REQUIREMENTS FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Students in grades K-2 will participate in physical education classes two days per week for 40 weeks, and each class is 45 minutes in length. Students in grades 3-5 will participate in physical education classes 3 days per week for 40 weeks, and each class is 45 minutes in length. All students in grades K-3 are required to wear sneakers in the gymnasium. In grades 4-5 the students are required to change from their school clothes to a t-shirt, shorts and sneakers for their PE classes. It is recommended that the clothing for all students allows for ease of movement.

 MISSION STATEMENT OF ELEMENTARY PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical Education is based upon the acquisition of knowledge, attitudes and skills that are the foundation for participating in quality activity. Physical Education’s mission is to empower all students to sustain regular, lifelong physical activity as a foundation for a healthy, productive and fulfilling life. At the elementary level, Physical Education is a sequential educational program in which basic skills are learned in grades kindergarten through second. These skills are then continually developed and enhanced in grades three through five. 
The elementary program is based on physical activities undertaken in an active, caring, supportive and non-threatening atmosphere in which every student is challenged and successful. Students with disabilities are provided with a learning environment that is modified, when necessary, to allow maximum participation. As a result of a quality K-5 Physical Education experience, students will:

• attain competency in a variety of age-appropriate physical activities
• appreciate the need to engage in personal fitness activities that achieve and maintain physical fitness
• know the benefits of engaging in regular physical activity
• demonstrate responsible personal and social behavior while engaged in physical activity
• understand that participation in physical activity promotes an understanding of differences among people
• understand that physical activity provides an opportunity for enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and communication
• participate regularly in health-enhancing physical activities
• apply concepts and principles of movement to learning and developing new skills.

 New York State Learning Standards

Standard One: Personal Health and Fitness
Students will have the necessary knowledge and skills to establish and maintain physical fitness, participate in physical activity, and maintain personal health. 

Standard Two: A Safe and Healthy Environment
Students will acquire the knowledge and ability necessary to create and maintain a safe and healthy environment.

Standard Three: Resource Management
Students will understand and be able to manage their personal and community resources.

 FITNESS TESTING FOR GRADES 3 - 5

FitnessGram

All students in grades 3-5 will take a health-related fitness assessment twice each school year. One test will be given in the Fall while another will be given in the Spring. The Fitnessgram is an assessment tool that enables students to become more knowledgeable about their own fitness levels and reinforces the importance of regular physical activity. 

There are several components to health-related physical fitness: aerobic capacity; body composition; Trunk strength; and muscular strength, endurance and flexibility. The test items include the pacer test, curl-ups, sit and reach and pull-ups. Each test has a related “Healthy Fitness Zone” associated with it so that children learn that extremely high levels of fitness are admirable, but not necessary to accomplish a healthy lifestyle.