PHYSICAL EDUCATION/HEALTH

The Physical Education/Health courses provide students with opportunities to develop skills and habits that promote lifelong wellness. Students who actively participate in the physical education/health program learn the social aspects, challenges, and leadership opportunities involved with physical education activities. Students also develop a higher level of overall fitness. Through a variety of course options, students learn how a healthy lifestyle supports an improved quality of life. Students may participate in the nationally recognized fitness assessment called Fitnessgram. The standards for this test are criteria based by both age and gender.

Credit requirement – Students must earn TWO credits of Physical Education/Health to fulfill graduation requirements. Students may not repeat physical education classes beyond the required number to earn additional credits toward graduation. 

Students may take two Physical Education (PE) classes in the same year only to make up for a previously failed PE class. There is no exemption from the Health Education credit requirement.

Regarding grade 10 health, per Rhode Island General Laws §§ 16-21-7(a) (The Characteristics, symptoms or treatment of disease), § 16-22-18 (Health and family life courses), and § 16-22-17 (AIDS education program), a parent or legal guardian may exempt their child from the program by written directive to the Assistant Principal of Teaching and Learning.

 If parents/guardians choose to have their student exempted from the grade 10 health curriculum outlined above, the student will be given an alternate Health project to be completed independently in accordance with the North Kingstown School Committee NSBA #IHAM-R Policy. 

Medical Excuse: The following are guidelines for students who are unable to participate in PE due to injury or extended illness: 

Credit can be earned for a medical excuse. The student will be given a PE or health-related written assignment to complete during class time. Medical excuses are not retroactive. A physician’s note is required for medicals lasting more than one day. If a student can participate, on a limited basis, the teacher will attempt to modify the student’s program to meet the physician’s guidelines. An individualized plan will be developed by a team of educators, including an administrator, guidance counselor, and department chair, for any student with a long-term medical excuse.

Adaptive Physical Education is a special service offered to students who qualify through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).