Incoming eighth grade students who want to enroll in two full-year electives may apply to the Independent Health and PE program during the registration process in the Spring of their seventh grade year. In the program, eighth graders are required to obtain Health and PE credit outside of the regularly scheduled school day. Students in the program may select their two full-year elective classes from the list below.
The full year electives that students may select under this program are:
- Band, Chorus, and Orchestra classes (continuing music students only; not for first year music students)
- Foreign Languages
- Full-year elected or appointed officer positions
For example, an eighth grader who has previously been enrolled in Band might apply for the Independent Health and PE program if s/he wants to continue Band
and take a full-year foreign language course.
Independent Eighth Grade Health
The class includes F.L.A.S.H. and HIV/AIDS components and takes place outside of the student's regularly scheduled school day. The class syllabus describes course requirements and materials, required attendance at two Saturday classes, the $100 class fee, due dates, and grading timeline.
Important notes
- Independent Eighth Grade Health materials must be turned into Ms. Sue Swanson no later than April 30, 2010.
- Failure to complete the Health course requirements will result in a failed grade and affect the student's overall GPA.
- The Washington State Omnibus AIDS law requires a parent to attend a public viewing session and review the materials before an exemption from HIV/AIDS instruction may be requested or granted. Dates for preview sessions are published at each middle school and on the District website. It is not necessary for parents to attend a public review session if they do not intend to exempt their children from HIV/AIDS instruction.
Independent PE
Eighth graders who have registered for Independent Health must fulfill their Independent PE requirement one of two ways:
- Participate in "directed athletics." A supervising coach must verify participation in a District after-school sports program or community-sponsored, directed athletic program. To use this option, obtain a Request for Independent Physical Education Outside of School form from the school administrator. Have it signed off by a supervising coach at the end of the directed athletic program.
- Maintain a fitness log that describes the student's physical activity, records a minimum of 75 hours of physical activity, and is verified by a parent.
Due dates for Health class materials and Independent PE forms and fitness logs
All completed Health class materials and PE forms and fitness logs are due to Ms. Swanson no later than April 30, 2010. You may e-mail your materials or send hard copies to Ms. Swanson at Pine Lake.
Questions?
Enrollment questions
Call your middle school registrar or the Middle Level Education Department at 425.837.7025.
Class questions
Call teacher Sue Swanson at 425.837.5753 or e-mail her at swansons@issaquah.wednet.edu