Scarsdale High School Physical Education
Department Policies

Absence Policy

If a student is legally absent from their scheduled Physical Education class, he/she has an opportunity to make up the class.  Students can schedule a make-up class by going to the MAKE-UP tab above and signing up during one of their free periods.  If a student’s weekly class schedule does not coincide with an available class taught be their teacher, then they need to sign-up by specifiying their free periods. They will be contacted for an available class. Legal absences include an excused absence from school or a school field trip.  Under no circumstances can an illegal absence be made up for credit. Students have 10 days from the date of absence to make up a class.


Medical Restrictions

In the event that a student is restricted from physical activity, the student must bring in a letter from his/her doctor indicating the physical limitations and the period of time that he/she must adhere to these limitations.  This doctor’s note should be given directly to the nurse.  The nurse will then give the student a form to hand to their Physical Education teacher so that the teacher can modify this student’s class activities.  Under New York State Regulations, physicians must indicate the areas in which a student may participate.  All students on a medical modification program MUST attend class and take part in teacher-modified activities.  
   In the event that there is a complete restriction in regards to physical activity, the student must complete weekly written assignments in addition to attending classes.  If the complete medical restriction exceeds 5 weeks in length in any given academic quarter, the student will be withdrawn from the course and will need to be re-enrolled in a future quarter when participation is permitted.


Dress Code

When attending Physical Education classes, it is important that students are dressed appropriately for safe participation in class activities.  Appropriate attire includes wind pants, sweatpants, or athletic shorts and sneakers. Denim shorts and pants are not appropriate for physical activity.  Unprepared students cannot participate in class activities, and therefore their participation grade will be affected.  These students may choose to participate in a make-up class in order to restore lost participation points.


Athletic Exemption Eligibility & Independent Study
 

There are only two instances when Scarsdale High School students are excused from taking physical education as part of their academic day.

The first of these are known as an athletic exemption. The requirement for this exemption is as follows;

Student must be in grades 10–12 and on the rosterof a Scarsdale High School team.
  • The student must have achieved the healthy fitness zone standard in all of the components of fitnessgram.
  • Students must request an exemption online andremain in class until receiving a confirming E-mail.
  •  Students who miss 5 or morescheduled practices or contest need to return to their assigned PE class. Injured students are expected to attend practices and contests. If there are medical circumstances, an athlete can have a review upon submitting a doctor’s note.

SHS Athletic Exemptions may be taken in the following manner:

Fall Sports 
    May be exempt after successful completion of fitnessgram for the remainder of 1st quarter.
Winter Sports 
    May choose either 2nd or 3rdquarters.
2nd quarter after roster has been submitted. Please note if an athlete’s status on the team changes before theend of the season, the unit must be repeated.
 
3rd quarter (Track and Skiing may only take third quarter exemptions)
Spring Sports 
4th quarter after rosters have been submitted.

Please note that no other type of athletic endeavors qualifies for an athletic exemption!

Grading for the athletic exemption is based on participation and in demonstration of sportsmanship throughout the season. Athletes missing more than 5 practices or contest will be ineligible to maintain their exemption.
 
 
TO APPLY FOR A SHS ATHLETIC EXEMPTION PLEASE CLICK ---->   1st Quarter Athletic Exemption Request

Independent study is the second instance where a SHS studentmay be excused from taking physical education as part of their academic day.Only 3 units (three quarters) may be taken during thestudent’s 10th – 12th grade course of study. The requirements forindependent study are as follows;

  • Students need to be registered for a class that is taught by a certified professional within the area of study they arepursuing. The class needs to be an educational course within the field ofphysical education. IE: ballet
     
  • Students must have achieved the healthy fitnesszone standard in all of the components of fitness gram.
     
  • Students need to complete the independent study application which can be obtained in room 235.

Grading is based on participation in the activity, documentation of such participation and a final project detailing the learningoutcomes of the course.

Once again Independent Study isonly for an educational course.Training, practices, contests of any nature do not qualify for independentstudy. The course being applied for cannot be one that is taught at Scarsdale High School or any variation thereof.
 
TO APPLY FOR AN INDEPENDENT STUDY COURSE please click ------> Independent Study Request