800 Adolescent Health Issues I

1 credit semester

Required of all freshman, second semester only

This course focuses on family relationships and being in charge of one's life; it provides a format for students to explore the various health issues that affect their lives and the community/world they live in. Students are encouraged to increase their cognitive understanding of contemporary health issues through a variety of mechanisms including writing reflection papers, researching specific topics and discussing the variety of perspectives that apply to each topic area. Through large and small group discussion students are required to use higher order thinking skills as they analyze and consider the range of affective experiences connected with healthy and unhealthy behaviors. Students have the opportunity to practice and apply specific skills such as decision making, evaluating risk-taking behaviors, analyzing actions and their consequences and addressing the realities of peer pressure.

Issues specific to Lexington High School are interwoven into the curriculum. Outside speakers and members of the school community such as the School Resource Officer and members of the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) enhance the curriculum with content-related presentations.

802 Adolescent Health Issues II

1 credit semester

Reuired of all juniors, first semester only.

This course focuses on responsible health choices and the changing nature of health issues that juniors, soon-to-be college students, face. The curriculum incorporates common threads throughout each subject area including decision-making, communication skills and understanding consequences of one's actions. Students are encouraged to examine and debate the complex range of health behaviors that are encompassed by abstinence, drug and alcohol use and relationships. Through a variety of classroom activities students are required to increase their cognitive understanding of health issues and to use higher order thinking skills to analyze their affective experiences.

Issues specific to Lexington High School are interwoven into the curriculum through classroom presentations and guest speakers. As in the freshman course, members of the community with particular training and expertise emphasize key health messages that enhance the curriculum. Examples of classroom speakers include: the school Resource Officer, and representatives from Speak Out, a Gay and Lesbian Speaker's Bureau, a physician, and a person living with AIDS.

Grades and Credit

Grades and credits earned in Health Education are dependent on regular attendance and active participation. Students are expected to engage in, and complete, a variety of classroom and homework activities that enable the students to apply their analytical skills and demonstrate their grasp of the curriculum.

Criteria for Home Schooling for Health Education Health

Home schooling is a legal option (regulated by state law) that has been offered to Lexington parents (by the School Committee, 5/93) who have philosophical, religious and/or cultural differences with the Health Education curriculum (or any other curricular area for that matter). Home schooling offers parents the option of covering the specific curricular material from their own perspective. Parents assume the legal responsibilities for providing home schooling in this particular curricular area.

Parents need to request that their child(ren) be home schooled through a written request (form available from the Physical Education and Wellness office). In this request parents must describe what materials will be used, what topics will be covered and how they will be assessed. A student who is home schooled will need to demonstrate whether s/he has the basic knowledge and skills that are expected of any student who receives credit for taking the Adolescent Health Issues course.

Students who are home schooled will be expected to devote approximately the same amount of time to their home schooling as do students in the Adolescent Health Issues course (ten weeks, four hours/week). The curricular content should reflect the same topics as are covered in the Adolescent Health Issues course (see Course Description). The student needs to be able to demonstrate satisfactory proficiency in both course content and skill development as reflected by written demonstrations developed by the parent(s) and submitted to the school authorities upon completion of the home schooling.

The schools will review requests for home schooling and approval of credit based upon these criteria. For further information call the Director of Physical Education and Wellness (781-861-2320, ext. 2180).

Completed forms requesting home schooling for health education can be mailed to:

Director of Physical Education and Wellness
Lexington Public Schools
251 Waltham Street
Lexington, Ma. 02421

Parental Notification Relative to Sex Education

In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 71, Section 32A, the Lexington Public Schools afford parents or guardians the flexibility to exempt their children from that portion of the curriculum that specifically involves human sexual education or human sexuality issues. Parents must request the exemption in writing to the school principal. No child so exempted shall be penalized by reason of such exemption. Students will be assigned related coursework and materials to occupy the exempted curricular time. For information call the Director of Physical Education and Wellness (781-861-2320, ext. 2180)

Grades and Credits

Grades and credits earned in Physical Education are very dependent on regular attendance and active participation. All unexcused absences will result in grade reduction. If more than two excused absences have not been made up at the end of a marking period, there will be a reduction in the grade for the quarter. Excused absences in excess of two must be made up by participating in another Physical Education class period (with the permission of the teacher of the makeup class) and the presentation of a make-up confirmation to the regular teacher. Students must initiate their own makeup arrangements and may participate in no more that two makeup sessions during one school day. A detailed two-page explanation of requirements and grading policy is available from any Physical Education teacher.

