Physical Education & Health Department

Physical Education in the White Plains School District is an integral part of the total educational program for each student. It contributes to the development of the individual through physical activity and human movement. The Physical Education Curriculum is designed to develop lifelong participants in physical activity, health, and wellness.

White Plains physical education includes the development of aquatics skills, physical fitness, motor skills, individual and team sport skills, and experiential learning skills. In addition, it is the responsibility of the White Plains School District to provide suitable physical education activities for students with special needs. For students with special needs, every attempt will be made to closely follow the regular physical education curriculum with appropriate modifications. We also offer Adaptive physical education and SAIL physical education as necessary. The physical education program for the vast majority of students includes courses such as Aquatics, Fitness and/or Cooperative Games during freshman year and then expands with further options as students progress through their high school careers. Juniors and seniors may choose elective courses in Lifesaving/First Aid/CPR, Lifetime Sports, Project Adventure, Recreation Sports, Strength Training, Team Sports, Yoga Meditation & Mindfulness, and Yoga & Pilates.

It is the responsibility of every White Plains student to attend, participate in, and successfully complete physical education each year. Each year, one-half credit will be earned by students completing this requirement. As per NYS regulations, students must earn two credits in physi-cal education to be eligible to graduate. All courses meet every other day and are half-year except for Lifesaving/CPR, ISP P.E., and SAIL P.E. which are full year.

AQUATICS: Half-year (alt days)– 1/4 credit, Grade 9
This course focuses on developing swimming techniques, water safety, and aquatic fitness. Students will engage in a variety of water-based activities, including swimming, and synchronized swimming. Emphasis is on improving stroke efficiency, endurance, and comfort in the water. Students will also learn about water safety protocols and explore the benefits of aquatic exercise. Through direct experience, students will discover opportunities for aquatic sports and fitness activities outside of school, promoting lifelong skills and enjoyment in the water.

FITNESS: Half-year (alt days) – 1/4 credit, Grade 9
This course is designed to improve overall physical fitness through a variety of exercises and activities. Students will focus on cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and endurance through structured workouts, including aerobic exercises, strength training, and mobility routines. The course emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced fitness routine to enhance overall health and well-being. Students will also learn about the benefits of regular physical activity, goal setting, and how to track their fitness progress. Opportunities to pursue personal fitness goals beyond school will be explored.

COOPERATIVE GAMES Half-year (alt days) 1/4 credit, Grade 9
This course is designed to help students develop teamwork, communication, and critical thinking skills through active participation in group challenges and games. Rather than focusing on competition, the course emphasizes cooperation, trust, and shared goals as students work together to overcome physical and mental tasks. Students will engage in a wide variety of activities such as team challenges, initiative games, trust-building exercises, and problem-solving scenarios that require planning, strategy, and collaboration. Through reflection and group discussion, students will learn effective communication, leadership, and how mutual support contribute to personal growth and group success, fostering a positive and inclusive physical activity environment.

INTRODUCTION TO YOGA Half-year (alt days) 1/4 credit, Grade 10
This course offers a welcoming introduction to the foundational practices, principals, and benefits of yoga. Designed for beginners, it guides students through basic poses, simple breathing techniques and gentle sequences that support flexibility, balance, and overall physical well-being. Throughout this course students will explore ways yoga can help reduce stress and improve mental focus.

INTRODUCTION TO STRENGTH TRAINING Half-year (alt days)– 1/4 credit, Grade 10
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of strength training focusing on proper technique, safety, and building a solid foundation for muscle development. Students will learn about diverse types of strength training equipment, including free weights, machines, and resistance bands. Emphasis will be on mastering basic exercises such as squats, presses, and deadlifts. The course will cover essential principles of progressive overload, warm-ups, and recovery, empowering students to create safe and effective strength training routines. Students will also discover the benefits of strength training for overall health and fitness.

INTRODUCTION TO TEAM SPORTS Half-year (alt days)– 1/4 credit, Grade 10
This course focuses on developing fundamental skills in various team sports including soccer, basketball, volleyball, and flag football. Students will learn essential techniques, teamwork, offensive and defensive strategies, and communication skills. The course emphasizes building a strong understanding of the rules and structure of each sport while promoting fitness and sportsmanship. Students will participate in both practice sessions and competitive games, providing an opportunity to improve skills in a collaborative environment. The course also encourages exploration of opportunities to engage in team sports beyond the classroom setting.

