Health & Physical Education Department

Physical Activity and Physical Education

Provide a Physical Education program that emphasizes knowledge and skills leading to a lifetime of regular physical activity consistent with  the Massachusetts Curriculum frameworks for Physical Education and Health. 

Ensure that every student  receives regular, age appropriate quality physical education

Encourage students to participate in after school programs that promote physical activity.

Monitoring and Policy Review

The Superintendent or designee will ensure compliance with Essex Agricultural & Technical High Schools’ “School Wellness Policy”. In each  school the Principal or designee will ensure compliance with those policies as outlined in the Essex Agricultural & Technical High School’ “School Wellness Policy” and will report on the school’s compliance to the school district superintendent or designee.

School food service staff, at the school and district level, will comply with nutrition policies within school food service areas and will report on this matter to the Superintendent or designee.

The Essex  Agricultural & Technical High School’ “School Wellness Policy” will be reviewed annually in accordance with state guidelines.

Course Descriptions

Health/Fitness (Grade 9) 4130

This course focuses on helping students cope with wellness issues while emphasizing the importance of accurate up to date information relevant to one’s life and well-being. These issues center on nutrition, relationships, communication skills, decision - making, body image, tobacco and other drugs.

Discussions focus around responsible decision-making and developing behaviors that promote a healthy lifestyle. 

Physical education activities focus on providing students with the knowledge of how to maintain a healthy lifestyle through physical activity. The physical activities emphasize life sports and physical fitness.

Health/ Fitness (Grade 10) 4230, 4235, 4237

This course focuses on a wide range of health issues and activities. These issues center on personal body functions, mental attitudes, individual actions and reactions. This course encourages students to choose healthy responsible behaviors that would last throughout his/her lifetime.

The physical education program continues to focus on providing students with the knowledge of how to maintain a healthy lifestyle through physical activity.