All students in grades 9-12 are required to enroll in and successfully complete a course in physical education each semester while in high school. It is strongly recommended that eye and mouth guards be worn in activities deemed appropriate.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION TRACK (9-12)
All students enrolling in swim classes will be required to pass a swimming test. Students will then select an activity strand each semester from the following options:
61035 Freshman Health and Wellness Seminar
The Freshman Health and Wellness Seminar was created to develop an individual’s emotional, physical, social and overall well-being. This course is required for all 9th graders. Strategies for time management, stress management and decision making will be woven throughout the curriculum. This course will empower Freshman to navigate various resources to advocate for themselves and others. Reflection and resources will help freshmen become more self-aware as they explore the various impacts on emotional well-being. They will learn strategies to support responsible choices and decisions and evaluate the consequences of decisions on their overall health. Students will also research and discuss how to prevent diseases and illnesses, and reduce risks that can lead to negative health consequences. They will discuss and reflect on social wellness topics and discover how social health impacts their overall health which will enable them to see themselves as advocates of self and others. Working collaboratively with their peers and being introspective, they will discuss relationships, communication and resources.
61050 HUMAN ECOLOGY
1 semester, 1/2 credit, Grades 11-12
This course will use classroom discussion to help students use the information obtained from books, articles, consultants, the media, classmates and videos in their preparation for making health decisions. This course explores how knowledge, feelings and health skills contribute to health behaviors. Students use classroom activities and learn a variety of skills to convey, receive and exchange information, thoughts and feelings, clearly and effectively. Students will have the opportunity to clarify their own values and increase their understanding of, and interaction with, others. Students receive functional knowledge based on the priority risk behaviors outlined by the United States Centers for Disease Control, NYS Commissioner’s Regulations, health and peer reviewed research, and scientifically researched-based programs and curricula. The functional knowledge areas include: Physical Activity and Nutrition, HIV/AIDS, Sexual Risk, Tobacco, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Family Life/Sexual Health, Unintentional Injury, Violence Prevention and Parenting Education.
In addition to the NY State Guidance Document, the Niskayuna School District has Performance Standards for each of the content areas covered in this course. These are available through the office of the district director of health education. This course fulfills the New York State Health, Drug Education and Parenting Education requirements. This course explores how knowledge, feelings and health skills contribute to health behaviors. Students in this class use classroom activities to practice a variety of skills to convey, receive and exchange information, thoughts and feelings clearly and effectively. Due to the mature nature of the subjects covered in the course, students are required to take this course during their junior year or senior year.
62300 LIFETIME – Fall
62350 LIFETIME – Spring
1 semester, 1/4 credit, Grades 9-12
The Lifetime sports strand focuses on sports that stress the importance of lifelong activities. Lifetime will concentrate on the development of sports skills in which individuals will be able to apply in a recreational setting in future years. These coed courses may include tennis, golf, badminton, volleyball, bowling, softball and other recreational games.
TEAM SPORTS
62401 GIRLS Grades 9/10 – Fall
62402 GIRLS Grades 11/12 – Fall
62451 GIRLS Grades 9/10 – Spring
62452 GIRLS Grades 11/12 – Spring
62501 BOYS Grades 9/10 – Fall
62402 BOYS Grades 11/12 – Spring
62551 BOYS Grades 9/10 – Spring
62552 BOYS Grades 11/12 – Spring
1 semester, 1/4 credit, Grades 9-12
The team sports component will stress the emphasis of physical activity as an important part of their life. Students will demonstrate proficiency in related skills and demonstrate an ability to utilize those skills in complex physical activities. These activities while providing an atmosphere for utilization of this skill development will also provide ample opportunity for fitness development. Students will improve previously acquired skills through skill analysis enabling them to continue to learn and improve upon this foundation. In addition to creating a positive climate for participation this component will also provide each student with an understanding of their role as a responsible member of a group striving to work in a positive environment for the benefit of all.
Understanding safety as well as the physical, social and emotional benefits of physical activity will be a primary focus of this component.
These courses may include flag football, team handball, floor hockey, basketball, volleyball, softball, and indoor soccer. This course provides actual game experience and cover skill and strategies. Students in grade 9 will be scheduled in different sections than students in grades 11-12.
Health and Fitness
62650 HEALTH AND FITNESS – Fall
62700 HEALTH AND FITNESS – Spring
1 semester, 1/4 credit, Grades 9-12
This coed course concentrates on individual fitness and health, covering strength, flexibility and endurance. Activities may include aerobic training, weight training and fitness analysis. The fitness component will stress physical fitness as an integral part of overall personal health and fitness. Physical fitness is an area of emphasis in all physical education activities and will be addressed in each lesson. Ultimately, our students will value physical fitness, be able to design a sound personal fitness program, and be able to perform a personal physical fitness program to achieve positive results. Each student will be required to set goals and develop a program to help them achieve those goals.
SWIM OFFERINGS
62730 LIFEGUARD TRAINING – Fall
62740 LIFEGUARD TRAINING – Spring
1 semester, 1/4 credit, Grades 9-12
This coed course will provide lifeguard candidates the skills and knowledge necessary to prevent, recognize and respond to emergencies and to provide care for injuries and sudden illnesses until advanced medical personnel arrives. Students in this class will receive Red Cross Lifeguard Certification. Students must be at least 15 years of age to enroll in this course. A prerequisite swim test must be completed the semester prior to taking this course. Students must be able to swim 550 yards without stopping.
Unified Physical Education
63005 Unified Physical Education – Fall
63055 Unified Physical Education – Spring
The Unified Physical Education course provides a unique opportunity for students with and without disabilities to come together through educational and physical activities, including fitness, sports, leadership and wellness. It is structured around the national physical education standards and grade-level outcomes, which include gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain a health-enhancing level of fitness. The course focuses on the physical, intellectual and social growth of all participants. Additionally, the class supports the development of leadership skills for all students, and the empowerment of all students to foster an inclusive class and inclusive school-wide environment.