Physical and Health Education

Requirements PreK–8 [E] [M]

All students in grades PreK–5 must engage in at least 135 minutes of physical activity each week as part of the physical education curriculum. Students in grades 6–8 must engage in at least 225 minutes of physical activity every two weeks for at least four semesters during those grade levels as part of the school’s physical education.

All students in grades K–8 must engage in instruction that focuses on obesity, nutrition, mental health/suicide, physical wellness, bullying, drug awareness, and first aid as outlined by House Bill 18, Texas Legislature. Instruction may be administered by the PE, health, homeroom, or classroom teacher.

Requirements 9–12 [H]

Students are required to complete one (1) credit in physical education (PE).

Physical Education Exemption

Short-term exemption from physical education is possible for students who have physical handicaps, illnesses, or other incapacities that a physician deems severe enough to warrant exemption or severe enough to warrant modified activity in such classes. Each case is handled on an individual basis as follows:

1. Each request for exemption or for modified activity must be accompanied by a physician’s certificate. Such certificates are honored, but must be renewed each year.
2. When the certificate will allow modified activities in class, the student should remain in physical education class. The teachers adjust the activities of the student to the disability.
3. An exempted student may be admitted to regular physical education activities only upon presentation of a written statement from the same physician who signed the original exemption.
4. The Foundation HSP allows a physically exempt student to substitute an academic elective in ELA, Math, Science, or Social Studies. The decision for this substitution is made by the student’s ARD committee, 504 committee, or a district approved group if none of the above groups are applicable.

Physical Education Substitutions [M] [H]

Students who receive prior approval can earn a maximum of four state credits for physical education through substitution of appropriate private or commercially-sponsored physical activity, provided the program meets school criteria and is approved by the Campus Director. Questions regarding the process of yearly approval should be addressed to the Campus Director.

Physical Fitness Assessment

Except for students for whom, as a result of disability or other condition identified in law, assessment is inappropriate, the school will assess the physical fitness of students annually. Student results are available to parents upon request.