Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do students and parents communicate with PE instructors outside of class time?
The best way is email or leave a message on voicemail 515-987-5163.
Mr. Briggs = ext. 8650
Mr. Dahl = ext. 2093
Mr. Heitland = ext. 2253
Mrs. Sender = ext. 2291
Mrs. Slauson = ext. 2252
Mr. Sullivan = ext. 2256
How are students graded in PE?
Instructors will be using a letter grade: A, B, C, D, F, (+/-). Students’ grades will be reflected on their overall cumulative grade. 75% of grade is based on daily formative assessments, 20% of grade is based on written formative assessments, and 5% of grade is based on Functional Movement Screening (FMS) post-test.
How are daily points evaluated?
A point scale of 0-5 will be used every day that class meets. The student will be assessed on the following criteria.
1Point – Warm Up - Demonstrates fitness components during warm ups
2Points – Activity - Meet daily activity objectives
1Point – Sportsmanship - Demonstrates fairness, respect for one’s opponents, and gracious in winning and losing
1Point – Equipment - Demonstrates appropriate care and proper use of equipment
What is Functional Movement Screening (FMS)?
The Functional Movement ScreenTM includes seven tests that assess mobility and stability. The warm up exercise routines performed in physical education are derived from data from the FMS screen. Through the FMS screen we hope to improve the effectiveness of the current physical education program and help the student to enjoy improved performance while preventing unnecessary injuries.
Will my Functional Movement Screening (FMS) scores be part of my grade? Yes, Waukee physical education students will be pre-assessed at the start of the term onDeep Squat, Active Straight-Leg Raise, and Trunk Stability Push Up from theFunctional Movement ScreenTM. These three assessments are most beneficial to identify weakness in basic everyday body movementpatterns. Students will set a fitness goal for improving their functional movement as a result of their FMS scores. Instructors will implement a variety of exercises to facilitate improvement based off the FMS pre-assessment results and student goals. The same movements will be assessed at the end of the term. The post-assessment results will be 5% of the students’ overall grade.
What happens if a student is absence from class?
Attendance is vital to a student’s success in class. The attendance policy states that for the day students are gone, they will not earn their 5 points for the day. All students are allowed two school-related absences. After the second school-related absence, points will not be awarded. Students who miss class have an opportunity to make up class before or after school at the fitness center. A supervisor must sign a make-up card verifying the make-up, then the student will return the card to his/her teacher to receive 5 pt. credit. Students have the entire term to make up classes.
What do students do if they have a medical excuse?
Each day excused from PE with a physician’s note needs to be made up by completing an article review. The review is located on the instructors’ blog site.
Do students take tests in high school PE?
Yes, the students will be tested over each unit.
Can students re-take a test in high school PE?
Under the following guidelines:
- Turn in completed review guide to instructor prior to first summative assessment.
- Re-take has to be completed during the instructors’ designated time before or after school. (approximately 1 week after original test date)
- Students must organize their own transportation for these days, if needed.
Where can a student get the notes and review guides to help prepare for the tests?
They are located on your instructor’s blog. Go to Under schools click on the high school then find your instructor under staff. Scroll down and you will see your instructors name, extension and blog. Click on blog to access their site.
What clothes do students wear for class?
Athletic shorts, sweat suits, t-shirts and clean tennis shoes will be the only clothes accepted for class. All clothes must conform to the guidelines set in the student handbook. Clothes must be taken home periodically and washed.
What if a student forgot clothes at home?
PE instructors have access to clothing for the student to borrow for the class period.
What happens if a student refuses to dress out?
Consequences for No Dress (includes not having proper footwear):
1st offense = Loss of 5 daily points, parent signature, and return form the next day to teacher.
2nd offense = Loss of 5 daily points, teacher will make parent phone call home, and counselor signature.
3rd offense = Loss of 5 daily points, send parent letter home, teacher will make parent phone call home, and counselor conference with teacher and student.
4th offense = Loss of 5 daily points, send parent letter home, and student will receive a removal from class. (according to handbook policy)
5th offense = Loss of 5 daily points, send parent letter home, and student will receive a 2nd removal from class. (according to handbook policy)
6th offense = Loss of 5 daily points, send parent letter home, and student will receive a 3rd removal from class. (according to handbook policy)
What if a student forgot tennis shoes at home? Can a student wear my flip flops?
No, PE instructors have access to tennis shoes for the student to borrow for the class period.
Can jewelry be worn in class?
Yes, but you may be asked to remove jewelry if it is considered a safety concern.
Do students have to shower after class? Does the school provide towels for showering?
All students should use the shower facilities after each class. At least 15 minutes will be allowed for students to shower. You are to bring and use your own personal towel. At this age, personal hygiene is very important.
Do students get a PE lockers?
Each student is given a lock and locker. Experience has proven that it is important to LOCK LOCKERS containing articles of clothing and valuables. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items. The large lockers are designed for students use during P.E. class only. Many visiting athletic teams need to use the locker space for game time use. If students’ clothes are left in locker room or gymnasium, they will get removed and put in the lost and found. The cost of a lost lock is $7.00 paid to Pam in the Principal’s office.
When can a student use a cell phone in class?
Cell phones use is prohibited in the locker room and during class time. After students shower and change cell phones may be used in the gym only.
What if a student is injured in class?
All injuries should be reported to your instructor immediately so that the injury can be evaluated.
What are the food and drink procedures in PE class?
No food or beverages will be allowed in gym or locker room areas. Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle to use during class.
What is a truancy?
Truancy will be given to any student out of the instruction area without permission from the teacher. Students will be expected to make a direct transition from a change in areas or activities. Students need to inform teacher when using restroom and/or getting a drink.
What will a student do if there is a tornado warning or fire alarm?
Students will receive a verbal warning, “A tornado has been sighted in our area. Please take cover!” If you are located in the west gym, then walk calmly to the PE boy’s locker room. If you are located in the wellness center, exit wellness center and proceed north to athletic boy’s locker room.
The signal for a fire drill will be a continuous sounding of the fire alarm. Students should exit using the closest doors. Proceed towards the parking lot. Students must maintain a distance from the building during the fire drills or emergencies.
*In all drills and emergencies, it is vital that the students stay with their class and instructor. Attendance will be taken once the group reaches their place of rescue.