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Jeff Richards (Department Leader) 506-6787 jeff.richards@ahschools.us
Judy Ries 506-6771 judy.ries@ahschools.us
Westin Satzinger 506-6557 westin.satzinger@ahschools.us
Dear Parent or guardian,
Every Blaine student is required to take one-half credit (one term) in health education between their sophomore and senior years. We feel we have a strong curriculum designed to prepare students for the decisions they may need to make in the areas of health and safety. These decisions are not limited to their own personal health, but extend to the identification of health needs in family members or friends. The class projects help students become aware of the community resources available to them and how to best utilize those resources.
So, students and parents are aware, we will be utilizing classroom chromebooks/desktops regularly as we are using Google Classroom. There will be times during the course of the trimester that we will be discussing current events and other important topics concurrent with our health units. It is a wonderful way to stay up to date with health topics that are relevant to our curriculum and our daily lives.
We will update our SBI grades on Synergy after each unit or approximately every two weeks. We encourage students to share at home the things we do in class. It is our belief that parental values and communication are an important part of the decision making process. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call or email us.
Listed below are the units we cover in Health during the trimester:
Intro to Health:
Students will take a look at how to make good decisions and how to set goals to have a happy and healthy life.
Mental Health:
Students will discuss a model of health and wellness that includes all aspects of their lives such as physical, mental and social health.
CPR:
Students will have the opportunity to become certified. They will learn CPR per the American Heart Association, how to use an AED, and how to help a victim who is choking using the Heimlich maneuver.
Nutrition:
Student will learn about nutrients, dieting, eating disorders and analyze their own diet via an individual project.
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Lifestyle diseases:
Students will explore common lifestyle and infectious diseases. We will explore the causes, symptoms and treatments as well as a group project.
Chemical Health:
Students will learn about facts and stats about drugs and how they impact your body, mind and family through guest speakers and a group project.
Human Growth and Development:
Students will look at the risks and consequences that go along with becoming sexually involved too early. We will follow the guidelines that the district has established for the sexuality units in high school. The emphasis will be on abstinence as the only 100% way to prevent disease and pregnancy. Other topics that will be included are refusal skills, pregnancy/birth, reproductive anatomy, STD’s, Contraception, sexual violence, and communication. If you would not like your child to participate in this unit, please send a written request to your child’s Health teacher. The alternative to this unit is a replacement curriculum that will be done independently by the student in the IMC.
Grading Breakdown:
Standards Based Grading:
Teachers will use a standards-based grading system that focuses on the most important standards and benchmarks as determined by the National Health Standards. Students’ knowledge and performance will be evaluated using a 4, 3.5, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.5, 1, .5 proficiency scale that will allow parents, students, and others to determine what a student knows and can do. Daily practice may be noted in the gradebook, but may not be factored into the final course grade. This reflects the belief that students should be graded on what they know and can do based on multiple opportunities to showcase proficiency.
Relearning Opportunities: (Per contract for Academic Success)
- The first attempt is important. Failure to prepare adequately is a violation of the learning contract. As a result, reassessment opportunities could be limited.
- Complete the required and necessary relearning steps in order to reassess. This may mean additional time with the teacher, additional practice work, or other interventions.
It is important that work is done on time and to the best of your ability. Please communicate with me should you fall behind or need additional assistance. Learn to be a self-advocate and speak with me before an assignment is due.
Class Expectations:
Be respectful – treat everyone the same
Be responsible – get your work done, and done on time
Be yourself – the class is all about you and your decisions
Be here - attendance is important for your success. It is your responsibility to get make up work if you are absent.
Please sign below and return for 5 points so you and your parents both know the class expectations.
Printed Student Signature__________________________
Signed Student Signature__________________________
Parent Signature_________________________________