Physical Education and Health Program

Today’s fast-paced American culture is inundated with technologies that have contributed to a variety of teen health concerns (including: childhood obesity epidemic, bullying, stress/anxiety/depression, suicide, vaping, opioids, addiction, among other risky behaviors), resulting in children that are at greater risk for poor health and for the first time in recorded history, have a lower life-expectancy than their parents. The good news is that most of the factors that contribute to all-causal mortality are controllable (lack of exercise, substance misuse, poor eating habits, unhealthy stress management). Our goal is to have Milton High School students graduate with the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of physical activity and health-enhancing behaviors. A Milton High graduate will be a physically literate individual who:

• Has learned the skills necessary to participate in a variety of physical activities.

• Knows the implications and the benefits of involvement in various types of physical activities.

• Participates regularly in physical activities, fitness, or exercise.

• Is working toward their personal health-enhancing fitness goals.

• Values physical activity and its contributions to a healthy lifestyle including self-expression, enhanced mood, and quality social interactions.

Milton High School graduates will be health literate citizens. Students will have knowledge and skills in a variety of health education benchmarks including:

• Responsible decision-making and problem solving

• Self-Awareness, self-management, and goal setting

• Effective communication, relationship skills and social awareness

• Analyzing influences, critical consumers, and advocacy

Issues that affect student overall well-being can change rapidly with trends and accessibility. Our health curriculum, which is aligned with the Massachusetts Department of Education Frameworks, allows educators to use data and adapt to changes in student risk behaviors. Providing students with current research and best practices regarding health information and skills they need to make responsible decisions. All classes are co-educational.

In order to graduate from Milton High School, all students are required to take and pass four years of physical education/health for a total of ten credits.

The four-year physical education program includes a variety of physical activity units (including soccer, football, basketball, volleyball, badminton, team handball, team-building problem solving, fitness{strength training and cardiovascular conditioning}and health-related fitness assessments).

The four-year health program includes units in CPR/First-Aid, tobacco/vaping prevention, alcohol and drug prevention education (including opioids), human sexuality (including sexually transmitted-disease prevention and consent), fitness, nutrition and eating disorders, conflict resolution/violence prevention (including dating violence prevention and consent), mental health (including managing stress, recognizing signs and symptoms of depression, and how to get help). Student work may include reading assignments, written reports, problem solving, skill practice, project-based learning and oral presentations.