HEALTH and PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Courses marked with a 🌐 satisfy the 21st Century Life & Career requirement. 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION / HEALTH        

CREDITS: 5

Grades: 9-12

The co-educational physical education program is designed to incorporate the most desirable aspects of team, dual, individual, and recreational activities. Health-related fitness is emphasized.  Each student is required to take three quarters of physical education and one quarter of health each year in school. Students in grades nine and ten are exposed to a wide variety of sports, games and physical activities.  

Conditioning activities concentrate on strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, body composition and cardiovascular fitness.  The units offer stress fundamental skills and knowledge. Following each unit, 

individual skills, knowledge of rules, and understanding of techniques are evaluated.

Health and physical education classes are courses required by the state of New Jersey and must be passed each year. If a student fails health and physical education for the year he/she is strongly encouraged to seek out a remedial summer school class.

GRADE 9

Health Education for grade nine consists of units on mental health, the human life cycle, sexually transmitted diseases, and drugs.  Students successfully completing the course will have a better understanding of how mental health relates to total health and will discover ways to improve and maintain their own mental health.  The family living unit deals with becoming sexually mature and a study of the life cycle from human reproduction through the birth process.  The units on sexually transmitted diseases and drugs serve to increase the student's awareness regarding the beneficial effects of good health practices.

GRADE 10

The tenth grade Health Education program is devoted to driver education theory.  This course will meet the mandate for 30 hours of classroom instruction and includes all aspects of driving techniques and safety, automotive care, financial responsibility, defensive driving, and the study of traffic laws and regulations.  The goal of the unit is to provide the student with the knowledge and skills needed to become a safe, efficient user of the highway transportation system as a driver and a passenger. 

GRADE 11

Grade eleven Health Education deals with the topics of physiology of exercise and the effects of safe exercise. The physiology of exercise unit emphasizes lifetime fitness through discussion and laboratory activities dealing with the health-related aspects of fitness.  Students will gain an awareness of health-related fitness and the lifelong importance of maintaining and developing good health.  In addition, the subject matter presented will help students to understand the reasons for many exercise related injuries; increase prevention knowledge with the hope of eliminating or minimizing the cause of many injuries; and encourage the development of judgment skills. Students will come to the realization that an understanding of the functioning of the human body is directly related to the principles of health maintenance. Grade eleven students will also have the option to elect Strength and Conditioning I to fulfill their Health and Physical Education requirement.

GRADE 12

Grade twelve Health Education course deals with life skills, life choices and contemporary health issues in the arena of a career-oriented single lifestyle and/or the institution of marriage.  Topics presented include communication skills, goal setting and decision-making, assertiveness training, conflict resolution and a profile of marriage. The course is concerned with personal relationships and the natural progression of experiences that draw young men and women almost magnetically toward marriage. The examination of marriage and parenthood helps students to realize that preparation for marriage is a combination of knowledge acquisition and attitude development. Students are challenged to develop a realistic view of a single lifestyle and married life and are encouraged to make their own decisions, responsibly, based on factual information.

Grade twelve students will also have the option to elect Strength and Conditioning I or II to fulfill their Health and Physical Education requirement. 

ALTERNATE PATHWAYS FOR PHYSICAL EDUCATION CREDIT

CREDITS: 5

MARKING PERIODS 1, 2, and 4

Grade: 12

Prerequisite: Successful completion of PE 9, 10, and 11 without failure or loss of credit.

Recommendation: None

Also known as Option 2, Alternative Pathways allows students the opportunity to satisfy their New Jersey Department of Education Physical Education requirements with qualified substitute programming and/or participation in approved physical education alternatives. Eligible alternate activities include participation in a varsity sport, participation in a competitive athletic program outside school, or personal coaching or training outside school with appropriate proof of enrollment. All students are required to participate in 150 minutes per week of documented athletic activity. Other requirements, such as a journal or log may be required. During the 3rd Marking Period, All students are required to complete their NJDOE State Health requirement and will report onsite to the Monroe Township High School to complete their course. 

RHYTHMIC MOVEMENT

CREDITS: 5

FULL YEAR

Grade: 10-12

Prerequisite: None 

Recommendation: Grade of 85 or better in Physical Education and current PE teacher’s recommendation.

Course Description: Rhythmic Movement is a yearlong course that will fulfill the New Jersey state mandated Physical Education requirement. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to various rhythmic movement activities. This course is designed for students who have an interest in activities such as dance, yoga and personal fitness, as well as the desire to expand their knowledge in these areas. The goal of this course is for students to learn, understand, demonstrate, apply, and create concepts involved in rhythmic movements during class with hopes of discovering a lifelong activity that students enjoy and can participate in beyond the classroom. Students will be able  to confidently attend a dance and /or fitness class with knowledge of its structures, procedures, etiquette, and practices.  Students will participate in the physical portion of the course for three marking periods and will be required to fulfill their respective grade level Health requirement for one marking period. 