619 (1), 629 (2), 639 (3)649 (4) – Athletic Training

1 credit – quarter

Students will learn the basics of athletic training including basic first aid as well as athletic training techniques such as taping, and prevention, treatment and recognition of injuries, etc. Students will meet twice per week for one quarter. Students who take the one-credit option will be required to complete 15 hours of after-school or weekend time assisting the athletic trainer at sports practices and contests as well as in the athletic training room.

628 (2), 638 (3)648 (4) – CPR/AED Certification

1 credit – quarter

This course will certify students in CPR and AED application through the American Heart Association. Students will learn their role in the “Chain of Survival” and will also learn how to recognize and respond to life-threatening emergencies in the adult, child and infant population. Students will learn CPR for all three groups and understand the purpose and use of AEDs (Automatic External Defibrillators) to improve the chances of survival in victims with sudden cardiac arrest.

674 – Modern/Ballet I
See Interdisciplinary Studies

670 – Modern/Jazz I
See Interdisciplinary Studies

671 – Dance for Musical Theater
See Interdisciplinary Studies

676 – Choreography and Performance I
See Interdisciplinary Studies

677– Partner Dance, Swing, Latin
See Interdisciplinary Studies

672 – Dance for Stress Reduction/Relaxation
See Interdisciplinary Studies

673 – Stretch and Strength for Dancers
See Interdisciplinary Studies

638 Student Leader Preparation

½ credit - quarter

Open to sophomores and juniors. The Student Leader Preparation course helps students to learn practical skills that will be utilized in future Student Leader assignments, as well as in any position of leadership. These skills include: Public speaking, organizing groups, teaching skills, sports officiating, leading warm-up and cool-down activities, applying the basic concepts of a healthy personal fitness program. The course includes several sessions of practicum during which the students are able to assist in other Physical Education classes and/or with exceptional students. Successful completion of the Student Leader Prep class and a Physical Education Department recommendation are prerequisites for enrollment in this class.

685 Pilates

½ credit - quarter

A body conditioning system created over 80 years ago by Joseph H. Pilates, which consists of a series of controlled movements on mats; designed to improve strength, flexibility and range of motion; also to encourage musculoskeletal alignment. Pilates coordinates mind, body and breath to develop sleek and functionally strong abdominal muscles, a strong and supple back, and aligns the shoulder girdle.

686 Yoga

½ credit - quarter

Prerequisite: None For centuries eastern medicine has sought to study the invisible energy, or Chi/Qi, which powers the human being. With modern technology/ science the Chi/Qi has become visible in our neurological pathways. What was once called “Blocked Chi/Qi” can now be described in biomechanical terms as injury, low oxygen intake, and muscular imbalance/ fatigue. The ancient practice of Yoga is helpful in promoting balance in the total human body. Asanas-poses, work proper anatomical alignment, increase muscular coordination and endurance, as well as stretch and tone muscle systems. Focus on efficient breathing aids in the work of the asanas, and helps break “stress cycles.” The coordination of Yoga helps with injury prevention.

Badminton

½ credit – quarter

The following skills will be taught: serve, forehand, backhand, clear, smash, drop shot. Knowledge of the rules and strategy of the game will be stressed. Tournament play will be introduced.

Basketball

½ credit – quarter

Consists of drills to review basic skills and techniques for the game situation. Emphasis is placed on knowledge of the rules as well as in game participation.

Cardio-Kick Boxing

½ credit – quarter

This activity is currently one of the most popular at health clubs throughout the country. It is a lifetime activity that promotes cardiovascular health through a total body workout. This class will develop the student’s flexibility, upper body strength, coordination, timing, and cardiovascular strength. The combination of boxing routines put to music promotes overall strength while maintaining an element of fun. It is also a good lead-up activity to related areas such as muscle toning, general fitness and enhancing self-confidence.

Competitive Games

½ credit – quarter

Students selecting this activity will be expected to compete at an up-tempo pace developing cardiovascular endurance and neuromuscular control. High energy games such as speedball and Nauset ball will be offered in a spirited and fun-filled atmosphere.

Cooperative Games/Frisbee

½ credit – quarter

Students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of non-traditional games with the emphasis on the fun of playing and group cooperation, rather than winning. Students will also learn the throwing and catching skills, rules and strategy of Ultimate Frisbee.

