Physical Education and Health

Welcome to the Boerne ISD Physical Education and Health Education website. The goal of this website is to provide educators, parents and members of our community information regarding the BISD physical education, health education and coordinated school health programs. For physical education you will find physical education and physical activity information regarding state mandates, district requirements, physical education curriculum, physical activities, coordinated school health information, and how the brain is affected by physical activity. For health education you will find health concepts taught through a comprehensive integrated approach. Topics include, physical/social/mental health, environmental health, consumer health, disease prevention, human sexuality, parenting and paternity awareness, nutrition, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, healthy lifestyles, interpersonal skills, goal setting, decision-making, and CPR/first-aid/AED. You will also find national and state standards for health education, district requirements, current news and research. For coordinated school health you will find information regarding state mandates, program information, lessons and great ideas on creating a healthy school environment.

BISD Physical Education Shoe Policy In Boerne ISD we strive to ensure the safety and success of our students. Students in physical education are expected to wear tennis shoes, with laces correctly tied. Unacceptable shoes include flip flops, sandals, slip on/ flats, crocs, boots, and shoes with heels. To ensure their safety and participation, students with inappropriate footwear will be given a gently used “loaner” pair for that class period, as well as clean socks if needed.

Overview and Requirements for Elementary Physical Education/Activity, Health Education, and Coordinated School Health

Elementary campuses must provide students the following curriculum and physical education/activity time to ensure compliance in both local and state mandates set by the Boerne ISD Board of Trustees and the Texas Legislation:

Physical Education/Activity

Elementary Standards of Service:

• Students must receive a total of 135 minutes of “structured” TEKS based physical education/activity per week.
• Students must be taught and assessed on their grade level Physical Education Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). ï
• Students must wear appropriate shoes and clothing to ensure safety while being physically active. 
• Students must participate in Fitnessgram, a physical fitness assessment that is administered at least once each school year. The results are based on the percentage of students who have achieved the Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ).
• Some students may be limited or exempt from some or all physical activity based on their individual needs. A doctor’s note is required for any student missing more than three consecutive physical education class days.

Health Education:

Students must be taught grade level Health Education Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills. These concepts are taught through physical education and other core subject areas such as science, math, social studies and language arts.

Coordinated School Health

Students must be taught Coordinated School Health lessons. BISD has adopted the SPARK HLC program. These lessons will be taught by the physical education teacher, and will be integrated into the physical education curriculum. The CATCH curriculum (an approved program by the Texas Education Agency) is an additional resource used by the physical education teachers.

Elementary Health Focus:

Obesity Awareness Week

Obesity Awareness Week

Red Ribbon Week

Tobacco Awareness Week

National Physical Education and Sport Week

Overview and Requirements for Middle School Physical Education/Activity, Health Education, and Coordinated School Health Middle School campuses must provide students the following curriculum and physical education time to ensure compliance in both local and state mandates set by the Boerne ISD Board of Trustees and the Texas Legislation:

Physical Education:

•  Students must be taught and assessed on their grade level Physical Education Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). BISD has adopted the SPARK curriculum. SPARK is a research-based program designed to promote lifelong wellness. 
• All middle school students must take at least three semesters of physical education or physical education substitutions. All 7th graders must participate in a full year of physical education. 8th graders must participate in one semester of physical education.
• Athletics, Dance or JROTC are physical education substitutions that will satisfy the physical education requirement if taught by a certified Physical Educator or Dance Instructor during school hours. Students in athletics must sign up for the full year of instruction.
• An approved Off-Campus PE Equivalent Program may also substitute for the physical education requirement for 7th and 8th grade.
• Students must dress appropriately to ensure safety while participating in physical activity.
• Students must participate in Fitnessgram, a physical fitness assessment that is given once per year. The results are based on the percent of students that have achieved the Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ).
• Some students may be limited or exempt from some or all physical activity based on their individual needs. A note from a Doctor is required if the student will miss more than three consecutive physical education class days. 
• Description of the Off-Campus Physical Education Program (see OCPE page) The OCPE Program is a partnership between Boerne ISD and approved offcampus providers that offer activities, such as Dance, Equestrian, Gymnastics, Hockey, Martial Arts, Swimming, and Tennis. Students may not be enrolled in OCPE and any other general Physical Education class or Physical Education substitution at the same time. In order for a waiver to be granted, BISD will follow the guidelines as stated in Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §74.11(d) (7) (C). The term “appropriate” implies that the substitute activity is in congruence with the Physical Education Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) as closely as possible, if not above the rigor of the standards. All of the above allowable substitutions must include at least 100 minutes per five-day school week of moderate to vigorous physical activity. No more than four substitution credits may be earned through any combination of these allowable substitutions.

Health Education:

• Students must be taught grade level Health Education Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills through physical education and the core subject area of science. SPARK HLC is integrated with physical education lessons and Worth the Wait is integrated with science lessons.