ADVENTURE SPORTS: Half-year (alt days)–1/4 credit, Grade 11, 12
This course introduces students to a variety of outdoor adventure sports that challenge both physical and mental limits. Activities include mountain biking, Orienteering, Snow showing/cross country skiing (weather permitted) and Trekking/hiking. They will also discuss survival skills and basic camping skills such as knot tying and pitching a tent. Emphasis is on safety, outdoor survival skills, and teamwork. Students will develop problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and endurance as they participate in both individual and group challenges. The course fosters a sense of adventure, encourages taking calculated risks, and promotes an appreciation for nature. Students will also explore opportunities to participate in adventure sports outside of school, inspiring a lifelong interest in outdoor activities.

FUNCTIONAL STRENGTH TRAINING: Half-year (alt days)– 1/4 credit, Grade 11, 12
This course focuses on functional strength training, which enhances the ability to perform everyday activities with greater ease and efficiency. Students will engage in exercises that mimic real-life movements, such as lifting, pushing, pulling, and squatting, to improve core strength, balance, and flexibility. Exercises will incorporate bodyweight, resistance bands, kettlebells, and other equipment to develop strength that supports daily life. Emphasis will be on functional mobility, injury prevention, and overall body coordination. Students will learn how to build a functional fitness routine that can be applied both inside and outside of the gym.

LIFESAVING/FIRST AID/CPR: Full year—½ credit, Grade 11, 12
This rigorous elective course combines swimming, lifesaving skills, and knowledge and skills necessary to deal with medical emergencies. After the successful completion of this course, students may be eligible to receive American Red Cross Certificates in Life Guarding, Standard First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for the Professional Rescuer, which would prepare students to seek employment as certified lifeguards. Students must pass times endurance swim test, 2 min treading water with no hands, and submerged brick retrieval as set forth by the American Red Cross before continuing the course. Additionally, asynchronized assignments and homework are required for certification. Pre-requisite: One full credit in physical education and required swimming ability. (FULL YEAR)

MINDFUL MOVEMENT - YOGA & WALKING Half-year (alt days)– 1/4 credit, Grade 11, 12
This course focuses on the integration of mindfulness, yoga, and walking to promote overall physical and mental well-being. Students will engage in gentle yoga sessions, mindful walking exercises, and breathing techniques to reduce stress, increase flexibility, and improve mental clarity. Emphasis is placed on the connection between breath, movement, and awareness. The course encourages students to practice mindfulness in everyday activities, and to explore the benefits of yoga and walking as tools for mental and physical wellness. Students will also learn how to incorporate these practices into their daily routines outside of school.

NET SPORTS: Half-year (alt days)– 1/4 credit, Grade 11, 12
This course focuses on sports that involve a net, including tennis, badminton, pickleball, and volleyball. Students will develop key skills in these sports such as serving, volleying, and positioning. The course emphasizes strategy, teamwork, and fitness while providing opportunities for individual and partner-based competition. Through class instruction and competitive play, students will improve their physical conditioning, hand-eye coordination, and game tactics. The course also introduces students to opportunities to participate in net sports outside of school, encouraging lifelong involvement in these dynamic activities.

INTRODUCTION TO PROJECT ADVENTURE: Half-year (alt days)– 1/4 credit, Grade 11, 12
This course serves as an introduction to Project Adventure, an experiential learning program that uses outdoor activities and team-building exercises to foster personal growth and cooperation. Students will participate in problem-solving challenges, low-rope courses, trust-building exercises, and other activities that promote teamwork, communication, and leadership. The course focuses on building self-confidence, resilience, and collaboration, using adventure-based activities to teach valuable life skills. Students will gain insight into the philosophy behind Project Adventure and learn how these activities are utilized to enhance group dynamics and personal development in various settings. (FALL ONLY)