Fencing

½ credit – quarter

The class will be instructional in nature. The skills to be covered include: salute, on guard, advance, retreat, beat, disengage, thrust, lunge, four parries. Once the skills are taught, students will bout against each other and learn how to direct and judge a bout.

Field Hockey

½ credit – quarter

Includes the following skills to be taught and practiced through drills and game situations: dribbling, push passes, drives, flicks, tackling and shooting. Strategies of the game such as: flat passes, triangular passes and through passes will also be included. Knowledge of the rules will be introduced and stressed during competition.

Fitness Concepts and Practices

½ credit – quarter

Students selecting this activity will examine a variety of means to develop cardiovascular endurance. Students will learn lifetime fitness activities while also learning how to measure and test for fitness levels.

Football (Theory/skills)

½ credit – quarter

The aim of this course is to increase the knowledge and appreciation of football. Basic skills will be taught leading to game situations. Basic offensive and defensive techniques will be taught.

Golf

½ credit – quarter

The course will include basic instruction in the golf swing using woods and irons. Golf etiquette and scoring will be discussed and then put into practice while playing on our pitch and putt course. A field trip to driving range/golf courses will be planned near the end of the quarter.

Olympic Sports

½ credit – quarter

This activity will incorporate traditional outdoor games that will provide a tournament-like atmosphere. All games will have introduction to skills followed by team strategy sessions and a round robin tournament.

Rollerblading

½ credit – quarter

This course will provide students with the basic fundamentals of rollerblading, beginning with gliding, stopping and turning and progressing to more advanced skills. All students will be required to wear all safety equipment which includes a helmet, elbow pads, knee pads, and wrist guards. All equipment, including skates, are provided by the school. This course will be taught in an indoor setting, the field house, before progressing to outdoor activities. Cardiovascular fitness and other programs developed for rollorblading will be introduced.

Soccer

½ credit – quarter

This course is designed to give students an understanding of the fundamental principles of the game. Emphasis will be placed on rules and basic defensive and offensive strategies. Skills to be taught include passing, shooting, heading, trapping and goal keeping.

Softball

½ credit– quarter

Includes skill teaching in fielding grounders and fly balls, throwing, catching, batting and bunting. Also stressed will be team play, strategy and rules.

Speedball

½ credit – quarter

This activity combines the skills of soccer, basketball and football into a continuous team game. Various scoring options and team strategies are taught during skill development and game activities. Skills to be taught are: soccer dribbling, heading, passing (soccer and basketball), catching, trapping, and the speedball conversion

Step Aerobics

½ credit – quarter

A comprehensive program combining Reebok Step and slide classes which will incorporate areas of health and nutrition. This course will serve as an overall approach to lifetime fitness as well as health and wellness.

Stength and Fitness Training

½ credit – quarter

This course will introduce proper strength and fitness training principles. Students will be introduced to safety concepts, proper lifting technique, basic cardiovascular training, core training, and individualized exercise programming. Students will apply these principles with use of selectorized, plate loaded, free weight and cardiovascular equipment.

Team Handball

½ credit – quarter

This course will consist of a fast moving game in which the ball must be passed off after three seconds or after three steps have been taken. It combines the skills of throwing, catching, dribbling(basketball), air-dribbling, and soccer goal-tending skills. Students selecting this activity will be expected to compete at an up-tempo pace.

Tennis

½ credit – quarter

Includes the following skills to be taught and practiced: serving the ball and returning the ball with forehand and backhand strokes, the drop shot, overhead smash, top and reverse spins, ball placement, scoring, game rules and strategies. Students will be divided by ability within each class.

Total Body Conditioning

½ credit – quarter

This course will allow students to learn modern and alternative ways to improve overall fitness levels. Students will use stability balls, dynamic movements, core training, rubber tubing, slide boards, steps, and medicine balls for an educational and enjoyable experience. Students will gain valuable knowledge regarding these fitness concepts and their application to everyday life.

Volleyball

½ credit – quarter

The class will be instructional in nature. The playing of games will also be included. Skills to be included include: serves, setting, blocking, spiking and forearm passing.

Recreational Activities

½ credit – quarter

This course will provide students with an opportunity to learn the skills and concepts associated with common recreational games. Games will include: table tennis, bocce ball, pickle ball, croquet, horseshoes, and activity based technology. This course will address the benefits of daily exercise and ways to lead an active lifestyle