Riverside Middle School

Physical Education General Information & Class Expectations

Welcome to the Riverside Middle School Physical Education Program. Physical Education is an integral part of the total education program. It provides opportunity through activity for physical, mental, and social development. It is our mission to empower all students to sustain regular, lifelong physical activity as a foundation for a healthy, productive and fulfilling life.

Guidelines for Success

· Come prepared and ready to participate

· Listen and follow directions

· Be positive and productive

· Think of safety and wellbeing of all

· Be respectful of yourself, others and property

Participation:

Everyone is expected to participate in each class and participation is a major part of the overall grade. Grades will be lowered for unexcused non-participation. A note from a parent, guardian, or school nurse is required if a student is unable to participate and/or if participation is to be limited due to injury or illness. If a student has limitations, these should be indicated in the note as well as what activities the student may participate in. As noted in the Student Handbook, a doctor’s note is required if a student is unable to participate for an extended period of time (more than three consecutive classes).

Grading:

Every student has the opportunity to earn a satisfactory grade regardless of athletic ability. Student performance is based on the National Standards for Physical Education:

· Student demonstrates competency in motor skills and movement patterns needed to perform a variety of physical activities (skills).

· Student demonstrates understanding of movement concepts, principles, strategies and tactics as they apply to learning and performance of physical activities (games/team play)

· Student participates regularly in physical activity (participation).

· Student achieves and maintains a health-enhancing level of physical fitness (participation/development of affinity for physical/recreational activities).

· Student exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others in physical activity settings (sportsmanship/safety).

· Student values physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and social interaction (participation in extra-curricular activities and other non-PE recreational activities as demonstrated in team memberships, demonstrations of good sportsmanship and teaming).

Dress and Locker Rooms:

Having a change of clothing is the best practice for hygienic reasons. Although not tied to students’ grades, it is strongly recommended that students change for PE. Middle school students are undergoing physical changes that can lead to more body odor during and after physical activity than they had when they were younger. They will also be more comfortable in the next class if they are wearing dry clothing (i.e. not what they were running around and sweating in). Dress for PE should be in compliance with the Riverside Middle School Dress Code as stated in the Student Handbook, and should allow for safe freedom of movement. Suggested articles of clothing for PE are: shorts, sweatpants or windpants and a tee-shirt or sweatshirt. Students who feel uncomfortable changing in the general locker room area may use a toilet or shower stall. Students must have sneakers and these should be tied tightly for safety reasons. We recommend clothing be labeled. Jewelry should not be worn during PE. It can get caught on clothing causing it to tear, or it can cut or scrape others. Lockers are available for storing work-out clothing and personal belongings. Students can get school locks from the PE teachers. Personal locks are not allowed.

We have students with allergies to fragrances; therefore, no perfumes or spray deodorants may be used in the locker rooms.

Class Rules:

· If you hear a whistle or the music ends: immediately stop, look and listen

· Wait for teacher’s instructions to touch equipment

· Report any injuries immediately

· Pets, candy and food are not allowed in the gym or locker rooms

· Wait for dismissal near the locker room bleachers

· Safety first!