Coordinated School Health:

• Students will receive coordinated school health lessons utilizing the SPARK HLC curriculum. Health is integrated with physical education instruction and Worth the Wait is integrated with science instruction

Curriculum at a Glance:

•  Middle School TEKS

Course Description: Physical Education: grade 7 Physical Education students will learn how to identify key elements for success when observing another individual’s performance and apply similar concepts from one sport or activity to another. At this grade level, students are expected to participate in physical activity both in and out of school while maintaining a healthy level of fitness as their bodies grow and change. Their knowledge and safety and the ability to manage their own behavior is reinforced.

Instruction is directed toward encouraging the incorporation of physical activity into a daily routine and includes Aerobic Games, Badminton, Circuit Training, Fitness Skills, Ultimate Frisbee, and Weight Lifting.

Course Description: Physical Education: Grade 8

Physical Education students will continue to understand the need to remain physically active throughout life by participating in enjoyable activities in and out of school. Students will be able to demonstrate higher-level movement skills, strategies, and tactics within game play. Instruction includes Archery, Badminton, Basketball, Fitness Skills, Golf, Team Handball, Volleyball, and Weight Training.

Middle School Campus Focus Weeks:

• Obesity Awareness Week
• Red Ribbon Week
• Tobacco Awareness Week 
• Celebrate Wellness Week

Overview and Requirements for High School Physical Education/Activity, Health Education, and Coordinated School Health:

High School campuses must provide students the following curriculum and physical education time to ensure compliance in both local and state mandates set by the Boerne ISD Board of Trustees and the Texas Legislation:

General Physical Education:

• Students are required to complete one credit in Physical Education to fulfill graduation requirements.
• Students must dress appropriately to ensure safety while participating in physical activity. 
• Students must participate in Fitnessgram, a physical fitness assessment.
• Some students may be limited or exempt from some or all physical activity based on their individual needs. Any student who will miss more than three consecutive physical education class days must have a Doctor’s note.

Certain activities are allowed to substitute for the Physical Education requirement: Athletics (up to 4 credits); Cheerleading Squad (1 credit only). Drill team (1 credit only); JROTC (up to 4 credits); Marching band (1 credit only); Off-Campus Physical Education* (up to 4 credits);

*Description of the Off-Campus Physical Education Program (see OCPE page) The OCPE Program is a partnership between Boerne ISD and approved off-campus providers that offer activities, such as Dance, Equestrian, Gymnastics, Hockey, Martial Arts, Swimming, and Tennis. Students may not be enrolled in OCPE and any other general Physical Education class or Physical Education substitution at the same time. High school students may earn 0.5 credits per semester for a total of 4 credits towards their graduation requirements. In order for a waiver to be granted, BISD will follow the guidelines as stated in Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §74.11(d) (7) (C). The term “appropriate” implies that the substitute activity is in congruence with the Physical Education Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) as closely as possible, if not above the rigor of the standards. All of the above allowable substitutions must include at least 100 minutes per five-day school week of moderate to vigorous physical activity. No more than four substitution credits may be earned through any combination of these allowable substitutions.

Physical Education:

BISD has adopted the SPARK PE curriculum. This program emphasizes personal fitness development by integrating a wide variety of activities, experiences, knowledge and skills. SPARK is a research-based, public health organization dedicated to creating, implementing, and promoting lifelong wellness. Athletic Training consists of approximately thirty Student Athletic Trainers who work with over 1200 male and female athletes in more than twenty sports. The primary responsibility of the athletic training staff is the care, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. Involvement with the program is also a great way to gain valuable medical experience. Students are required to work football and one other sport. During the sport seasons, much of the work is after school or evening, some Saturdays, and some varsity team travel is involved. Students must have written approval from parents and the Athletic Trainer. Upon approval, students will be enrolled in both Athletic Trainer and Athletic Trainer Study Hall classes that coincide with athletic periods.

Health Education:

The primary objective of the school health program is to provide opportunities for students to acquire facts, develop proper attitudes, and establish practices that will contribute to personal and community health. It is a fundamental course in the principles and problems of healthful living. The course includes an overview of medical and scientific facts involved in prevention and control of diseases. A study of drugs and alcohol problems of our society is also included. Counselors and outside advisors are used to achieve the impact needed on selected topics.

Focus Weeks:

Obesity Awareness Week

Red Ribbon Week

Tobacco Awareness Week

Celebrate Wellness Week

FITNESSGRAM Requirements The FITNESSGRAM physical fitness assessment will be administered to all BISD students in grades 3-12 who are enrolled in physical education credit courses each school year. FITNESSGRAM assesses a student’s health-related fitness such as aerobic capacity, muscular strength and endurance and flexibility. Body composition will be measured to determine if a student’s body weight is healthy relative to their height. Some students may be excluded or be provided accommodations or modifications for one or all the assessments based on personal needs and documentation that must be provided by a licensed physician.

Exemptions for Students with Disabilities

Parent Notification Parents will be notified when the FITNESSGRAM assessments will be administered. Students will be assessed at least once during the year/semester. FITNESSGRAM results are provided to the parent in the final report card of the year. All results must be reported to the Texas Education Agency.

