Upland weighs PE waiver for performing arts students
Author: Sandra Emerson , Staff Writer
UPLAND - Upland High School students involved in physically demanding electives may soon be able to waive some of their physical education requirements.
The Upland Unified School District and principals at the high school are looking at ways to allow students involved in marching band, color guard, pep squad and various dance classes to become exempt from taking additional physical education classes.
State laws requires high school students to take two years of physical education. Students in some performing arts classes are required to make up a class, such as physical education, at a later date.
The Upland Unified School District and principals at the high school are looking at ways to allow students involved in marching band, color guard, pep squad and various dance classes to become exempt from taking additional physical education classes.
State laws requires high school students to take two years of physical education. Students in some performing arts classes are required to make up a class, such as physical education, at a later date.
"Students have to complete required courses for graduation and college admission," said Linda Kaminski, assistant superintendent of education services with the district. "Allowing students who take marching band, color guard, pep squad and dance classes to have an exception from a (physical education) class provides more flexibility for them to meet all the other requirements within the normal six-period day."
There are eight state-required elements of physical education that students must get in their two required years.
Six of the elements can easily be worked into the classes Upland plans to allow waivers for, but the other two - aquatics and combatics - will prove more difficult, Kaminski said.
Upland High principals Ben Rich and Guy Roubian have been working with the school's physical education and performing arts departments to decide how to work in the required elements.
Superintendent Gary Rutherford said the exemption was a long time coming and had been under discussion for several months.
A first reading was held at the Feb. 9 school board meeting.
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