The board recognizes that exercise, physical activity, and wellness education are important to allow students to learn to their capacity. Children who are healthy are more likely to learn and achieve in the classroom. It is the policy of the board that physical education and health education are core components of a school environment that promote students’ health, well-being, ability to learn, and also mitigates education and health disparities. The board supports an emphasis on health education, physical activity, and wellness promotion at all grade levels to enhance the well-being of our district’s youth and prepare students for college, career, and citizenship. Therefore, it is the policy of the board to:
A. Provide all students with high quality physical education and health education programs that meet or exceed state health and fitness standards
B. Provide equitable opportunities for physical activity and developmentally appropriate exercise within the school day
C. Provide accurate information related to physical activity and wellness to our students, parents, and staff through regular health and fitness promotions
D. Conduct on-going assessments of the health and physical education programs to assure the positive impact of the programs.
The superintendent or designee is responsible for establishing the procedures for compliance with this policy and all related state and federal requirements including a procedure for physical education waiver and equivalency credits pursuant to RCW 28A.210.365.
Recess
Beginning with the 2024-25 school year, all elementary students must receive a minimum of 30 minutes of daily recess within the school day for each school day that exceeds five hours in duration.
The superintendent or designee is responsible for establishing the procedures for compliance with this policy and all related state and federal requirements including a procedure for physical education waiver and equivalency credits pursuant to RCW 28A.210.365.
Cross References:
Guidance and Counseling ………………………………………………………………Board Policy 2140
Credit for Competency/Proficiency……………………………………………………Board Policy 2409
Waiver of Certain High School Graduation Requirements …………………….………Board Policy 2418
Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying……………………………………………………Board Policy 3207
Directed Athletics……………………………………………………………………………Board Procedure 2409 P4
WSSDA Cross Reference:
Policy 6701 – Recess and Physical Activity
Legal References:
School Counselor Certification - RCW 28A.410.043
Physical Education – Grade 1-8 - RCW 28A.230.040
Physical Education in High School - RCW 28A.230.050
Model policy on developmentally appropriate exercise — School district policies - RCW 28A.210.360
Management Resources:
Youth Suicide Awareness and Prevention Plans - Policy News, April 2011
Nutrition and Physical Fitness Policy - Policy News, February 2005
Nutrition and Physical Fitness Update - Policy News, December 2004
Highline School District 401
Adopted by the Board: July 2005
Revised by the Board: 07.14, 10.22, 7.24
Classification: Priority