Physical Education & Health Department

 

 

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 will include Aquatics during freshman year and Fitness during sophomore year. 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 physical education to be eligible to graduate.

 

AQUATICS                    Full year (alt days) – ½ credit, Grade 9,10

This course includes a “Learn to Swim” component for non-swimmers and stroke technique components at the intermediate and  advanced levels for swimmers.  Water safety is a critical component of the Aquatics course.  All students are required to complete a water safety project to ensure their personal health and well-being. Other components include water games, snorkeling, and basic kayaking skills.  Throughout the course, safety in and around the water, basic lifesaving and first aid techniques, and good decision making in and around open water are covered.

 

FITNESS AND AESTHETICS             Full year (alt days) – ½ credit, Grade 9,10

This course teaches students all the basics of physical fitness including:  the components of fitness, how to engage safely in physical activity, how to be an informed consumer, how to set personal health and fitness goals; the basics of good nutrition; basic anatomy and physiology.  Students will be exposed to cardio-vascular activities, strength building, Yoga/Pilates, circuit training, and fitness room etiquette.  Students will engage in a standardized fitness test to measure their progress toward personal goals.  By the end of the course, students will have designed their own personal fitness and wellness program.

 

TEAM SPORTS    Full year (alt days) – ½ credit, Grades 11,12

These activities develop sport skills such as teamwork, offensive and defensive strategies, and enhanced fitness. Included in this course are flag football, Ultimate Frisbee, soccer, Team Handball, speedball, volleyball, basketball, and more. Students will experience a competitive atmosphere and will discover the opportunities available to pursue these sports outside of school. 

 

RECREATION SPORTS    Full year (alt days) – ½ credit, Grades 11,12

This course covers a wide range of sports and outdoor activities. It is our goal that the experiences provided by these activities will contribute to the development of an active, healthy lifestyle. Recreation sports: Rollerblading, Archery, Mountain Biking, Disc Golf, Cornhole, CanJam, Spikeball, and more. Students will learn the skills necessary to participate safely and achieve maximum enjoyment and fitness benefits.  In addition, participants will gain the knowledge needed in a school setting to attain and maintain lifelong fitness and wellness.

 

PROJECT ADVENTURE              Full year (alt days) – ½ credit, Grades 11,12

Project Adventure uses games, problem solving, trust, and challenge activities  (including climbing wall and high ropes course)     for personal growth.   This course provides opportunities to improve communication skills;  to build interpersonal skills;  to think creatively and solve problems; and to perceive challenges as opportunities for growth. 

 

YOGA PILATES PLUS          Full year (alt days) – ½ credit, Grades 11,12

This course is designed to provide students with alternative activities for becoming physically fit and healthy.  Students will gain an in-depth experience in various forms of Yoga and Pilates.  Other forms of strength building and cardiovascular exercise will be   explored as well as stress reduction and relaxation techniques.   The goal of this course is for students to discover a form of exercise they can pursue outside of the  learn to solve problems, make decisions, set goals and develop communication skills in an atmosphere that is challenging, supportive, and fun.

LIFESAVING/FIRSTAID/CPR                                                                         Full year (alt days) – ½ credit, Grades 11,12 This 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) and Basic Life Support for the Professional Rescuer (BLS), which would prepare students to seek employment as certified lifeguards. Students must pass endurance and timed swim tests before admission to the course. All students are required to volunteer for service during lunch time swim programs. Additionally, asynchronized assignments and homework are required for certification. Pre-requisite: One full credit in physical education and required swimming ability.

 

STRENGTH TRAINING                   Full year (alt days) – ½ credit, Grades 11,12

This course focuses on one particular aspect of fitness, building muscular strength and endurance.  Students will learn how to use various types of weight stations and machines, proper fitness club etiquette and how to design a strength and conditioning program.  Students in this course will maintain a fitness portfolio that will include a personally designed program and information for maintaining lifetime fitness and wellness.

 

YOGA, MEDITATION AND MINDFULNESS             Full year (alt days) – ½ credit, Grades 11,12

This course will incorporate the numerous forms of yoga in an introductory manner.  Meditation, relaxation techniques and stress reduction will be explored.  The concept of mindfulness will be presented and expounded on.  This course is devised to address    anxiety, stress, flexibility and relaxation.

ISP (Integrated Supports Program) P.E.                                                Full year (alt days) - 1/2 credit, Grades 9-12

This course provides a safe environment for students to exercise and develop wellness and fitness skills wile addressing their social, emotional, and academic needs. It is a holistic approach that supports students’ overall well-being while engaging in physical activity.

 

HEALTH

HEALTH EDUCATION                          Half year - ½ credit, Grades 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), 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.