Course Objectives:

• Understand the health benefits associated with participating in rhythmic movement activities

• Understand the various health and skill related components involved in rhythmic movement

• Discover and utilize technological resources that can be used in life beyond the classroom (Just Dance, YouTube, iMovie)

• Understand how to use rhythmic movement for personal fitness (Dance, Yoga, Zumba, Aerobic Dance, Ballet Barre, Kickboxing, Pilates, Body Weight Toning)

Movement Modalities:

Dance

• Learn and demonstrate dances from different cultures (i.e., Bollywood, Salsa, Bachata, Hula, Tango, Mambo)

• Learn and demonstrate dances and understand the history behind them (i.e., Ballroom, Waltz, Swing, Jive)

• Learn and demonstrate different genres of dance (Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical)

• Learn and demonstrate dance that is used in social settings (Wobble, Soulja Boy, Cupid Shuffle)

• Learn how to choreograph dances using rhythm and counting

• Create a dance routine that can be performed/ taught

• Teach dance routine using skills such as counting, rhythm, and cueing.

• Utilize technological resources to analyze skills and provide feedback

Yoga

• Understand how to use yoga for stress management

• Learn and demonstrate the different types of yoga (Vinyasa, Hatha, Kundalini, Yin, Restorative)

• Learn and demonstrate breathing techniques (Pranayama, Lion's Breath, Breath of Fire)

• Learn and demonstrate meditation techniques (Mindfulness, Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Guided Meditation)

• Identify and demonstrate an array of yoga poses

• Understand and explain the anatomical focus of each pose and movement

• Learn how to create a yoga sequence that includes a warm up, sequence, cool down and/or meditation

• Create a yoga sequence that can be taught to the class

• Teach yoga flow using skills such as knowledge of poses, demonstration, and cueing

STRENGTH TRAINING AND CONDITIONING I

CREDITS:  5

Full Year

Grades: 10-12

Recommended: 

• Student must average a grade of 85 or better in Physical Education 

• Student must have their current Physical Education teacher recommendation

Course Objectives: 

• Educate students who are interested in pursuing professional careers in the Health, fitness, physical education and physical therapy fields.

• Train students who are interested in pursuing and enhancing their own athletic careers at the high school and collegiate level.

Course Description: This course will expose students to the essentials of strength training and conditioning.  Students will be introduced to a multitude of exercise prescription and design methods for individuals as well as for athletes in a team setting. Students will participate in the physical portion of the course for three marking periods and will be required to fulfill their respective grade level Health requirement for one marking period. 

Topics Include:

• Structure and function of the muscular, respiratory and cardiovascular systems

• Biomechanical concepts

• Responses and adaptations to training

• Metabolic and nutritional aspects of exercise and training

• Aerobic and anaerobic exercise prescription

• Speed development and plyometric training

• Free weight and machine exercise techniques

Course Rationale:

The health, fitness, recreation and sports industry is continuing to grow rapidly.  The strength training and conditioning course is designed for students who have an interest in the fitness fields and the desire to expand their knowledge in the areas of exercise prescription.  Students completing the course would have the necessary background in order to pursue a career as a fitness trainer and professional.

STRENGTH TRAINING AND CONDITIONING II

CREDITS: 5

Full Year

Grade: 12

Prerequisite: Strength and Conditioning I 

Recommendations

• Student must average a grade of 85 or better in Strength and Conditioning I 

• Student must meet the physical assessment criteria given during Strength and Conditioning I

Course Objectives:

• Fulfill the mandatory Physical Education Requirement

• Fit under the school to work category

• Educate students who are interested in pursuing professional careers in the Health, fitness, physical education and physical therapy fields.

• Train students who are interested in pursuing and enhancing their own athletic careers at the high school and collegiate level.

Course Description: This course will be a continuation of S & C I, Students will build on the essentials of strength training and conditioning.  The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the science and physiology behind strength training and conditioning. In general, the physiology of strength training and conditioning is poorly understood by the general public. Thus, part of the focus of this course is to dispel some of the myths surrounding strength training by using sound physiology to understand mechanisms and responses.  Students will acquire a theoretical knowledge of the neuromuscular, biomechanical, and metabolic aspects of muscular strength and conditioning programs for various athletic and non-athletic populations. Course content includes a review of resistance training intended to promote the use of a structured scientific approach in the prescription of progressive resistance training and various training techniques.

Students will be able to write their own exercise prescription and design methods for individuals as well as for athletes in a team setting. Students will participate in the physical portion of the course for three marking periods and will be required to fulfill their respective grade level Health requirement for one marking period. 

