Physical Welfare Guidelines

Expectations for student conduct and behavior are outlined in Section D of the D219 Student Handbook. In addition, please be aware of procedures and guidelines for success in Physical Welfare classes:

No rough play of any kind in the locker room, showers, and drying areas for everyone’s safety.
Respect the rights and property of others.
No glass containers in locker rooms, showers, or activity areas.
No food or drinks in the gym, pool, locker room, or activity areas.
Maintain clean personal areas, including lockers, and report any unsafe conditions or damaged equipment to your teacher.
Cooperate fully with the locker room attendants and be respectful.

Report any injuries or illnesses to your teacher immediately. A teacher may excuse a student from certain activities for medical reasons such as asthma, allergies or allergic reactions. See information on Attendance and Absences and Make-up Work for more information.

Students are encouraged to promptly report claims or incidents of bullying, intimidation, harassment, sexual harassment, or any other prohibited conduct. For complete information and procedures, view Sections 7:20 and 7:20 AP-1 in the Board policy.

Attendance, Tardiness and Absences

Attendance

Class attendance is important to earn the Physical Welfare credits required each semester. Please ask your teacher if you have any questions about attendance expectations.

Physical Welfare classes are held daily for all students.
Students should be in the locker room before the tardy bell rings to ensure a smooth start to class.
The teacher will dismiss each class. Students will be marked absent if they leave before the teacher dismisses them.
When returning to the locker room after class, avoid walking through other classrooms or gym areas.

A student who is restricted from participating in Physical Welfare (PW) classes must bring a doctor’s note to the Nurses’ Office. The PW Director determines if there will be a schedule change for the student, such as a study hall. The student’s teacher will coordinate alternative assignments while the student is not attending their PW class.

Absences and Make-Up Work

Excused Absences

For the first four excused absences each semester in Physical Welfare, no make-up work is required. After the fourth excused absence, students and teachers can work together to create alternative plans that support the student's learning goals.

Unexcused Absences

Students may not make up for unexcused absences. Students should review the Student Handbook for details about conduct and academic policies, including academic dishonesty.

Make-up Tests

If a student is absent on the day of a test, make arrangements with the teacher to take the test as soon as possible after returning to school.
If a student will miss a test due to a planned absence, such as a medical appointment, contact the teacher in advance and make arrangements for a make-up test.
If a student is absent for part of the day, make arrangements with the teacher to take the test the same day after school, if possible.

Physical Welfare teachers provide their classes with details about their make-up procedures for tests and projects. Teachers work to keep the procedures consistent in all classes.

Cognitive Only Physical Education (COPE)

Educational options are available for students who are medically excused from participating in Physical Welfare activities while attending school. To qualify for Cognitive Only Physical Education (COPE), a parent or guardian must submit medical documentation to the Nurses’ Office. A description of the limitations or modifications should be included in the documentation. Students in the COPE program are required to complete alternate assignments.

Uniform Items

Students must wear their Physical Welfare uniform for class, except during swimming. Students may purchase approved uniform items in the school bookstore:

T-shirt with the Niles Township logo
Shorts with the Niles Township logo
White socks
Sweatpants and sweatshirts (optional for cooler weather)
Appropriate athletic footwear. Students who participate in activities that require bare feet, such as dance or martial arts, should wear shoes to the gym or studio. Students must wear shoes in the hallways.

Students must purchase and bring their own swimwear for swimming classes.

Uniform Guidelines

Guidelines

Students should only wear Physical Welfare uniform items in class. Students have lockers to store their other clothing items.Students are responsible for keeping their uniform clean and in good condition.
Label all uniform items with the student’s full name for easy identification if items are lost or stolen. Please do not make additional markings on the uniform.
If a student loses any uniform items, contact the locker attendant or teacher.
The uniform should fit properly. Replace uniform items that are damaged or do not meet department requirements.
Students who receive “Elite Fitness” awards may wear their labeled shirts to Physical Welfare classes.
Students should not share uniform or equipment items. Students who use uniform or equipment items labeled with someone else’s name will not receive credit for that day. Equipment items must be returned to the teacher.

Facilities

Locker Rooms and Locks

At the start of the school year, students receive a school-issued lock for the Physical Welfare (PW) locker assigned to them. Students should always secure their belongings in their lockers during class and while using the showers.

Students should not share their locker combination or allow others to use their locker. This helps avoid incidents of theft.
Students should not bring money or jewelry to PW class, even if items will be secured in a locker.
Laptops and other valuables may be stored in lockers during PW classes. Students may talk to their teacher if they have questions or concerns.
Backpacks and bookbags may not fit in the PW lockers, so students should leave them in their hall locker.

Niles West Physical Welfare (PW)

Niles West students have two lockers in the PW locker room:

The small locker stores uniforms and equipment
The long locker stores belongings only during PW class. If students leave belongings in the long locker, their lock may be removed, and they may have to pay for a replacement.

Students should contact their teacher instructor immediately if they lose their lock. Students must purchase a replacement lock if it is not found within 48 hours. Students may only use school-issued locks; other locks will be removed and discarded.

Niles North Physical Welfare (PW)

Niles North students are assigned to one PW locker that includes a built-in lock.

Register the lock's serial number and combination with the teacher. This helps identify a lost lock or retrieve a forgotten combination.

Pool

Students in swimming classes must shower with soap and rinse thoroughly before entering the pool. Students provide their own swimwear for swimming class. Students should change clothes in the locker room; do not use the restrooms as private changing areas.

Students must meet swimming safety standards (floating, treading water, and swimming one width of the pool) to take additional swimming units.

Restrictions from Participating in Swimming Classes

For pre-existing conditions like allergies to chlorine or other chronic issues, submit a doctor’s note to the Nurses’ Office before the swimming unit begins. The teacher will coordinate alternative activities, which may include written work and physical conditioning in regular Physical Education uniforms.
A short illness (such as a cold) requires a parent note, valid for two days. The note should specify what activities the student should avoid. After two days, a doctor’s note is necessary, and make-up work is required. Students should still dress in their PE uniforms and complete an alternate workout or assignment on the deck bleachers.
A student who is menstruating is allowed a five-day exemption from swimming class. Students should dress in the Physical Education uniform and go to the pool deck for alternative activities.
Students who need to be excused from swimming class due to religious beliefs should submit a letter from a parent/guardian and a letter from a religious official (e.g., priest, rabbi, cleric).

Showers and Towels

Grading

Students who follow the guidelines and procedures in their daily Physical Welfare (PW) activities will find the most success in their classes. Please contact your teacher if you have any questions about PW classwork and assessments.

Physical Welfare Classwork and Assessments

Physical Welfare Classwork and Assessments

Classwork:

Daily Active Engagement Points: 5 Points per day
General assignments, entrance/exit slips
Formative assessments
Laboratory work
Polar H-10 Heart Rate Monitors
Cardiovascular Output
Fitness Effort Rubric
Strength and Conditioning Exercises
Group and Self Evaluations
Application Compliance

Summative Assessments:

Progress from start to finish of individual units
TB reports
Strength Testing
POLAR HR reports
Performance Rubrics
Skill Testing
Unit Tests
Quizzes
Writing assignments
Projects
Self-reflections
Final Exam
Capstone Final Assessment Exam (Project or paper based on health-related self-assessment)

Grading Scale for Quarter, Final Assessment, and Semester:

90% = A
80% = B
70% = C
60% = D
59% and below = F

Schools/Locations