Dear Parent/Guardian, Texas law requires that the FITNESSGRAM physical fitness assessment be administered to all students in grades 3-12 who are enrolled in Physical Education or a physical education credit course during each school year. FITNESSGRAM measures a student’s health-related fitness such as aerobic capacity, muscular strength and endurance and flexibility. Your child’s body composition will also be measured to determine if your child’s body weight is healthy. BISD uses the body composition criteria set by the Center of Disease Control (CDC), which doctors use to determine if your child is healthy based on their height, weight, gender, and age. Some students may be provided accommodations, modifications or be excluded from all or some of the assessments based on their physical restrictions. A campus must have a copy of the restriction completed by a licensed physician, to be excluded from any or some physical activities during physical education.

Please contact your child’s Physical Educator for more information.

On your child’s assessment day, he/she should wear athletic shorts, a t-shirt, socks and tennis shoes.

Your child has been taught the following FITNESSGRAM assessments:

• Aerobic Capacity (PACER) is a 20 meter shuttle run. HFZ will be determined based on the student’s BMI plus the number of completed PACER laps. (VO2 Max is the maximum volume of oxygen one can consume per minute of work) 
• Push-ups (measures upper body muscular strength/endurance) 
• Curl-ups (measures abdominal muscular strength/endurance) 
• Back Saver Sit and Reach (measures flexibility) 
• Trunk Lift (measures trunk extensor strength and flexibility)
• Body Mass Index (measures appropriateness of weight relative to height) The following percentiles will be used to identify your child’s Body Mass Index (BMI): 
• Underweight is less than the 5th percentile, 
• Healthy weight is 5th percentile to less than the 85th percentile, 
• Overweight is 85th percentile to less than the 95th percentile, 
• Obese is equal to or greater than the 95th percentile.

Frequently Asked Questions about FITNESSGRAM

1. Why should the FITNESSGRAM assessments be shared with students and parents? The FITNESSGRAM physical fitness assessment is not based on athletic ability, but on good health. No matter what career path a student picks, he/she will live a happier, more productive life if he/she is healthy—and physically fit. FITNESSGRAM provides accurate and reliable information about your child’s physical condition and how it can be maintained or improved.

2. Can a student “fail” the FITNESSGRAM test? No. FITNESSGRAM is a tool to help determine a student’s fitness needs and guides him/her in planning a personalized physical activity program. The test will not affect your child’s grade in any way.

3. Will the FITNESSGRAM scores be posted or be made public? No. FITNESSGRAM information is private. Your child will use this information to set individual goals. You may request your child’s FITNESSGRAM results at the end of each semester.

4. Will FITNESSGRAM results be compared to other students? No. FITNESSGRAM uses Healthy Fitness Zones (HFZ) is to determine the student’s overall physical fitness. HFZs are not based on class averages or any other peer comparisons. The standards are set specifically for boys and girls of different ages using the best available research. If a student’s score falls within the HFZ, it means he/she has achieved the recommended level of fitness for his/her age. If the score falls below the HFZ, the student should engage in activities that will help improve his/her fitness levels.

5. What are the "Healthy Fitness Zones" and how are they determined? FITNESSGRAM's Healthy Fitness Zones (HFZs) are research-based standards for aerobic capacity; body composition; and muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility. These standards indicate levels of fitness necessary for good health. They have been developed and refined over more than 25 years by the FITNESSGRAM Advisory Board. A score in the HFZ represents the level of fitness thought to provide some protection from the potential health risks that result from a lack of fitness in this measure. The beginning of the HFZ represents a minimum level of fitness necessary to have acceptable health. These standards reflect reasonable levels of fitness that can be attained by most children that participate regularly in various types of physical activity. Because of this, we recommend that all students should strive to achieve a score that places them inside the HFZ. It is not uncommon for children to achieve the HFZ for some dimensions of fitness and not for others. Most children usually have areas that they excel in more than others. Healthy Fitness Zones differ based upon gender and age.

6. Why use the "Healthy Fitness Zones"? Why not just compare kids to the national--or class--average? The use of health-related criteria helps to minimize comparisons between children and emphasizes personal fitness for health rather than goals based solely on performance. Since only modest amounts of exercise are needed for obtaining health benefits, most students who participate in physical activity almost every day will increase the likelihood of achieving scores in the Healthy Fitness Zone.

Sex Education BISD uses the Scott and White abstinence curriculum, Wellness and Sexual Health, for grades 5 through high school. The curriculum is based upon medical and legal facts regarding teen sexual activity and provides factual, age-appropriate information that helps students understand that abstinence is the expected standard for teens. In addition to the curriculum, program components include: teacher training conferences, district-wide training seminars, healthcare professional seminars, community involvement, and research.

Overview:

6TH Grade Provides an introduction to puberty, teen pregnancy and STDs. Students also learn proactive life skills and goal setting.

7th Grade Curriculum is more detailed, specifically regarding STDs and legal matters. Students learn refusal skills through role playing.

8th Grade Detailed information is given on STDs, teen pregnancy, and the laws concerning teens and sex. Role playing is used to help students learn about peer pressure, goal setting and setting limits.

High School Comprehensive lesson plans for older students, including an important section on healthy relationships.