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BACK to Grapevine HOME | Shen HOME PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Posted on June 18, 2010 Why do we have to take gym all four years of high school?! Most other schools only have you take it for one year. It seems unfair that we lose study time to go take a class that most people just stand around in.
Posted on June 1, 2010 Please tell me if it is true that a high school west student who misses a phys ed class with a doctor's excuse still has to make up those classes and if so why? Also is it true that "make up" classes consist of running laps around the track instead of regular class activities?
Posted on May 24, 2010 Is it true that when high school kids miss physical ed with a medical excuse that they must still make up the missed classes even though they had a Drs. note? If so why? Also is it true that the make up classes consist of running on the track as opposed to regular gym activities?
Posted on January 22, 2009 Why did Shen change the High School gym policy for medical excuses? The new policy requires students with medical excuses (for example- a broken bone) to do written papers or reports to make up all lost gym days. My child was told she will have to do nearly 8 weeks (approximately 20 pages) of reports to make up her medical excuse days while she recovers from surgery or she will fail gym. This gym policy heavily penalizes some one with a medical condition. Why isn't a medical excuse acceptable anymore? Is this applied evenly to all students?
PE is a state mandated class and full medical exemptions don't exist for any student, regardless of their situation. If a student will only be out for 5 days or less they are expected to make the class up physically unless the medical occurs at the end of a quarter/grading period. If the medical release lasts more than 5 days the teacher and student must come up with another way for those classes to be completed. The teacher may give the student the option to help out with the current unit and act as a referee, equipment manager, score keeper, timer, etc. Oftentimes, students do not feel comfortable doing these things and would prefer a written assignment. Because each teacher may handle a medical situation slightly different it is imperative that parents communicate directly with their child's PE teacher to be sure to keep the lines of communication open and clear.
Posted on August 21, 2009 Okay - let's try this again since you have not yet responded to this when I questioned it about a month ago. I heard that Shen is out of compliance with state mandates for PE. This is a district that claims to be such an advocate for physical activity for children i.e. they can't lose recess because they need the exercise. So now teachers, not qualified PE instructors, are to stop teaching for 12 minutes each day to have the children do exercises (jumping jacks and push ups) to make up for this missing mandated time. Is this Shen's answer to the problem?
Currently, NYS requires 120 minutes of structured Physical Education
per week at the elementary level of which grades 3-5 must be
supervised by a certified PE teacher. As with many schools around the
state, we are not meeting the mandates, but are in the process of
developing a long term plan to be in compliance. The district is
currently piloting a program called “Daily Dozen" where teachers
incorporate 12 minutes of physical activity every day, of which most
do this anyway. If this program is overseen by a certified Physical
Education teacher, it is acceptable by NYS in meeting time
requirements for grades 3-5. According to NYS, grades K-2 physical
education are not required to be taught by a certified PE teacher.
Posted on February 9, 2009 Is the new physical education report card a district wide or state mandated program?
If you are referring to the elementary Fitness Gram, that is not the report card. That is the results of the fitness testing component of the curriculum. The report is the same as it has been in years past. If there are questions or concerns, please call the physical education teacher or the Academic Administrator at 881-0310, x61698.
Posted on September 30, 2009 Why is it that gym coaches who participate in gym classes are allowed to wear earrings and chew gum when the students are not? I feel they should be setting an example but they are not even following the rules!
Posted on November 25, 2008 Is it true that injured students at HS East can satisfy their PE requirements by going to the athletic trainer's office if they have a doctor's note?
Physical education is a participation-based course. If students are unable to participate to their fullest ability they may be assigned alternative activities to fulfill their requirements. These activities do not include going to the athletic training room for course credit. The athletic training office is a great asset to our school as students can quickly access a certified athletic trainer for physical education/ athletic based injuries and or rehabilitation. It is the expectation that students who need to access the athletic trainer due so during their lunch, study hall or free periods. They may be required to obtain a pass from the athletic training office prior to their visit.
Posted on February 25, 2009 Why doesn't the administration allow for students during free periods to attend gym, regardless of whether or not they need to make up a class?
We appreciate the enthusiasm and interest in attending PE even though you may not be scheduled for it. However, due to class sizes and state requirements for physical education classes we can not let students in classes that they are not assigned to.
Posted on May 29, 2009 Not sure this is a district award, but my 5th grade daughter's friend won some physical fitness award (and recently was honored at a ceremony) - if this was a Shen award, what was it and how were children selected? How many children were honored?
The award that was given to selected 5th,and 8th grade students is sponsored by New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, recreation and Dance, INC. The physical education teacher selects 5-6 students who have demonstrated positive character, respect and caring for others and excellent effort in the PE classroom.
Posted on June 11, 2009 After reading the article in the Times Union I am confused on how Shen is able to get away with less PE time then NYS requires? My children are at Karigon and only have PE twice a week for 30 minutes. According to the article this does not meet NYS requirements. Is She looking iinto this.
