Health & Physical Education at Saint Thomas Academy.

Middle School Physical Education will focus on developing personal motor skills and be introduced to strategies and concepts of playground games and activities. As a support to their social development, students will analyze the influence of family, peers and their culture including social media and technology in the context of their personal health behaviors. Class graded S/U. 

FITness and FUNction, is a course designed to be taught to Middle School students in grade 7, that provides foundation for developing character. The course enlarges the traditional Physical Education only approach and incorporates personal skill development, social awareness, interpersonal relationships and develops a healthy lifestyle that includes life-long physical activities and responsibilities. Being fit, physically, socially and mentally is the goal of the course. Class graded A-F. 

Middle School Physical Education will focus on developing personal motor skills and be introduced to strategies and concepts of playground games and activities. As a support to their social development, students will analyze the influence of family, peers and their culture including social media and technology in the context of their personal health behaviors. Class graded S/U. 
Health topics for discussion in Middle School will include: Understanding emotional behavior swings and dealing with new stressors. Awareness of unhealthy substances and conveying the impact of substance abuse. Nutritional guidelines for food and beverages that promote a healthy life-style. 
A Satisfactory (S) grade is recorded for successful completion of the Physical Education requirement and is not included in the overall GPA. Project-based learning and formative assessments will be used to evaluate Middle School Physical Education, health and wellness learning. 

R.E.A.C.H (Relationships, Emotions, Academics, Character, Health) is an introductory course focused on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) for sixth grade students to help acclimate new students to Saint Thomas Academy. Through this course, students will better understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, make responsible decisions, adjust to Saint Thomas Academy's rigorous academic standards, and learn about various mental health topics and how they relate to their world. The class is taught during 1st quarter by the Middle School counselor as part of the social studies class.