PHYSICAL EDUCATION

GRADING POLICY
Physical education is an important piece of a childs total educational program. Wellness and
fitness are recognized as essential learnings for all students. Certainly, not every student will be
an outstanding athlete. Every student can, however, achieve a level of competence in physical
education through active participation in our planned program of activities. Our physical
education curriculum includes a balance of skills, concepts, game activities, rhythms and dance
experiences designed to enhance the physical, mental, and emotional development of every child.
Classes are designed so that all children are involved in activities that allow them to be active
during class, but most importantly to be active outside of school in safe and healthy ways.
Grading for each marking period is based on a total of 100 points that are earned in six
areas as follows:
Preparation
Participation
Sportsmanship
Health-Related Fitness
Written Assessment
Personal and Social Responsibility

12 points
12 points
12 points
12 points
12 points
40 points

Preparation
Students are expected to be punctual and dress in the Ridley Middle School uniform and
sneakers for each physical education class. The uniform consists of green shorts and a gray t-shirt
and is available from the students physical education teacher. Sneakers must be tied properly
and tightly at all times. Solid color sweatpants and sweatshirts are optional and may be worn
over the approved uniform.
Three points will be deducted for each class period that a student does not wear the gym
uniform. A student has the opportunity to make-up a maximum of two uniform misses each
marking period by making the necessary arrangements with the teacher. Three points will be
credited for each make-up.
Any student who misses 4 uniform assignments in a marking period will receive an F in
physical education for that marking period.
The removal of jewelry is the safest manner for children to participate in physical education
classes. Watches, dangling or hoop earrings, necklaces, bracelets and any other items deemed
unsafe by an instructor must be removed and secured prior to participation. The instructors
are not responsible for safeguarding jewelry.

Participation
This grade is determined by the following:

Attendance
Eagerness to participate in class activities
Demonstrated effort
Desire to improve performance and skills

Physical education classes meet a limited number of times within a marking period and
attendance is critical. A student may miss one class period without penalty; however, after one
period, any class miss due to absence or non-participation will result in a three point deduction

for each occurrence. A student excused from class for medical reasons as indicated by a doctors
note is exempt from this requirement.

Make-up classes are available by arrangement with the teacher and can be used to
acquire lost points. At home make-up contracts, with teacher approval, are also available
for those students that are unable to attend after school make-up sessions.
Any student that misses one half of all scheduled physical education classes, without
a medical excuse provided by a physician, will receive a grade of F.

Sportsmanship/Cooperation
The following areas will be evaluated:

Willingness to follow the directions of the teacher

Demonstration of safety practices and procedures
Use and care of equipment and facilities
Teamwork and cooperation with teachers and students
Display of leadership characteristics
Behavior in the locker room and class

Health Related Fitness

Student fitness will be evaluated on a regular basis. Students will be advised of those healthrelated fitness areas that need improvement and will be given an opportunity to practice and
develop an individualized program.
A students physical fitness level will show little or no improvement without regular exercise.
This exercise must be done in addition to the scheduled physical education classes. While few
written homework assignments are part of the physical education program, following a regular
physical fitness routine should be considered as homework. Participating in a daily program of
exercise should result in an improvement in a students overall fitness level.
The areas of fitness assessment include:

Modified Pull-Ups/Pull-ups (upper body strength)

Back Saver Sit and Reach/Trunk Lift (flexibility)
Curl-ups (abdominal strength)
Mile Run/Pacer Test (cardiovascular endurance)
Shoulder Stretch (flexibility)

Written Assessment
Written assignments are considered a valuable physical education assessment tool. Four
assignments will be issued each quarter and will be used to reinforce important physical
education and wellness concepts.

Personal and Social Responsibility

This grading category recognizes a students ability to self-initiate behaviors that
promote personal and group success in activity settings. These include safe practice,

adherence to rules and procedures, etiquette, cooperation, teamwork, ethical behavior in

sport, and positive social interaction.

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