PATERSON CHARTER SCHOOL FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 8-12

We believe that physical education is that phase of the school experience planned to promote an individual’s health and skill-related fitness development through the participation in physical activities.  The program and associated experiences are planned with special consideration for the needs of individuals as well as members of a social group.  We believe the health of each individual is dependent on the establishment of understandings and habits, which prepares all students to actively and effectively achieve and promote lifelong wellness.  The physical education program introduces and reinforces for each individual the sources, knowledge, and skills to enable them to effectively utilize their leisure time and, if necessary, develop a personal fitness program for future needs.

Our program combines the introduction and enjoyable participation in a wide variety of sports-related activities that help students develop the knowledge, attitudes, motor skills, behavioral skills, and confidence needed to adopt and maintain physically active lifestyles.  The planned and sequential physical education curriculum will emphasize knowledge about the benefits of physical activity and the recommended amounts and types of physical activity needed to promote health. The sequence will allow students to attain the required 16 credits for graduation.

We will provide for opportunities for physical activities that:

• Are appropriate and enjoyable for students of all skill levels and are not limited to competitive sports.
• Appeal to females and males, and students from diverse backgrounds.
• Can serve as a foundation for activities throughout life.
• Are offered on a daily basis.

During our Health Education component, as we consider the well-being of our adolescent population, the situation becomes even more serious.  They have the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives than earlier generations because of better nutrition, improved sanitation, the widespread use of vaccines and antibiotics, and highly sophisticated surgical techniques.  Yet the rate of adolescent mortality is far too high.  Accidents (frequently related to substance abuse), suicides, and homicides account for about 80 percent of all deaths among teenagers.  The highest rate of increase in sexually transmitted diseases occurs in this population.  Undoubtedly, lives can be saved and be of higher quality if behaviors that promote health are chosen.

The importance of health education has never been greater.  Knowledge gained in health education affects attitudes and, consequently, behavior.  Students learn that their decisions affect all of the areas of health.  They discover that the decisions they make can promote their health and their enjoyment of life now and in the future.