Dear Friends,

Two weeks ago, I wrote to you regarding the Course Selection Process at BHS. This month I would like to give you some information regarding the rules and process students need to follow in order to fulfill their Physical Education Requirements.

Our graduation requirements for all BHS students include earning two credits in Physical Education (P.E.) per year, for a total of eight credits over four years. Since all 9th grade students are enrolled in a two-credit, yearlong "Wellness" course, and all juniors take a one-credit "Positive Decision-Making" course, they therefore need to complete an additional five P.E. credits in order to graduate.

There are three ways that students can attain these five credits. Students may combine any two of these three options to earn their two-credits per year. The first way to earn P.E. credits is through enrolling in a course that is offered during the regular school day. Each ½-year course in our catalog is worth one P.E. credit, so a student could simply take five of these courses between their sophomore and senior years and meet the graduation requirements. The second way for students to complete their P.E. requirements is to compete in a Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association-sanctioned sport. Each season of competition (fall, winter, or spring) is awarded one credit, with a two-credit maximum per year.

The third way students can fulfill their P.E. requirements is through the completion of an "Independent Study" course. Independent Study Credit can be earned through participating in organized activities that are outside of the BHS program. Some examples of acceptable activities are participation on a "club" team, such as rugby, crew, or ultimate frisbee or participation in a physical activity that is "instructionally-based," such as a dance program, or martial-arts lessons. Depending on the nature of the activity, students may enroll in an Independent Study in Physical Education that is either ½ year (one credit) or a full year (two credits) in length. Independent Study Courses must meet for at least 30 hours per semester. As is the case with all Independent Study Courses at BHS, a student may not take an Independent Study in P.E. that replicates the existing BHS curriculum. The full set of rules governing Independent Study courses can be found on "Page 6" of the 2012-2013 BHS Program of Studies. Forms for Independent Study in P.E. are available in the Guidance Office and completed forms for First-Semester and Full-Year Independent Studies must be returned by Monday, June 4th. Forms for spring 2013 Independent Studies will be due the first Friday after the holiday break in January.

I hope that this helps to clear up some of the confusion surrounding Physical Education Courses at BHS. During the next few weeks, students will be meeting with their guidance counselor to ensure they are enrolled in the correct number of P.E. courses. If you have any questions regarding the process, please feel free to contact your child's guidance counselor, Mr. James Davis, Director of Health Physical Education and Athletics, or me.

Sincerely,
Mike

April 2012