You are correct that the mandate is 120 minutes a week. As many districts struggle with trying to fit this in our district has taken a proactive approach. The PE department is working closely with their designated building administrators and teachers at fitting more physical activity time in. I encourage you to talk to your building PE teacher and/or call the Academic Administrator for Health and PE K-12 for further information.
Posted on October 28, 2008 I think there should be an AP gym, or at least some sort of competitive gym class. All the gym classes are split between athletes and non athletes, and it’s very hard and not fun playing a sport when half the class either is uninterested or not athletic. Gym would be more fun if it was more competitive. Could this be given any thought?
Physical Education classes are set up to provide the best possible experience for all students. There are some activities/sports that may be divided up based on ability thus allowing for a more competitive opportunity. There are times when this is not possible due to scheduling and facilities.
Posted on October 28, 2008 For high school gym classes, what are the requirements for the classes to be indoors (ex. rain, temperature)?
When the weather and circumstances permit, it is preferable for physical education classes to be held outside. Physical education classes can be conducted outside as long as the temperature is 15˚F or higher. If it is raining, physical education classes will be held indoors. It is expected that the physical education teacher will provide students with two (2) days notification if class will be held outdoors. This is to ensure students will be dressed appropriately.
Posted on May 10, 2010 What is the "leadership in gym class" award that the 5th graders are talking about?
Posted on October 20, 2008 What is the policy for changing for gym in the high school? I have been changed and ready for gym three minutes after the bell, which was acceptable last year, however this year I have been considered late. How do you expect kids to get changed in two or less minutes, especially if they come from classes which are farther away?
The policy for changing is the same for HSW and HSE. We allow students three minutes to change and report to class.
Posted on October 10, 2008 Why aren't PE grades posted on the parent portal? It would be nice to know how many classes you have missed, or what grade you receive on the written tests. PE grades always seem to come as a surprise.
All teachers have the ability/option to post grades on the portal. Grades are not posted yet for physical education because the system is not compatible with their grading system. Staff development is working with the PE department so that they can begin to use the grade book feature. Some teachers are piloting it now. They hope to be up and running by the end of this year.
Posted on October 10, 2008 I was told by my PE teacher that floor hockey is not played anymore in the white gym because they don’t have the correct equipment but in clear view I saw the same equipment that the green gym who does play has. They also said that there is too big a risk for injury but in reality it is no more dangerous then lacrosse.
The physical education curriculum at the middle school was revised this summer and some activities/sports were taken out of the curriculum due to several reasons (e.g. don't meet state mandates, equipment needs, facilities, staffing). This revision means that some activities may or may not be offered year to year/grade to grade.
Posted on October 1, 2008 What is the fitness gram?
In the past, Presidential Testing was administered to measure students fitness levels, now we are implementing fitness gram. Fitness Gram is designed for all people regardless of physical ability. It is intended to help ALL youth find some form of activity that they can do for a lifetime. Fitness Gram provides an easy way for physical education teachers to report to parents on children's fitness levels. Students are assessed in these areas of health-related fitness: cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition. Scores are evaluated against objective criterion-based standards, called Healthy Fitness Zones, that indicate the level of fitness necessary for health. Fitness Gram software generates the student and parent reports, which contain objective, personalized feedback and positive reinforcement. These reports serve as a communications link between teachers and parents.
Posted on January 11, 2010 I have a question about the Physical Education fitness gram (which I knew absolutely nothing about until I read it on the Grapevine). Your response (January 11) states that "heights and weights are done where no other students can see what is being recorded." Is ANYONE present with student and teacher while height and weight are being measured? I think it would be in the best interests of both to have another party present.
While privacy is provided so that the actual height and weight is not heard by others, this is not a closed door type of activity and is usually carried out in a large enough room so that the student and teacher are not alone. In general, our teachers are advised not to be alone with one student in any situation. Obviously, this is for the safety of our students and the protections of staff members.
Posted on January 11, 2010 For the fitness gram my daughter said that they took you height and weight. Isn't this information private? It should not be done in gym class or every at school unless done by the nurse. My daughter rather do the presidential program.
Fitness gram is the approved physical fitness assessment we use at Shenendehowa K-12. We no longer use the presidential testing. The heights and weights are done where no other students can see what is being recorded. The information is strictly between the teacher and the student, unless the student shares the information with others.
Posted on May 19, 2008 When was Title IX amended to require coed gym classes, since for years we did not have coed gym classes?
It was not amended. The district is seeking to comply with the intent and spirit of the regulation to ensure that all students can benefit from various physical education opportunities.
Posted on May 19, 2008 What is Title IX?
