Health & Physical Education

All students in NYS must pass the high school Health education course in order to receive a high school diploma. Students in grades 10-12 enroll in a yearlong  1 2 credit course that meets every other day. Health class units include information and skills on a variety of health issues and current events including but not limited to: the multiple dimensions of health and behaviors to maintain wellness, mental health and coping skills, human sexuality and parenting, building and maintaining healthy relationships, nutrition, and substance abuse and addiction prevention. In addition, all students will be trained in CPR/AED and First aid, and will have the option to gain a 2-year certification through the American Red Cross. This is a requirement for graduation. There are no prerequisites required before taking this class.
 

The High School Physical Education program is a semi-elective program designed to give physical education classes, as well as the individual student, the opportunity to pursue his or her own needs and interests in physical education. The program consists of nine blocks, approximately four weeks in duration. Because team sports and lifetime fitness activities are offered in each block, individual students are provided with the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities throughout his or her high school career. The program is designed to meet the needs and interests of all students involved, and to fulfill the requirements for physical education as established by the Commissioner of Education, the New York State Learning Standards, the National Physical Education Standards, and New York’s Next Gen Learning Standards.

The Physical Education program will provide opportunities for skill progression and focus on differentiated instruction in order to maintain and improve the overall physical fitness of the students involved. The program will be challenging to each student, so that individuals will develop positive attitudes toward physical activities to facilitate lifelong fitness and wellness. A general awareness of physical well-being should be the ultimate goal of the student and is the goal the physical education program. Scheduling and class size may curtail the elective process for some students, but the ultimate goals will remain the same. Adaptive Physical Education will be offered to those students identified by the staff.
 

This course is designed to enhance students' knowledge and skills in strength training using free weights and universal stations. Emphasizing safety and proper body positioning, students will learn effective techniques for building strength, endurance, and overall physical fitness. The curriculum also integrates components of anatomy and conditioning, providing a comprehensive understanding of how different exercises impact the body. This course will be an elective and will NOT be used to fulfill the physical education requirements.
 

Culinary Arts will provide students with instruction and practice regarding nutrition, principles of healthy eating, and the preparation of food. Among the topics covered are meal preparation, preserving nutrients throughout the food preparation process, food storage, baking, decorating, international foods and spices, safety, sanitation, and menu planning.
 

The Global and Gourmet Foods course introduces students to the ways in which the culture and traditions of regions and countries influence food choices. Students will identify and prepare foods from various regions and countries to compare cuisines, ingredients used, and preferred cooking methods. Students will also examine the issues and conditions which affect the availability and quality of food in the global market. Current issues related to global nutrition from production through consumption will be explored. Through this investigation, students will understand and appreciate diverse cultures. Students will have the opportunity to examine the wide variety of career paths in the global and gourmet foods fields and identify the knowledge and skills necessary for success within these fields.