Physical Education

The philosophy of the physical education program is to develop physically educated individuals who have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthy physical activity. Brentwood’s P.E. program follows the NYS standards for Physical Education.

We endeavor to guide students in positive directions, enabling them to develop competence and confidence in their physical abilities. We believe this will give them the desire to participate regularly because it has become an enjoyable part of their lives.

A quality program of physical education for children has a definite purpose, has long term goals and is developmentally appropriate. In essence, it makes a difference for children that last well beyond elementary, middle, and high school.

What the Research Says?

All children benefit from regular structured physical activity. Through daily activity, children can improve and maintain the health and quality of their lives. Greater amounts of physical activity produce greater health benefits. Physical activity improves mental health and is important for the health of muscles, bones, lunges, and joints. Physical activity reduces stress, helps to control weight, and is a valuable use of leisure time.

Adapted Physical Education

Integrated into regular classes - The goal of the Brentwood School District is inclusion of all students. When possible, students are integrated at all levels. There are times when Adapted Classes attend self-contained classes to assure all students safety.

Elementary PE

Middle School PE

Students at the Middle School receive Physical Education on a every other day basis (either on an A or B day) for a 42-minute period.
Here are some important things to remember to be a successful student in PE class:

Students participating in physical education class are expected to dress appropriately for the activity of the day.
Athletic sneakers are to be laced and tied tightly. lace less shoes, boots, slip-on and platform sneakers are not acceptable.
No jewelry is to be worn during Physical Education class (i.e. watches, bracelets, rings, earrings or body piercing).

Excused absence from PE Class

To be excused from Physical Education class, the student must provide a letter from either a parent or a doctor stating the injury or illness. According to regulations, students must attend and participate in physical education class even though they have a medical excuse (keep time, keep score, observe the class). A student must submit his/her medical excuse to the nurse prior to Physical Education. The nurse gives the student a pass to bring to the Physical Education teacher stating the duration and type of restriction. If excuse is from a doctor, then the student must get a clearance note to be able to return to Physical Education class. All long-term medical excuses are kept on file in the nurse’s office and sent to all Physical Education teachers by the school nurse every one to two weeks.

If a student is out of Physical Education class due to a medical excuse, they cannot participate in intramurals, extracurricular clubs and/or activities that are physical in nature. Nurses receive rosters for all clubs. When the nurse gets a medical excuse, she can cross reference to see who is in a club.

High School PE

A physically educated graduate will:

Demonstrate competency in motor skills and movement patterns to perform a variety of physical activities.
Demonstrate understanding of movements, principles, strategies, and tactics as they apply to learning and performance of physical abilities.
Participate regularly in physical activity.
Achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical fitness.
Exhibit responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others in physical activity settings.
Value physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and/or social interaction.

Dress Code

Students are expected to dress appropriately for Physical Education class. Acceptable attire includes crew neck t-shirts, sweatpants, and shorts. Athletic sneakers are to be tied and tied tightly. Lace less shoes, boots, slip-ons, and platform sneakers are not acceptable. NO jewelry is to be worn during Physical Education class (i.e., watches, bracelets, rings, earrings, or body piercing). Students are expected to follow the Shenendehowa High School Dress Code Guidelines.

Locker Room

School locks may be assigned to students at the beginning of the school year, this is dependent on locker room assignment. In either instance lockers should be secured and locked before, during and after class. Students should not share lockers or give out their personal combinations to other students.

Students are always expected to act appropriately and respectfully inside the locker rooms. If students have issues, questions, or concerns about locker room etiquette they should speak to their assigned Physical Education teacher.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend their assigned Physical Education class. Any student who has a music lesson, guidance appointment or field trip are required to make up their Physical Education class within a two-week time frame. Students who are absent from school the day of their Physical Education class are also required to make up their class within a two-week time frame. Any students who cut class will not be allowed to make up class and will be given a written referral.

Graduation Requirement

Every student in Brentwood High School is required to complete two credits in Physical Education. To accomplish this requirement a student must pass eight semesters, earning a half credit per semester.

Medical Excuses

Physical Education is an activity and participation-based class. Therefore, anytime students are not physically present for their physical education class they do not receive credit for the day. This includes legal absences due to illness, field trips, appointments, and band/music lessons. Students can make up any legal absence within a two-week time frame. Students should communicate with their designated teacher regarding obtaining a makeup pass

If a student is out of school for an extended period (more than two weeks) their teacher may find it appropriate to distribute written work to receive physical education credit. Assignments will not be used to make up classroom absences that are not caused by medical excuses.