The Physical Education Department at St. Francis High School strives to enrich the mental, physical and moral development of our students by promoting spiritual, creative, and healthy lifestyles through high quality programs. The department identifies the components of successful health-related physical education and implements these into all classes. Educationally sound sports programs result in successful student achievement at the individual and team level. Through the practice of dance, yoga, martial arts, and other physical activities, students improve their physical coordination, body alignment, awareness, agility, balance and strength. In addition, the breathing, meditation, and instruction on healthy nutritional and life-style choices assist students in dealing with the stresses associated with adolescence. Students in the Karate class also learn how to secure their personal and home environments through safety assessments and instruction in effective self-defense methods. Teachers emphasize participation in developmentally appropriate and enjoyable physical activities while providing students with the skills to assess their progress.

Physical Education Courses
For more information about PE course offerings, visit the Course Catalog.

• Cardio and Weight Training
• Dance 1 & 2
• Karate
• Yoga

The P.E. requirement may also be fulfilled through:

• Dance 3 or St. Francis Performance Dance Company
• Participation on a St. Francis Sports Team
• Participation in an approved team sport that is not offered at SFHS
• An approved P.E. course through another institution

Facts about the Physical Education Program

• Students engage in activities that foster their own development of optimal physical, mental and emotional well being, leading to healthy choices and lifelong good health.
• Students exemplify and model proper ideals of sportsmanship, moral behavior, ethical conduct and fair play while upholding Christian values through competition.
• Students understand that a physically active lifestyle provides opportunity for enjoyment, challenge and self-expression.
• Students acquire and strengthen techniques enabling them to execute the steps in a correct manner that is required in different dance styles.
• Students gain confidence about defending themselves while learning physical and psychological awareness.

Performance Objectives for Cardio and Weight Training, Karate and Yoga

• Calculate and monitor training heart rate while exercising
• Perform various weight training exercises using proper technique
• Properly stretch before exercising
• Execute blocks, kicks, punches and strikes associated with self-defense
• Relax and focus on stress reduction while participating in meditation/yoga exercises

Department Chair:
Dana Bueno
916.452.3461 ext. 156
DBueno@stfrancishs.org