The aim of the Physical Education Program in the Northern Valley Regional High School District is to develop and educate the students through wholesome and interesting physical activities so they may realize their maximum capacities (physical, mental and social) and learn to use their powers intelligently and cooperatively as a good citizen under all conditions.

The completion of the Health, Safety, and Physical Education Program is a New Jersey State Requirement as a prerequisite to graduation "every pupil attending the public schools insofar as he is physically fit and capable of doing so, which fitness shall be determined by the medical Inspector, shall take a course in physical training provided for in section 18-14-93. Such course shall be separate of the curriculum prescribed for the several grades, and the conduct and attainment of the pupils shall be marked as in other courses or subjects, and the standing of the pupil in connection therewith shall form apart of the requirements for promotion or graduation." The Physical Education Program is a requirement for each year the student is in attendance - grades nine through twelve.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION I 1
PHYSICAL EDUCATION II, 1/2
PHYSICAL EDUCATION III, IV 3/4

The Physical Education program engages students in enjoyable, health-promoting activities and aims to develop positive attitudes toward fitness and recreational pursuits. Physical Fitness is emphasized throughout the curriculum with activities geared toward developing the health related fitness components of flexibility, muscular endurance and aerobic capacity. Units such as Yoga, Speed and Agility, and Weight Training, are offered to meet the above mentioned fitness components. Physical fitness levels are measured by a standardized testing program. Heart rate monitors and/or pedometers are used to assess student effort during fitness activities.

In the ninth and tenth grades, team sports are emphasized. Project Adventure curriculum offerings are included for all freshman and sophomores. The Project Adventure program is a process based on structured activities which use natural or artificial environments to identify individual and group interpersonal strengths and weaknesses, and from this awareness, promote positive personal growth. Introduction to Project Adventure is offered on the freshman level and level one on the sophomore level.

In the eleventh and twelfth grades, emphasis is on life time sports such as tennis, golf, and archery. Activities are built upon the skills developed in the earlier grades and the choice of activity is determined by the student through a selective process. Project Adventure, level two, is offered on the Junior level.

Project Adventure, level three, is also offered as a choice of activity for seniors.

Note: Physical Education I includes a Health Lab which explores "Integrated Health Skills" as defined by the New Jersey Standards.

DRIVER AND SAFETY EDUCATION 1/4
Classroom instruction is provided at the tenth grade level. The course is designed to develop proper attitudes and safety techniques that will help prepare the student to drive in today's traffic. Traffic safety engineering, the physical and emotional condition of the driver, and law enforcement are important aspects of the classroom program. This course includes the NJ State written examination which is required to obtain a license.

SOPHOMORE HEALTH 1/4
The tenth grade program includes an extensive wellness unit, decision making skills, a review of the body systems, family life education, including HIV/AIDS education, and substance abuse education.

JUNIOR HEALTH 1/4
The eleventh grade curriculum explores emotional and social health, contains an update and review of basic first aid techniques, a fitness and nutrition unit including drug abuse education, and a unit on family life education. In addition, community health services and health related careers are discussed.

SENIOR HEALTH 1/4
The twelfth grade program stresses the responsibilities of the individual through the family life education program. Marriage and parenting are explored in depth as are the topics of child abuse and date/acquaintance rape. HIV/AIDS education is taught with the use of guest speakers from various public and private agencies. Student portfolios that include group and individual projects, as well as traditional tests, are the basis for assessment of learning at this level.
here...

Health and Physical Education

Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest