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Comprehensive Health and Physical Education

Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Programs

Health and Safety Education

Health and Safety Education is taught every year in grades K - 8 and once at the high school level. The health and safety curriculum includes nutritional choices; mental health; injury prevention; personal wellness; alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs prevention; and family life.

Sexuality Education

Sexuality Education may be part of the science, health, or physical education curriculum every year in grades six through eight and one time prior to high school graduation in PE, ROTC, or Freshman Studies classes. The curriculum strictly follows the state law and district policy and is abstinence-based. Schools mail information to parents regarding the dates of instruction, previewing of instructional materials, and how parents may exempt their child from any portion or the entire unit if course content conflicts with family beliefs.

Character Education

Character Education is taught at every grade level, and is emphasized throughout every phase of the school environment. Students develop personal traits that hold to the highest standard of "good" to direct his or her life, actions, and relationships. Classroom topics may include showing respect for self and others; making safe and responsible decisions; using resistance skills to avoid doing wrong; obeying family and civil rules; developing healthy relationships with family and friends; and preventing violence.

Physical Education

Physical Education is required at every grade K - 8 and one time prior to high school graduation. Students learn to develop and maintain a healthy level of fitness, find personal enjoyment in life-long physical activity, and interact positively with others in sports and other activities of our culture.

Recommended Web Sites

Contacts

Penny Bostain, Comprehensive Health and Physical Education Consultant
Phone: 355-3181, Fax: 355-9242
E-mail: pbostain@greenville.k12.sc.us

District Health Educators

Kathy Kent, District Health Educator - Phone: 355-1098
Denise Pittillo, District Health Educator -
Phone 355-1096
Lori Lawing, District Health Educator -- Phone: 355-1097, Fax: 355-1087

National Health Standards

  1. Students will comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention.
  2. Students will demonstrate the ability to access valid health information and health-promoting products and services.
  3. Students will demonstrate the ability to practice health-enhancing behaviors and reduce health risks.
  4. Students will analyze the influence of culture, media, technology, and other factors on health.
  5. Students will demonstrate the ability to use interpersonal communication skills to enhance health.
  6. Students will demonstrate the ability to use goal-setting and decision-making skills to enhance health.
  7. Students will demonstrate the ability to advocate for personal, family, and community health.
Health Literacy

Health literacy is the capacity of individuals to obtain, interpret, and understand basic health information and services and the competence to use such information and services in ways that enhance health. Four characteristics have been identified as being essential to health literacy. The health literate person is:

The National Health Education Standards are critical to the healthy development of children and youth.  The goal of the National Health Education Standards is improved educational achievement for students and improved health literacy in the United States.