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Rush-Henrietta

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Physical Education

Ashley Pierce

Ashley Pierce
Assistant Director
Health & Physical Education

(585) 359-5150 or via e-mail

A Commitment to Lifelong Fitness:
Rush-Henrietta's K-12 Physical Education Program

Welcome to the Rush-Henrietta Physical Education department! Our program is designed to meet graduation requirements and build a foundation for a healthy, active life for every student.

Physical Education is a core component of our academic curriculum and is required for graduation. Unlike other academic classes, attendance and active participation are imperative for success. Our program equips students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to maintain their physical well-being long after they leave our halls.

Our Curriculum: Building Physical Literacy

Our K-12 curriculum is a dynamic, sequential program designed to build physical literacy from a young age. This means students will not only "do" sports and activities, but they will also learn the "why" and "how" behind movement, health, and fitness.

Our diverse curriculum includes:

  • Fundamental Motor Skills (Pre-K - Grade 3): Building the ABCs of movement—running, jumping, throwing, catching, and balancing—through fun, engaging games and activities.
  • Health & Skill-Related Fitness Concepts (Grades 4-6 and 7-9): Students learn the team sports and skills as well as components of fitness (cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, etc.) and begin applying these concepts to their own personal wellness.
  • Lifelong Activities & Sports (Grades 10-12): We move beyond traditional team sports to introduce students to a wide array of activities they can pursue for a lifetime, such as yoga, strength training, racquet sports, and outdoor recreation.

Our goal is to ensure every graduate has the skills and confidence to create and maintain their own personal fitness plan for life.

New York State Standards

Our entire curriculum is aligned with the New York State (NYS) Physical Education Learning Standards, which set high expectations for what students should know and be able to do. We are committed to meeting and exceeding these benchmarks at every grade level.

Safety & Attire: Ready for Movement

Safety is our number one priority. To ensure every student can participate fully and safely in all activities. Being prepared in safe and PE friendly clothing is important to demonstrate and achieve the NYSED Physical Education Standards. This is the first and most critical step for student safety and the protection of our facility. A student cannot safely achieve standards if not prepared.

  • Footwear: For the safety of all students (preventing ankle/foot injuries) and the maintenance of our facilities, sneakers that can be securely tied (or fastened with Velcro for younger students) must be worn. No boots, sandals, crocs, slides, or dress shoes are permitted in the gymnasium or on our athletic surfaces.
  • Clothing: Students should wear clothing that allows for safe and free movement, such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, athletic shorts, or sweatpants, also known as Athleisure clothing. 
  • Locker Rooms: We understand students may not want to wear athletic attire all day. Locker rooms are available at Junior High and High School buildings for students who need to change before and after class

    Respectful locker room etiquette is the expectation.  

    Important Notes:
     

    • When submitting a medical excuse, please include both the start date and end date of the restriction. This information helps teachers plan meaningful and appropriate learning activities for your child during that time.

    • Medically Excused Students: If your child is unable to participate in Physical Education due to a medical reason, they will be given an alternative or modified assignment that aligns with the New York State Physical Education Standards, based on the current physical condition of the student. This helps ensure that all students can continue learning and staying engaged, even while they are recovering.
    • Outdoor Activity and Seasonal Readiness: We encourage our PE classes to take advantage of Rochester's beautiful four seasons! Recreation and fitness are year-round pursuits and students will participate in outdoor activities whenever possible. Please make sure your child is prepared for outdoor participation in all seasons. In grades 7 -12, locker rooms are available for storing extra layers or outdoor gear as needed.
    • Swimming unit: To comply with NYS Regulations, and continue with our mission to teach student life long physical literacy, aquatics is a required curriculum unit at the high school level. Students should be prepared to participate in a swim unit and demonstrate aquatics specific skills aligned with NYS Standards. 

We look forward to partnering with you to foster a love of movement and a commitment to lifelong health in your student!

Looking for Out-of-School Recreational Athletic Opportunities?

Explore local community sports and recreation programs available to Rush-Henrietta students! Click here to view Rush-Henrietta community sports opportunities. 

 

Water Safety for our R-H Community & Swim Instruction in Physical Education

Water Safety for Our R-H Community

Education Law section 926, effective July 1, 2026, requires school districts to provide electronic or written information on water safety to parents/guardians at the beginning of the school year.  Additionally, the school district must publish this information on its website. The NYS Department of Health has provided school district with swim tips regarding:

  • Drowning Prevention
  • Water Safety
  • Safe and Healthy Swimming

Safe Swimming Tips

  • Always swim with someone else and keep an eye on each other.
  • Pay extra attention to your children around water.
  • Make sure to consider your own health. Medical conditions such as a seizure disorder or heart condition can put people at greater risk of drowning.
  • If you can’t swim, avoid water that is greater than chest deep.
    • Learn to swim by participating in PE class and see our Community Ed opportunities.
  • Do not use alcohol or drugs if you plan to swim.
  • Never dive into water less than 8 feet deep or of unknown depth.
  • Be aware of the weather; never swim during storms or lightning.
  • The safest place to swim is at a public beach or at a pool with lifeguards.

Know the Signs of Drowning
Each year, hundreds of New Yorkers drown. It can happen to anyone. Drowning occurs quickly and silently. Someone drowning may appear to be splashing or waving when they are struggling to stay afloat. Reduce your risk by learning basic swimming skills. Consider taking a CPR class. Knowing this could save a life and remember to call 911.

Keep Children Safe
Small children and teens are at the greatest risk of drowning. Even in shallow water, always keep little ones within arm’s reach, especially if you are in a body of water with waves or currents. Lifeguards and life jackets don’t take the place of close adult supervision. If swimming in a pool, make sure it has a secure enclosure that makes it inaccessible to children. 

Stay Healthy
Did you know that germs can spread through water? Avoid getting sick by not swallowing water. You should also rinse off before and after you swim. Never swim in cloudy or discolored water. Stay out of the water if you are sick with diarrhea, or if you have open cuts or wounds. Cuts should be covered.

Take children on frequent bathroom breaks while swimming.

Boating Safety
Always follow safe boating practices and wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved (I-III label) life jacket. Air-filled swimming aids, like water wings and floats, are not sufficient and should never be used in place of a life jacket.

Below are resources for swim classes and water safety information:

Water Safety for All Students

Every student will receive age-appropriate water safety instruction designed to build confidence, awareness, and essential life skills. Lessons focus on recognizing water hazards, understanding safe behaviors around pools and natural bodies of water, and knowing how to respond in emergency situations.

Swim Instruction at the High School Level

At the high school level, students will actively participate in structured swim classes. These classes will be in the pool, please ensure your student has swim attire they feel comfortable in to participate fully. Classes are led by certified Physical Education instructors and are designed to develop fundamental swimming skills, promote lifelong fitness, and reinforce personal and community water safety practices.