• Frequently Asked Questions

    Why is my child required to take Physical Education (PE)?
    New York State requires that all students in K-12 must attend and participate in a physical education program for 120 minutes per calendar week.

    How often does my child have PE class?
    All students in grades K-5 are scheduled for daily PE unless they choose to sign up for band and or chorus. Students/families that select band and or chorus do not have daily PE.

    How is my child graded in PE?
    Grades K-3: Our students demonstrate competency in a variety of motor skills, movements and patterns throughout each school day which is based on their individual health and fitness. During each semester students are evaluated on numerous fitness objectives and receive a grade based on their performance. The grading rubric for grades K-3 is provided below:

    • Secure (S): Student met at least 80% of fitness objectives.
    • Proficient (P): Student met between 50 & 79% of fitness objectives.
    • Basic (B): Student met less than 50% of fitness objectives.

    Grades 4 & 5: Our students demonstrate competency in a variety of motor skills, movements and patterns throughout each school day which is based on their individual health and fitness. During each semester students in 4th & 5th grades are evaluated on target heart rates obtained during class time.

    EXPECTATION:  Students are expected to achieve an average heart rate above 130 (bpm) during class time.

    • Secure (S): Student has an average of 160 bpm or greater
    • Proficient (P): Student has an average heart rate between 130-159 bpm
    • Basic (B): Student has an average heart rate less than 129 bpm

    Additionally, students in 4th & 5th grades are assessed on Fitnessgram exercises to measure several aspects of physical fitness. Specifically, students’ aerobic performance is measured via the PACER test, flexibility is measured by a sit and reach test and muscular strength and endurance is measured by both pushup and sit-up tests.  You can read more about the Fitnessgram at www.cooperinstitute.org

    Who is my child’s PE teacher?
    PE teachers are specifically assigned to classrooms at every grade level. The assigned teacher is the individual responsible for assigning report card grades and should be the person you contact if you have any questions or concerns regarding PE.

    What are some of the activities my child participates in during PE class?
    Jump rope, jug ball, handball, basketball, soccer, Yoshi, group challenges, Zoomba, tag games, exercise on treadmills, bikes and elliptical machines,

    What is expected of my child while in PE?
    In addition to adhering to the school wide expectations of safety, responsibility and respect, students in PE are expected to:

    • Work to the best of their ability at all times
    • Be prepared to learn new skills, activities, concepts and vocabulary
    • Help yourself and others succeed by working cooperatively at all times
    • What does my child need to wear to participate in PE?
    • Students should come to class in proper footwear, namely running shoes. Students that choose to wear skirts should have shorts on underneath their skirt.