09/13/07

Degrees: BA SUNY at Cortland Department: Physical Education cfelser@nicholsschool.org	Degrees: AA Marjorie Webster J.C.; BS Medaille College Department: Physical Education psheehan@nicholsschool.org	Degrees: BS St. Lawrence University; Masters of Science in Education Castleton State College Department: Physical Education bstone@nicholsschool.org	Degrees: BA William Smith: Health & Wellness; Master in Education Department:Physical Education & Wellness dvallas@nicholsschool.org

Both Athletics and Physical Education are integral parts of the educational program for all students at Nichols School. They enhance student capacities for living and learning, and they provide socializing experiences that complement and expand upon those found in the classroom and in the community.

The Upper School conducts an extensive interscholastic athletic program, believing that competitive team experiences contribute significantly to the development of character and to the spirit and pride of the school. We expect all members of our community to represent Nichols in a manner that is respectful of others on and off the playing fields. Our aim is to develop and maintain the highest standards of courtesy, emotional discipline, good sportsmanship, and the ability to act as good hosts and guests. Most teams have tryouts, mandatory practices and matches after school hours, and play in competitive leagues throughout Western New York and Canada. Regardless of the team or level, wearing the green-and-white remains a symbol of pride for all of our student athletes at Nichols.

In the Middle School, an intramural philosophy dominates. Anyone can be on a team, the number of teams is dictated by the level of interest, practices take place during the daily sports period, and most teams play other local middle schools.

      2007-2008 Nichols School Physical Education Class Policies

1. Academic Requirements for Graduation
   1. A student must receive credit for Physical Education/Athletics each season beginning with freshman year through and including spring of senior year.
   2. Physical Education classes are graded on a letter grade system, distinguishing like in other academic classes, the effort, participation, preparedness, skill and enthusiasm a student exhibits in class. For each class that a student is unprepared or late to class or unprepared for class (ie. A+ to an A), one third of a grade is deducted. For each unexcused absence from class, one and one third of a grade is deducted (ie. A+ to a B).
   3. If a student misses 7 Physical Education classes in the fall or spring or 9 Physical Education classes in the winter (including excused absences), the student will fail as this is an attendance based class.

2. Class
   1. Classes are assigned to meet on chorus or orchestra days and are scheduled according to the academic binder. Classes meet every other day beginning immediately after Block 2 at 10:07. Students participating in Physical Education classes do not have break. Students must be dressed and on the field ready to participate at 10:15 am. Students will be released from the field at 10:55 am. to be back in class at 11:05am.

3. Lockers
   1. Physical Education students are to use the lockers B04 (boys – fall) BO6 (boys-winter and spring) and B05 (girls) to change and lock up belongings during participation. Students are not allowed to leave their clothes in these lockers overnight as they are used for visiting teams. Gym clothes should be locked in street lockers except during class. Do not leave any clothes or belongings unlocked during the physical education period.

4. Physicals
   1. Students who have not turned in physicals for this school year will be restricted in activities until such time that the physical is turned in. Students with no physicals will not be permitted in the weight room at any time.

5. Gym Clothes
   1. Gym clothes are to include shorts of an appropriate length and size, a t shirt that covers past the top of the shorts (no bare stomachs) and has appropriate writing on it for school wear, white socks and sneakers. The same shoes worn out on the playing field, cannot be subsequently worn in the gymnasium. Please have a second indoor pair of sneakers. Sweat shirts and sweat pants are recommended to have in school at all times as we will be outside until November.

                                                               i.      No camisole tops or thin strap tank tops

                                                             ii.      No boxers/cut off sweatpants hanging below the shorts “Truscott Rule”

                                                            iii.      Shorts must be worn at the waist. No boxers or underwear or bare skin showing above the shorts.

                                                           iv.      Shirts must be designed to completely cover so that no skin is showing at the waist – no tight shirts that ride up.

6. Class Scheduling
   1. If you are in chorus, you will be placed in the “orchestra” class which has physical education on days orchestra rehearses. If you are in orchestra, you will be placed in the “chorus” class which has physical education on days chorus rehearses. Except on rare occasions, Physical Education is your top priority on scheduled days even if chorus and orchestra are having extra rehearsals.
   2. If you are not in chorus or orchestra you will be assigned today to one of the two classes and will meet accordingly.
   3. If you are in both chorus and orchestra, you must see Mrs. Stone immediately.
   4. Physical Education class has priority when you are scheduled for class. The exception is SCC or Wellness classes. It is your responsibility to notify the teacher ahead of time of these conflicts.

7. Medical Excuses
   1. Medical excuses must be in writing from a parent if it is less than 1 week or from the attending physician if it is more than 1 week. Every medical note must have a beginning and ending date on it. Students are required to bring that note to your teacher at the beginning of class period. Students are expected to attend class and participate as a scorekeeper or assistant during that medical injury time. The teacher has the sole responsibility of excusing the student from class. Notes not brought in person by the student are considered UNEXCUSED ABSENCES.

8. Excused Absences
   1. If a student needs to be excused from participating on a particular day, he/she must bring a note from his/her parents to the teacher in charge of class at the beginning of the period. The student will be expected to be present in class and help in some manner. Students are not excused to see a teacher or make up work during Physical Education period.

9. Unexcused Absences
   1. Unexcused absences are any absence in which a student is in school and is not participating in class without explicit permission from the teacher in charge of class. Students are not to attend meetings, extra help, makeup tests, etc when they are scheduled for Physical Education class. Extra help time and makeup test time is at 3:00 pm for Physical Education students. Plan accordingly.
   2. A student, who quits a team midseason, must report to Physical Education class the next day or that class and every one following is considered an UNEXCUSED ABSENCE until the student reports ready to participate. Students are responsible for reporting their change in situation to the Athletic Office immediately.
   3. 1^st Offense: Remanded to Minor Disciplinary Committee
   4. 2^nd Offense: Remanded to Student Conduct Committee
   5. 3^rd Offense: Failure of Class

10. Jewelry
    1. No rings or dangling earrings should be worn in class. All valuables must be locked in lockers at all time.