PROJECT ADVENTURE - HIGH ELEMENTS: Half-year (alt days)– 1/4 credit, Grade 11, 12
This course builds on the foundational skills learned in Introduction to Project Adventure, focusing on high-element challenges that involve physical and psychological risk-taking. Activities such as high ropes courses, rock climbing, zip-lining, and aerial obstacle courses will push students outside of their comfort zones. Emphasis will be placed on overcoming fear, building trust, and strengthening teamwork through these high-adrenaline experiences. The course encourages personal growth, leadership, and group cooperation in a safe and structured environment. Students will gain valuable skills in problem-solving, resilience, and self-confidence, preparing them to tackle both high-element and real-life challenges. (SPRING ONLY)

RECREATION SPORTS: Half-year (alt days)– 1/4 credit, Grade 11, 12
This course offers a wide range of recreational sports designed to promote physical activity, social interaction, and fun. Activities include kickball, ultimate frisbee, capture the flag, dodgeball, and other engaging team-based games. The focus is on enjoying sports in a low-pressure, recreational environment while developing basic skills, fitness, and teamwork. Students will learn how to engage in physical activities for enjoyment and stress relief, and they will be introduced to sports they can enjoy for life. The course encourages inclusivity and builds a powerful sense of community, offering recreational sports to stay active beyond the classroom.

SPORT STRENGTH TRAINING: Half-year (alt days)– 1/4 credit, Grade 11, 12
This course focuses on strength training techniques tailored to athletes and students interested in improving their performance in specific sports. Students will learn sport-specific strength exercises that enhance power, speed, and agility for a variety of athletic activities such as football, basketball, soccer, and track and field. The course emphasizes proper technique, injury prevention, and the development of sport-related strength and conditioning. Students will gain an understanding of how strength training can enhance athletic performance, and they will create training programs designed to meet the needs of specific sports and athletic goals. Students will learn how to research workout specific exercises for their sports.

TEAM SPORTS: Half-year (alt days)– 1/4 credit, Grade 11, 12
Building on the skills learned in Introduction to Team Sports, this course delves into more advanced team sports techniques and strategies. Students will refine their offensive and defensive tactics, improve individual and team performance, and engage in more competitive play. Sports such as basketball, soccer, and volleyball will be learned in greater depth, with a focus on leadership, strategy, and adaptability. The course encourages students to work collaboratively and competitively while exploring opportunities to pursue these sports outside of school. Students will experience games and practice sessions that simulate real-game scenarios.

WATER SPORTS: Half-year (alt days)– 1/4 credit, Grade 10-12
This course is designed to enhance students' aquatic skills and knowledge through a variety of exciting water sports. Activities such as kayaking, diving, volleyball, water polo, and fishing, etc. The course emphasizes teamwork, water safety, and developing skills in different water-based sports. Students will also improve their overall fitness and endurance through these engaging activities. The course will highlight the opportunities available for pursuing water sports outside of school, encouraging students to continue exploring aquatic activities. Prerequisite: successfully passing Aquatics

YOGA PILATES PLUS: Half-year (alt days)– 1/4 credit, Grade 11, 12
This course combines the principles of yoga and Pilates to enhance flexibility, strength, balance, and mental focus. Students will engage in a variety of exercises that promote body awareness, improve posture, and increase core strength. The course integrates yoga poses with Pilates movements, creating a well-rounded fitness routine that promotes relaxation, mindfulness, and physical conditioning. Students will explore the benefits of these practices for overall wellness and discover opportunities to pursue yoga and Pilates outside of school for continued growth and well-being.

ISP (Integrated Supports Program) P.E.: Full year—½ credit, Grade 10-12
This course provides a safe environment for students to exercise and develop wellness and fitness skills while addressing their social. Emotional, and academic needs. It is an integrated approach that supports overall well-being while engaging in physical activity.

HEALTH

HEALTH EDUCATION Full year (alt days)– ½ credit, Grade 10-12
A NYS graduation requirement, this course is typically scheduled in sophomore year and includes the following topics: mental health, substance abuse & prevention, life skills (food choices, basic medical care, consumer education, etc.), disease education & prevention, family living/human sexuality, STDs, and HIV/AIDs. This course is designed to teach and develop health and wellness life skills, and address components of physical, social, and emotional health.