Health & Physical Education
Our Beliefs
The Medford School District recognizes that physical activity, exercise and wellness education are important to allow students to learn to their capacity. Children who are healthy are more likely to learn and achieve in the classroom. High-quality Health and Physical Education is available at all grade levels to enhance the well-being of our youth and to develop healthy and physically literate students that are prepared for college, career and citizenship.
Physical Education (PE)
Physical Education (PE) develops life skills that encourage students to be active for life. It has a positive impact on students' physical, mental, social and emotional health.
Oregon has adopted SHAPE America's National Physical Education Standards as their core standards for students:
Standard 1 - The physically literate individual demonstrates competency in a variety of motor skills and movement platforms.
Standard 2 - The physically literate individual applies knowledge of concepts, principles, strategies, and tactics related to movement and performance.
Standard 3 - The physically literate individual demonstrates the knowledge and skills to achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical activity and fitness.
Standard 4 - The physically literate individual exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others.
Standard 5 - The physically literate individual recognizes the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and/or social interaction.
Health
Quality Health education is characterized by standards-based instruction that provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to lead healthy lives. Health-literate individuals are able to obtain and apply knowledge and skills to enhance their own health and the health of others - both now and in the future as their needs changes throughout their lives.
MSD students will follow the Oregon Health Education Standards and Performance Indicators that were adopted by the Oregon Department of Education in 2016. These standards help define the knowledge and skills students will need throughout their educational experience as well as provide consistency in what is taught to students across our state to ensure quality education.
K-8 Instructional Materials
The Medford School District has adopted The Great Body Shop as the instructional materials for health in grades K-8. If you would like to review any of the components of the program or have concerns, please contact your student's school principal.
9-12 Instructional Materials
The Medford School District has adopted Health for Life and Reproductive and Sexual Health by Human Kinetics to meet the Health standards for students in grades 9-12. If you would like to review any of the components of the program or have concerns, please contact your student's school principal.
Sexuality Education in Health Courses
Sexuality Education is a required part of Health Education. Oregon’s approach to Comprehensive Sexuality Education equips students with the knowledge and skills to realize their health, well-being, and educational goals. Sexuality Education supports students to:
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Realize their health, well-being, and dignity;
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Build and maintain healthy relationships, including friendships, and/or romantic or sexual relationships;
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Develop awareness of their own identities and support the identities of others;
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Ensure the protection of their rights and the rights of others throughout their lives;
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Consider their own boundaries and respect the boundaries of others;
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Recognize and access support, information, and care from trusted adults and organizations; and
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Reduce child abuse, sexual violence, harassment, and bullying.
This website provides information on requirements, best practices, and other tools that school districts, communities, and others can use in planning for and implementing sexuality education, child abuse prevention, menstrual dignity, and healthy relationships programming. For specific information on what materials or practices local school districts may be using, please contact the individual district directly.
Exemption from Instruction
According to Oregon Law (OAR Rule 581-022-1440), parents can opt their children out of any or all sexuality education components. However, parents cannot opt their children out of the entire health curriculum without written documentation of a religious or disability-related reason.
If, after previewing the materials, a parent/guardian would like to excuse their child from one or more health components, please submit the appropriate grade level letter to your school. Please contact your student's school principal with any questions.
Parent Opt-Out Letters, Health
K-3 Grade Parent Opt-Out Letter
K-3 Grade Parent Opt-Out Letter - Spanish
4/5 Grade Parent Opt-Out Letter
4/5 Grade Parent Opt-Out Letter - Spanish
6 Grade Parent Opt-Out Letter - Spanish
7th Grade Parent Opt-Out Letter
7th Grade Parent Opt-Out Letter - Spanish
8th Grade Parent Opt-Out Letter
8th Grade Parent Opt-Out Letter - Spanish