WALPOLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH
GRADES 6-8
Curriculum Summary by Grade
These curriculum summaries have been developed by teachers and administrators to serve as another way of communicating with parents. They highlight the core curriculum and expectations for student learning at each grade level.
The curriculum summaries describe what most students at a grade level are expected to know and be able to do by the end of the school year. They also reflect the goals of the various Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. It is important to note that although children may learn and grow at different rates and through varied styles, all should make regular progress.
While we have high expectations for all students and encourage each student to work to their capacity, parents and teachers recognize that some students have more difficulty in school. Others will progress more rapidly and move well beyond these core expectations. It is the joint responsibility of school and home to provide support, challenge, and encouragement for all students.
Grade 6
Physical Education
Our primary goals as a department are
to motivate students to achieve a healthy and active lifestyle;
to introduce a variety of activities that will foster participation for a lifetime; and
to foster teamwork, responsibility, and sportsmanship while having fun.
It is hoped that as a result of the middle school physical education experience, students will develop a positive attitude toward a lifetime of being physically active and understand and appreciate the importance of good sportsmanship.
Activities include a number of team sports, individual sports, group/individual fitness, all while promoting proper social responsibilities.
Health
Health education teaches about physical, mental, emotional and social health. It motivates students to improve and maintain their health, prevent disease, and reduce risky behaviors. Health education curricula and instruction help students learn skills they will use to make healthy choices throughout their lifetime.
In 6th grade health students will be introduced to nutrition, personal health, positive peer relationships, self-esteem, tobacco, alcohol and other drugs, and human sexuality.
Grade 7
Physical Education
Our primary goals as a department are
to motivate students to achieve a healthy and active lifestyle;
to introduce a variety of activities that will foster participation for a lifetime; and
to foster teamwork, responsibility, and sportsmanship while having fun.
It is hoped that as a result of the middle school physical education experience, students will develop a positive attitude toward a lifetime of being physically active and understand and appreciate the importance of good sportsmanship.
Activities include a number of team sports, individual sports, group/individual fitness, all while promoting proper social responsibilities.
*Students will continue to build and develop skills that were taught and introduced in 6th grade
Health
Health education teaches about physical, mental, emotional and social health. It motivates students to improve and maintain their health, prevent disease, and reduce risky behaviors. Health education curricula and instruction help students learn skills they will use to make healthy choices throughout their lifetime.
In 7th grade health students will be discussing the topics of nutrition- focusing on the impact of sugar, the components of physical fitness, digital citizenship and online safety, substance abuse, LGBTQ+ terminology, and sexual harassment.
Grade 8
Physical Education
Our primary goals as a department are
to motivate students to achieve a healthy and active lifestyle;
to introduce a variety of activities that will foster participation for a lifetime; and
to foster teamwork, responsibility, and sportsmanship while having fun
It is hoped that as a result of the middle school physical education experience, students will develop a positive attitude toward a lifetime of being physically active and understand and appreciate the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and cooperation.
Activities include a number of team sports, individual sports, group/individual fitness, all while promoting proper social responsibilities.
*Students will continue to build and develop skills that were taught and introduced in 6th/7th grade
Health
Health education teaches about physical, mental, emotional and social health. It motivates students to improve and maintain their health, prevent disease, and reduce risky behaviors. Health education curricula and instruction help students learn skills they will use to make healthy choices throughout their lifetime.
In 8th grade health students will be introduced to performance enhancing, over the counter and street drugs, stress and anxiety, labels and stereotypes, peer pressure, mental and emotional wellness, social skills, and human reproduction and sexuality.
Contacts
Johnson Middle School
Steve Morgenweck, Principal
Sarah Giunta, Guidance Counselor
Bird Middle School
Ed Connor, Principal
Katie Gingras, Guidance Counselor
Dave Wall, Physical Education and Health Department Head