Health and Fitness
High School Programs-- Expanding Horizons
Each high school student is required to take 2 credits of Health and Fitness prior to graduation. In addition, all students have the opportunity to take additional classes throughout their high school experience.
The focus of the high school program is on expanding the development of knowledge and skills necessary to take part in a health and active lifestyle. Freshman students take part in the nationally recognized “Fitness For Life” program which includes both classroom-based lessons on a variety of health-related topics along with expanding their skills in a variety of leisure activities. At the conclusion of this course, students will have set personal fitness, nutrition and activity goals, learned to monitor their own progress and developed a complete “Personal Health and Fitness Plan”.
The second required year of Health & Fitness provides a variety of classes designed to enhance individual fitness levels and expand knowledge and skills in leisure/recreational activities. Included are “group fitness” classes such as “Body Shape”, Yoga, Dance, Power Aerobics, and Weight Training. In addition students may enroll in a variety of classes related to recreational activities.
For information on waiving the second year of the Health and Fitness requirement, click on the Fitness Requirements FAQ link.
Middle Level Programs--Expanding on the Base
Students at the middle level continue to progress through a pre-planned sequence of age-appropriate activities. At this level, students participate in a variety of challenging activities presented in short units. Activities include racquet sports, individual and partner/team activities, rhythmic movements, and leisure activities such as golf, bowling, archery, and circus arts.
Health-related fitness is expanded upon with the development of initial “Personal Health and Fitness Plans”. These plans are designed to set the stage for the development of a “Personal Health and Fitness Plan” at the high school level. These plans meet state requirements and represent the culmination of the comprehensive K-12 program.
Elementary Programs--A Successful Foundation
The focus of the elementary program is to provide age-appropriate movement experiences for each child on a daily basis.
The curriculum is sequential in nature and provides basic movement and manipulative skills at the primary level. At the intermediate level, the basic skills are refined and expanded through application in individual, team, rhythmic and recreational activities.
Health-Related fitness is a major component of the program beginning at the primary level. The foundation of this program is based on the nationally recognized “Physical Best” program. Students are taught the importance of developng and maintaining an appropriate level of fitness and the recognized components of health-related fitness. By presenting lessons related to nutrition and physiology along with the development of skills and a positive attitude toward being active, a solid foundation is developed for maintaining a healthy life-style.
Olympia School District Health and Fitness Programs
The Health and Fitness programs offered in the Olympia School District continue to follow a long tradition of excellence. The planned sequential program of student-centered experiences enable all students to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to lead a healthy and active lifetyle.
The purpose of Health & Fitness in the Olympia School District is to provide a varied program of instructional activities which allow all individuals to enter adult life with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to enjoy al healthy and physically active life-style.
Contact Information:
Mailing Address:
Health, Fitness and Athletic Programs
1113 Legion Way SE
Olympia, WA 98501
Voice: 360.596-8544 / Fax: 360.596.8581
Jeff Carpenter, Coordinator