20%; written tests – 20-30%
#899 TEACHER’S AIDE GRADE 12
Level: None HALF/FULL YEAR*
Prerequisites: Teacher approval/placement by Guidance
Student must have completed all junior requirements
Course Description: Students enrolled, as a teacher’s aide will be required to be an advocate for success and demonstrate a desire to go beyond the basics. This course is suited for the student who expresses an interest in the teaching field. Students will be given assignments to assist teachers or classes according to their particular abilities or talents. Some examples of assignments include: acting as a mentor, role model or tutor to other students assisting the teacher in preparing for lessons or organizing classroom activities and creating bulletin boards.
Students will sign a contract that states their expected role as a teacher’s aide. Students have the opportunity to earn work credit.
*Dependent on the length of the course.
Course assessment: Students are assessed based on their attendance, performance and productivity as stated in their teacher’s aide contract. This is a pass/fail course.