7th Grade Physical Education and Health Syllabus

Instructor: Jocelyn Berg E-mail:     Phone: 320-982-7323 Best time to contact: 7:30-8:00 am or 3:05-3:45 pm

Course Description: 
Health and Physical Education is a vital part of a complete education. Students involved in the 7th Grade Health and Physical Education curriculum will be in activities that can enhance their academic performance and classroom behavior throughout the school day. Increasing health knowledge and developing healthy behaviors in our students helps them become well-rounded individuals. Students will be introduced to and participate in activities that will help them remain active throughout their lifetime, learn to set and achieve health-related goals, and work with others in multiple situations. During the Health portion of the class, students will have an opportunity to explore health-related topics in detail and learn positive decision-making skills.

Potential Physical Activities: 
Fitness testing Basketball Badminton Tennis Track & Field
Football Softball Floor Hockey  Bowling* Frisbee
Strength Training Dance Swimming Others?
Lacrosse Soccer           Volleyball Ultimate
Team Building Table Tennis Four Square Archery

* All students will need a swimsuit/trunks for our swimming unit during 2nd quarter.
* All students will potentially go bowling for 4-5 days during 4th quarter. 

Health Topics:

Physical/Mental/Social Health Mental & Emotional Wellness/Disorders           

Fitness Components Alcohol, Tobacco, Vaping & Other Drugs

Stress Management Human Growth and Development

Suicide Prevention Sexually Transmitted Infections/Diseases

Materials needed for PE: 

• You are REQUIRED to be prepared for class each day by having a change of clothes, which allows you to function athletically and promotes good hygiene. 

• Shorts, t-shirt, sweatshirt/pants, and tennis shoes (no Hey Dudes, sandals, slippers, boots, etc).

• Failure to dress appropriately will have a negative impact on your grade. 

• Locks will be provided, if not built into the locker, and you are responsible for the lock that is issued to you. You will be required to return that lock at the end of the school year. 
• A lock fee of $7 will be administered if you lose/break your lock.
• Personal locks can be used as long as a combination or key is provided to the teacher.  
• Swimsuit/Trunks (A one-piece swimsuit is required according to the school’s pool rules).

• Charged Chromebook
• Google Classroom – students are expected to monitor classroom activities and requirements DAILY through the class page.
• Teen Health Textbook

Classroom Rules:

1. Be On Time. (Students have 5 minutes after the bell to change.) 3 tardies = 1 lunch detention & loss of points
2. Be Prepared. (Students are required to wear tennis shoes and clothing that is appropriate for exercise).
3. Follow teacher’s directions the first time they are given.
4. Respect your teacher and classmates in words and actions.

   1^st incident results in a student-teacher meeting to discuss behavior.

  2^nd incident results in parent/guardian contact and the development of a behavior plan.

3^rd incident results in meeting with administration. 

*   Behaviors that are safety issues may result in immediate removal from class/meeting with administration.

Milaca Bullying Policy:
This class follows the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program:

• We will not bully others.
• We will try to help students who are bullied.
• We will try to include students who are left out.
• If we know that somebody is being bullied, we will tell an adult at school and at home.

Requirements:
Student participation is a must. This is an activity-based class therefore students should expect to be active during the class period. Students should be prepared to try new activities with an open mind. Remember to be safe, responsible, respectful and have fun. 

Grading: You will be graded throughout the year on each of the State PE and National Health Standards.  

Grading Scale:

A 95-100

A- 90-94

B+ 87-89

B 83-86

B-  80-82

C+ 77-79

C 73-76

C-  70-72

D+ 67-69

D 63-66

D-  60-62

F 59 or less

Class Participation & Responsibility:
Students will earn 5 points per day in physical education class based on dressing appropriately in athletic attire/tennis shoes, participation, being respectful to self, staff, classmates, equipment and progress towards State PE Standards. Health and PE assignments will consist of classwork, homework, quizzes/tests, skill assessments and projects. Each PE & Health assignment will have a point value to it.

