Physical Education Program

Physical education is a valued part of the high school program and is also a school and state requirement. In accordance with government guidelines, the program ensures that students are active in formal P.E. programs for 2 hours (120 minutes) or more per cycle. This is a minimum level of engagement and students are encouraged to go above and beyond this in their daily activities, including athletics. Classes are offered regularly and include activities such as dodgeball, volleyball, basketball, and fitness.

Students in 9th grade take the Health and Personal Fitness course in their first semester and this course contributes to their credit for the year. They must take this course even if they are active in other P.E. courses or play a sport. The course sets the foundations for thinking about health and fitness and has a classroom component. A different Health and Personal Fitness mini-course is offered to juniors and seniors in the spring.

Exemptions: If students are members of athletics teams or if they are in extracurricular programs where they are able to participate regularly and document hours and where these hours match our requirements. Students who are on PDS teams are automatically exempt from P.E. classes during the season however, they may attend P.E. classes if they wish. All others seeking exemptions must submit exemption applications to the athletic director each semester. These applications must be approved by the athletic director before they go into effect and must often be substantiated by logs of hours or other documentation. Please read the annual P.E. Handbook for details. Contact the Athletics Director, Lisa McVey at lmcvey@poughkeepsieday.org or use the link above to obtain an exemption form

Read current Athletics Handbook here - this references the sports program at PDS

Read current P.E. Handbook here - this references daily P.E. opportunities at PDS