Department Overview

  • Health Education
    Health education is required for all students in grades K-12th grade. Students in grades K - 6 are taught by an elementary classroom teacher; students in grades 7 to 12 are taught by a certified health education teacher. Two semesters of health are required at the secondary level; students receive a 1/2 credit at middle school and a 1/2 credit in high school (required for graduation). Learners increase their health knowledge and learn the skills to develop and maintain lifelong health. Students learn and practice self-management, relationship management, communication, decision-making, planning and goal setting, stress management and advocacy skills. Health education is a holistic approach that requires the collaboration of home, school, and community, enabling students to make responsible and informed decisions and adopt and maintain healthy behaviors.

    Physical Education
    Physical education is a required part of the curriculum for all students at all levels and is taught by certified physical education teachers. The mission of the Physical Education Department is to enable all students to sustain regular, lifelong physical activity as a foundation for a healthy, productive and fulfilling life. Physical education is fundamental to the development and education of each individual and provides a unique opportunity to develop concepts, skills and attitudes that reinforce personal wellness and the ability to manage one’s life. The Physical Education Department complies with all Federal and NY State regulations.

    Athletics/Extracurricular Eligibility
    The District’s Interscholastic Sports Program offers opportunities for students to participate in competitive sports at the modified, freshman, junior varsity and varsity levels. Student athletes are provided opportunities for physical exams and must be re-qualified by a nurse or doctor prior to each season.

    The sports program supports academic achievement by emphasizing the following eligibility requirements:

    • Maintain at least a C average in all subjects
    • Maintain 90 percent daily attendance in each class
    • Demonstrate good citizenship

    Student eligibility is assessed at each of the high schools by the Athletic Department.

    The same requirements apply to student eligibility for extracurricular activities such as music groups, drama clubs, step teams, Master Minds, science, math leagues, and more.

    College scholarships are available for students who excel in both academics and athletics. 

Interscholastic Athletics Information for Grades 7-12

  • The RCSD Department of Health, Physical Education and Athletics would like to inform all student athletes of a few steps you will need to do in order to be ready to participate in any sports season:

    • Make sure you log into ArbiterSports and register for a team.
    • Students must have an updated physical exam within the last year prior to registering with ArbiterSports.
    • If a student needs an updated physical exam, and they don’t have a primary care provider currently, please contact URMC, Rochester Regional and/or Jordan Health Center for assistance with scheduling an exam for the immediate future.  

    To sign up for ArbiterSports, please visit: https://www.familyid.com/organizations/rochester-city-school-district-athletics. For more information about how to set up an account and register with ArbiterSports, please visit www.rcsdk12.org/familyid.