Locker Room Expectations:
Students will have 5 minutes before and after class to change. They should do so quickly and then go into the Health room (S133) in their assigned seat as soon as they are ready for class. Cell phones are NOT allowed to be used in the locker rooms/restrooms. There will be consequences for misbehavior, rough housing, and vandalism. 

Cell phones/Electronic Devices:
Each student has the opportunity to participate in the school’s technology device program. Therefore, students cannot use their personal electronic devices as a substitute for a school device. Appropriate use of personal electronic devices is allowed only during passing time and the student’s assigned lunch period, the phone should not be visible at any time during scheduled classroom time, this includes when students are out of class with a pass. Devices may be confiscated for misuse or use during scheduled class times. Students are prohibited from using a cell phone or other electronic communication device to engage in conduct prohibited by school district policies including, but not limited to, cheating, bullying, harassment, malicious and sadistic conduct. If the school district has a reasonable suspicion that a student has violated a school rule or law by use of a cell phone or other electronic device, the school district may search the device. The search of the device will be reasonably related in scope to the circumstances justifying the search. Students who use an electronic device inappropriately during the school day and/or in violation of school district policies may be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to the school district’s discipline policy. In addition, a student’s cell phone or electronic device may be confiscated by the school district and, if applicable, provided to law enforcement. Cell phone use will be prohibited in all locker rooms, restrooms, and during any and all testing environments. For a second offense, the item will be confiscated until a parent or guardian contacts a school official and a plan is in place to avoid further distractions/violations. Additional violations will result in confiscation, detention, and/or suspension. If a student refuses a staff member’s request to confiscate an electronic device it will be considered “insubordination” and subject to immediate dismissal.

Air Pods, earbuds, headphones may be used in classrooms with teacher permission.

All phones, Air Pods, earbuds, headphones, and smart devices are not allowed during district or state testing environments.

In 2024, the Minnesota legislature enacted a law requiring that school districts adopt a policy on students’ possession and use of cell phones in school by March 15, 2025. The development of this policy may impact the cell phone policy at Milaca High School during the 2024-25 school year.
 

Limited participation in PE:
For EXTENDED NON-PARTICIPATION (longer than 1-2 days) a doctor’s note is required. While in the swimming unit, students will be required to swim unless a doctor's note is provided. Students who do not swim and fail to turn in a doctor’s note will receive no credit for the unit.  

For temporary LIMITED PARTICIPATION a parent/guardian note is required and students will need to make up those points by completing a modified activity provided by the teacher.

Absences for PE:
Students will be required to complete a make-up form/assignment in order to earn points missed due to an absence. Make-up form/assignment and instructions will be provided. Make-up work forms must be signed by a parent/guardian and turned in 2 days after it’s assigned to earn full credit.

Late Work:
All work is expected to be turned in on or before the due date. Students will be given one week (7 calendar days) to submit late work; after one week, students will receive no credit. Late work received within the 7 days will earn a 10% deduction. Late work will not be accepted after the unit assessment has been given.  

PE Areas:
We will be utilizing the pool, gyms, weight room, Rec Park, Milaca trails, disc golf course, and other areas inside and around the school.

Health class: 
Health class will meet every other day in room S133 throughout quarters 2 and 3 only. On the opposite days, students will be participating in physical education class.
 

Cheating, Plagiarism and Use of AI:
Cheating and plagiarism are prohibited. Students who cheat or commit plagiarism on any test or assignment will be given a failing grade for that test or assignment and will be disciplined in accordance with the school district’s “Student Discipline” policy. Unless explicitly announced otherwise by the instructor, students are expected to work alone on all assignments/quizzes/tests/projects.

Milaca Schools recognize that responsible uses of artificial intelligence (AI) will vary depending on the context, such as a classroom activity or assignment. Teachers will clarify if, when, and how AI tools will be used, and the school system will ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations regarding data security and privacy. Appropriate AI use should be guided by the specific parameters and objectives defined for an activity.