Livingston Public Schools

Health 9
This is the first course in the sequence of four required courses which comprise the comprehensive health and wellness education program. In keeping with State mandates, this course provides students with the knowledge and skills to critically analyze the effects of personal decisions on growth and development and to engage in positive behaviors which maintain a healthy lifestyle. The curriculum includes topics such as human sexuality, drugs and medicine, nutrition, emotional and mental health, inclusive of depression and suicide, disease prevention, and environmental health. Additional emphasis is made with guest speakers on dating violence and drug education. Through participation in a variety of instructional activities, students enhance communication, problem-solving and refusal skills. Information on career education and consumer health is integrated throughout this course.

Driver Education
This course provides instruction in the mechanical operation of the automobile, basic driving techniques, defensive driving strategies, and the handling of driving emergencies. A major portion of the course is devoted to learning the New Jersey motor vehicle laws and regulations for the State driver’s examination, which is administered in class. Alcohol and Drug prevention education, refusal skills, as well as decision-making skills, are critical components of this course. The topic of organ and tissue donation is addressed and students are made aware of the registration process via NJ MVC licensure. All students take the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission driver’s/permit exam as one of the culminating activities for this course.

Health 11
This course encompasses several components of the comprehensive health education model, including injury prevention and safety, drugs and medicine, human sexuality, health promotion and disease prevention. The major portion of this course is devoted to the attainment of the skills and knowledge for responding in emergencies; the American Red Cross Course First Aid/CPR/AED for Community and Schools resources serves as the basis for the curriculum. At the end of the unit, all students who have shown mastery are given the opportunity to apply for ARC certification (for a nominal fee). Analysis of personal behaviors and the enhancement of interpersonal and management skills are emphasized to promote positive relationships and reduce risks contributing to the development of disease, disability, and addiction. Topics discussed in the human sexuality unit include reproductive health concerns, sexual orientation, sexually transmitted infections, abstinence and birth control. Healthy relationships and their components are addressed with the intent to prepare students for the varied challenges and situations they may encounter – inclusive of sexual harassment.

Health 12
This course continues to build on the comprehensive health education model by further addressing relationships and marriage, pregnancy, childbirth and family, drugs and medicine, disease and wellness. Students analyze the components needed to build a foundation for stable relationships and marriages. Students examine the roles and responsibilities of parenting and environmental aspects of pregnancy and childbirth in order to prepare for a future possible role as parents of healthy offspring. Current and topical health issues such as Cancer prevention education including breast and testicular exam receive special emphasis during this course.

Physical Education
At each grade level, a series of courses are designed to develop student knowledge, attitudes, and skill competencies in target goal areas of physical fitness and wellness, sports education, creativity, and problem solving. Through participation in a comprehensive, personalized approach to fitness, students will learn concepts and techniques of assessment and prescription, nutrition, weight control, stress management, and physical training. Personal development and social critical thinking are enhanced through participation in cooperative games and an experience-based Adventure Education unit. Increased kinesthetic awareness and development of an appreciation for the aesthetic qualities of human movement is accomplished through gymnastics and contemporary line dance units. As the students progress through the grade levels, the complexity and variety of the courses increases. Upper grade level offerings provide students with direct instruction and appropriate experiences for the development of advanced physical skills, game strategies, and human movement. Fitness and wellness continue to be a major portion of the program with activities such as yoga, step aerobics, stress management, and fitness training in the specialized weight and cardio room. Character education and team building are developed through student participation in our Adventure Education courses on the indoor challenge course. Lifetime sports such as golf, tennis, archery, fencing, fit walking, badminton, ultimate frisbee, hockey, team handball, softball and volleyball are also included in the fitness and wellness program outline.

Adapted Physical Education and General Health
This course is designed for students who require a modified program to meet the physical education and health requirements. The course integrates health and physical education concepts to allow maximum participation in a supportive and safe environment. The program activities include fitness activities, lifetime sports and inclusion in regular physical education activities within the capability of the student. At times, a more individualized program may be developed and prescribed. Parents are advised to consult with the Child Study Team and/or the School Nurse for any potential program modifications as early as possible in the scheduling process.