• Biomechanics of resistance exercise

• Bone, muscle, and connective tissue adaptations to physical activity

• Cardiovascular and respiratory anatomy and physiology: responses to exercises

• Physiological adaptations to anaerobic and aerobic endurance training programs

• Age and sex related differences and their implications for resistance exercises

• Performance enhancing substances: effects, risks, and appropriate alternatives

• Nutritional factors in health and performance

• Administration, scoring, and interpretation of selected tests

• Program Design Aerobic and Anaerobic

• Program Design Training Variation (Periodization)

Course Rationale: The health, fitness, recreation and sports industry is continuing to grow rapidly.  The strength training and conditioning course is designed for students who have an interest in the fitness fields and the desire to expand their knowledge in the areas of exercise prescription.  Students completing the course would have the necessary background in order to pursue a career as a fitness trainer, physical education instructor and coach. This course will also provide some insight into the physical and occupational therapist fields as it will use common therapy training principles, such as the FITT formula, overload and specificity.

CARE AND PREVENTION OF ATHLETIC INJURIES 🌐                    

CREDITS: 5 

Full Year

Prerequisite:  Biology

Grades: 10-12

Note: Course must be taken concurrently with appropriate grade-level physical education and health course.

Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries is a year-long elective class taken in addition to the mandatory Health and Physical Education requirement.  Students are exposed to basic First Aid techniques and the Emergency Medical System.  Students learn basic rehabilitation techniques involved in caring for and preventing further athletic injury.  Students receive an introduction to Kinesiology, Biomechanics, Anatomy and Physiology. Lab work centers on basic taping and strapping techniques of the ankle, knee, hip, elbow, wrist, finger and thumb.

FALCON P.A.L.S (Peer Assisted Learning Socialization)- Unified Physical Education 

Grade: 12

CREDITS: 5 

Full Year – a PE elective course that will fulfill the HPE requirement.

Students who take Falcon PALS Unified P.E. will take one marking period of Health

Course Prerequisites: 

• Grade of 85 or better in Physical Education

• complete resume 

• interview process

• Faculty review

This course would benefit students who:

• Are interested in various professions varying from teaching, social work, psychology, fitness, and the medical field. 

• Are interested in taking a unique Physical Education course that encourages acceptance, respect for differences, and friendships.

Course Description: This course affords general population 12th grade students the opportunity to work with students with intellectual/multiple disabilities within a physical education setting.  Accommodations, modifications and strategies are used to provide effective instruction in functional and developmentally appropriate skills within the least restrictive environment. Unified Physical Education encourages teamwork, fair play, sportsmanship, integrity, positivity and leadership to be spread throughout the Monroe Township Community.

Topics will include:

• An emphasis on sportsmanship and teamwork will be implemented throughout the course. 

• Students will engage in communication activities in class and will have the opportunity to use the iPad and other forms of media to make presentations.

• PAL partners will work alongside of adaptive students to engage in socialization skills

• Throughout the course, students will work on the development of cardiovascular, muscular strength/endurance, balance, and flexibility.

• Students will work on the development of kinesthetic awareness 

• Various skill sets and how to combine skills for fluid transfer in a game-like situations will be implemented

Course Rationale:

At MTHS we believe that each individual has an ability and desire to move, to be active and have fun. Movement is a necessary component of a healthy lifestyle. Physical Education, by nature provides an atmosphere where students can step outside of the confinements of a classroom and enjoy the benefits of movement and exercise while enjoying the social experience of interacting and communicating with classmates. Falcon PALS affords all of our students the opportunity to enjoy the social aspects as well as the physical aspects of Physical Education class.

WORK-BASED LEARNING: COMMUNITY-BASED FITNESS LEADER (CBFL)
(Up to 10 positions available)

CREDITS: 10 (150 community service hours required)

Full Year

Grade 12

Prerequisite: Must be in Unified program/Falcon PALS PE

TEEN PEP                                                                                                    

CREDITS:  5

Full Year

Prerequisite:  Students must fill out the application for the Teen PEP Program in March during the junior year of High School. 

• Students must submit a resume. 

• Students will be interviewed and go through a faculty review process. 

• Students who meet all required standards are selected to be members of the Teen Pep class for their senior year. 

Grade 12

• • Taken in addition to the health and physical education requirement.

  • Selected students enroll in a school-based peer education course designed to increase knowledge, skills and behaviors that promote sexual health among adolescents. 

  • Workshop topics: 

    • Postponing Sexual Involvement

    • Pregnancy Prevention

    • HIV/AIDS Prevention

    • STI Prevention, Parent

    • Teen Communication

    • Sexual Harassment

    • Date Rape

    • Dating Violence

    • Homophobia Reduction

    • Puberty Education

    • Other Sexual Concerns 

  • Students are required to attend a two-day overnight retreat during the summer. 

  • Students must also participate in a community outreach.