Title IX was the first comprehensive federal law to prohibit sex discrimination against students and employees of educational institutions. Title IX benefits both males and females, and is at the heart of efforts to create gender equitable schools. The law requires educational institutions to maintain policies, practices and programs that do not discriminate against anyone based on sex. Under this law, males and females are expected to receive fair and equal treatment in all arenas of public schooling: recruitment, admissions, educational programs and activities, course offerings and access, counseling, financial aid, employment assistance, facilities and housing, health and insurance benefits, marital and parental status, scholarships, sexual harassment, and athletics.
Posted on May 13, 2008 Is the Title IX regulation a school regulation or a state regulation?
It is a federal regulation.
Posted on May 12, 2008 What can students do to change it so that physical education classes aren't co-ed in future years?
Sorry, but it is mandated by the Title IX regulation that "specifically prohibits segregated classes in physical education (§86.34)." It goes on to say that "Physical education course must be conducted coeducationally for females and males.
Posted on February 8, 2010 Gym clothes regulations - I have not found anything on the website that states that elementary school children are required to wear sweat pants only on gym days. Nor can I find anything that states they can't wear Velcro sneakers. My child was in Orenda for Kindergarten, Arongen for 1st and now back at Orenda for 2nd. At no time has Orenda required gym clothes regulations - or have they ever stopped my son from participating due to his wearing jeans on a gym day. I have spoken with other parents of Arongen and they have been told of the regulations as well and thought it pertained to all Shen schools. but, we haven't been able to find any guidelines that states this rule. How can 1 gym teacher have their own rules when others in Shen do not? When the gym teacher for my son last year was asked this - she stated it was a "suggestion" - then if a "suggestion" why have a perception that there is a rule being broken?
Posted on September 22, 2008 Are the President's Physical Tests still used at High School East?
We are in the process of implementing Fitness Gram, which will take the place of the presidents test. Some are using the president’s test and some are piloting with Fitness Gram. Our goal is to have full implementation of Fitness Gram next year.
Posted on September 9, 2008 My 9th grader was told if they miss gym for any reason (like absent due to illness ) they will have to make up the gym class. Since my student does not have any study halls due to an extra elective she was told she will need to do this over her lunch. Since you've already responded that NYSED says that students are suppose to have a lunch period and why is this being taken away for a legal absence?
The physical education recommends that if your child does not have a study hall that he/she should talk to their teacher to work around scheduling issues. The teachers in the department do not recommend making up the gym class during lunch. If you have a concern, contact the teacher.
Posted on May 30, 2008 How do students benefit from coed gym classes? My daughter is in one now at the high school level and she complains when they play some sports the guys do not toss the ball to the girls at all and she gets frustrated because she is athletic as are many others.
The Title IX regulation has always stipulated co-ed physical education. The district is now moving more toward full compliance with both the spirit and the intent of the law. Any issues with a particular physical education class should be addressed with the teacher or the academic administrator for physical education.
Posted on May 30, 2008 Why aren't physical education units like "combative games" and football separated by sex? Why aren't classes based upon skills?
Quite often the choices do not follow gender lines. In other words, there are numerous examples of situations where a male student might chose not to participate in "combative game" unit, while a female student may choose to do so. Ultimately, the safety of the student and the quality of the learning experience are the final determinants.
Posted on March 18, 2008 Is gym counted in your average at high school east?
Physical Education grades are not averaged into a student's grade point average.
Posted on March 27, 2008 Since gym isn't averaged into GPA in high school, why isn't it just a pass/ fail class? The grading seems to be somewhat random and inconsistent between gym teachers and students seem to really resent graded assignments (like papers on snowshoeing and ping pong playing tests) when the grade doesn't count.
First and foremost, a gym is a location where Physical Education takes place. One of the goals of the physical education department is to raise the level of accountability for all of its students. Assessment is essential to accomplish this goal. It is one of the tools used to evaluate where the students are developmentally, and what educators need to evaluate the program to help students learn more productively. The physical education department uses the N.Y.S. PE Profile as the basis for assessment. While assessments and assignments are becoming more consistent throughout the department, there is still some individuality in the approach from various teachers. It is like any other core class. As long as the teachers are working to achieve the same intended outcomes, they have flexibility in their approach.
Posted on February 6, 2008 Why were physical education class exemptions for varsity athletes rescinded?
According to the NYS Commissioner of Education regulations, there are no exemptions from Physical Education. Athletes should be exposed to the lifetime fitness aspects of physical education curriculum which is different from the specific skills being taught in their sport.
Posted on February 14, 2008 Why were physical education classes changed to co-ed, no one seems to like it?
According to the NYS Department of Education: "The Title IX regulation specifically prohibits segregated classes in physical education (§86.34)." It goes on to say that "Physical education course must be conducted coeducationally for females and males. However, students MAY be separated by sex for two reason: 1. When they are participating in contact sports. 2. When grouping students by ability results in groups which are composed predominantly of either females or males. Sex separation during contact sports is not mandatory; if it is used it should be used only during participation in contact activities. If students are to be grouped by ability, it must be assessed by objective standards for each major activity unit." |
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