Health and Fitness
Health & Fitness Department Philosophy
Department Goals
Physical -- The students understand their potential and constantly strive to better their skills and realize the importance of physical exercise.
Social -- The students abide by the rules, demonstrate good sportsmanship, accept responsibility, contribute to the welfare of the group, and respect the rights of others.
Emotional -- The students demonstrate self-control regardless of how trying the situations may be, consider cooperation rather than winning at all costs, and gain relaxation through physical activity as a participant or as a spectator.
Mental -- The students learn rules, strategies, and an understanding of activities for participation or as a spectator.
To complete a balanced two-year required program of health & fitness, it is recommended that students take the following:
One team activity such as volleyball and soccer or one individual/lifetime activity such as tennis and golf.
One developmental activity such as weight training and fitness and weights.
One year of 9th Health & Fitness including one semester of health.
Graduation and Waiver Requirements for Health & Fitness:
All high school students are required to complete the state graduation requirements of two credits in health and fitness, subject to the provisions set forth below.
All students shall be enrolled in a one-year course - one (1) credit – of study in health and fitness during their 9th grade year. Course content shall be directed toward meeting EALRs through “Standard Four”, including the development of a “Personal Health and Fitness Plan” and adopted grade level expectations. Exceptions may be granted for those students with approved Individualized Education Programs (IEP).
Students may apply for, and will be granted, a waiver from the second year of the fitness requirement upon completion of the requirements set forth below. The administration must approve a student’s application for waiver of the second year fitness requirement, based on the student’s participation in “directed athletics” if:
the student has received a passing grade in the 9th grade health and fitness requirement;
the student is an active participant in directed athletics, other than during health and fitness classes, for a period of 150 hours during the student’s sophomore and/or junior year. Directed athletics include, but are not limited to: all interscholastic and community-based sport and/or activities, such as swimming, dance, crew, or gymnastics, where the student’s athletic experience is directed by an adult who is at least twenty-one years of age;
upon completion of the school year for which a waiver is to be claimed, the student’s parent or legal guardian submits a signed form attesting to the student’s completion of the 150 hours, with signed verification by the supervising adult, as set forth in 2) above; and;
the student demonstrates that he/she will maintain enrollment in six subject matter classes each semester in grades 10-12, and is involved in a track of study which would otherwise be interrupted, such as, IB(International Baccalaureate), AP(Advanced Placement), CTE(Career & Technical), Running Start, Remediation, Arts & Music, Foreign Language, Science, and/or other academic track.
If a student transfers into the Olympia School District and has not met the first year health and fitness requirement, the student will first meet such requirement prior to applying for a waiver of the second year fitness requirement.
A student who is granted a waiver under this policy is not excused from meeting the total number of credits required to graduate from the Olympia School District. A waiver from the second year of health and fitness may be granted in those circumstances where, in the reasonable opinion of the school, it is in the best interest of the student. Under an accompanying procedure, the Superintendent will set forth the criteria under which such circumstances may occur.
Freshman Health and Fitness
Credit: Health & Fitness
Prerequisite: None
Length: 1 year
Grade level: 9
This class is intended to increase a students understanding of physical, social, emotional, and the mental aspects that relates to an individuals well being. This class will integrate fitness and health as it applies to a student’s life. This is a participation class and daily dressing down is required. Successful completion of 9th grade Fitness for Life is required for graduation.
10-12 Lifetime Activity & Fitness A, B
Credit: Health & Fitness
Prerequisite: Freshman Health and Fitness
Length: 1 semester
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
This class is designed to offer the students the opportunity to play paddle/racket sports, court sports, and alternative sports through one semester. It is the intentions to have the students perform all activities from a recreational skill level. Games change each semester. A sample of games might include tennis, badminton, volleyball, basketball, team handball, golf, Takraw, lacrosse, speedball, ultimate Frisbee, and floor hockey to name a few. Through handouts, discussions, skill practice, and game playing the students will learn history, rules, and strategies, which will enable them to play with a level of confidence.
Cardio Fitness A, B
Credit: Health & Fitness
Prerequisite: Freshman Health and Fitness
Length: 1 semester
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
This class is designed to improve or maintain the student’s level of fitness by improving flexibility, muscular strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness through various aerobic and anaerobic activities; step aerobics, floor aerobics, kickboxing, yoga, Pilates, circuit training, weight training, running, plyometrics, and power walking. The topics of nutrition, proper training, weight management, body composition, and wellness will be addressed.
Success Oriented Health & Fitness A, B
Credit: Health & Fitness
Prerequisite: Instructor approval
Length: 1 semester (may be repeated)
Grade level: 9, 10, 11, 12
This unique Health & Fitness class is designed to give all students a chance to perform at their individual best. Students needing extra assistance are paired with mentors to enable them to be more successful in various types of team, individual, developmental, and alternative activities. All students can expect to be an active, suited participant. The goal of the class is to make Health & Fitness a fun place where self-esteem is fostered.
Strength Training A, B
Credit: Health & Fitness
Prerequisite: Freshman Health and Fitness
Length: 1 semester (may be repeated)
Grade level: 10, 11, 12
This progressive coed class is open to all students who desire to learn the fundamentals of sound lifting techniques and proper training principals. Students are given daily exercise programs that are designed to meet the specific training levels and needs of individuals. Various assessments are made to measure the students understanding of weight room nomenclature, anatomy, fitness concepts, lifting technique, and training principals. While each student should experience a significant improvement in their strength, stamina, and flexibility, students are evaluated only upon their active participation and successful completion of assigned tasks, not upon the individual’s strength or strength gains. Students who repeat this class may expect to be challenged each semester with new learning and to act as peer mentors to first time students. All students are required to keep logs of their daily performance.
Body Shape A, B
Credit: Health & Fitness
Prerequisite: Freshman Health & Fitness
Length: 1 semester ( may be repeated)
Grade level: 10, 11, 12
This course is designed with a yoga, Pilate’s and strength emphasis. The objective is to increase muscle tone, flexibility, and a change in body composition. Body Shape is a unique strength class designed to work your whole body through continuous exercise using a variety of equipment such as free weights, body bars, bands and balls. This class is great for students who want to improve muscle strength & endurance and increase their metabolism.
Women’s Lifetime Health and Fitness A, B
Credit; Health & Fitness
Prerequisite: Freshman Health & Fitness
Length: 1 semester (may be repeated)
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12
This class is designed to address women’s health and fitness issues. Topics include nutrition, fitness programming, self defense, consumerism, reproductive health care and disease prevention. Topics will vary each semester. The course will also include fitness planning and activities.
Weight Management A, B
Credit: Health & Fitness
Prerequisite: none
Length: 1 semester (may be repeated)
Grade level: 10, 11, 12
The objective of this class is to monitor students’ diet and create obtainable fitness goals to achieve weight loss. This course is designed for students who are overweight. Students will learn lifetime strategies for both diet and exercise. Students will participate in various aerobic and strength activities to promote weight loss. Fitness programs will be designed to meet the needs of each student. Students should enter into this class with a positive attitude and ready to meet the challenges of weight management.