Physical education (PE) plays a critical role in educating the whole student. Research supports the importance of movement in educating both mind and body. Quality physical education contributes directly to development of physical competence and fitness. It also helps students to make informed choices and understand the value of leading a physically active lifestyle. Quality physical education benefits both academic learning and physical activity patterns of students. The healthy, physically active student is more likely to be academically motivated, alert, and successful. In the preschool and primary years, active play contributes to important motor abilities and cognitive development.

As children enter adolescence, physical activity may enhance the development of a positive self-concept. Throughout the school years, quality physical education can promote social, cooperative, and problem solving competencies, and be an important component in helping every child graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the work place or further education.

In the West Bend School District, students at the elementary level in grades K-4 attend physical education class twice per week with a licensed physical education teacher. In addition, students participate in a health and wellness class once weekly with the instruction being delivered by the student’s classroom teacher in grades K-2 under the direction of the certified physical education teacher and the physical education teacher in grades 3-4.

At Silverbrook Intermediate School, students in grades 5 and 6 attend physical education every other day through the school year, receiving instruction from a licensed physical education teacher.

At Badger Middle School, students in grades 7 and 8 are required to participate in one of two physical education courses offerings. Currently student are able to elect to attend physical education every other day through the school year or attend physical education daily throughout the school year.

At West Bend East and West Bend West High Schools, students are required to earn three credits of physical education credit prior to high school graduation. All students must enroll in the first level course, Fitness for Life, before electing to take additional physical education electives ranging from personal fitness to adventure education.

Within the West Bend School District, specially designed physical education is delivered to students of disability. The IEP team may decide the child needs specially designed physical education to address the unique needs of the child that result from the child’s disability.

The physical education curriculum of the West Bend School District is aligned to the Wisconsin Academic Standards for Physical Education.  Standards are statements about what students should know and be able to do, what they may be asked to do to give evidence of learning, and how well they should be expected to know or do it. Curriculum is the program devised by the West Bend School District to prepare students to meet the physical education standards. It consists of activities and lessons at each grade level, instructional materials, and various instructional techniques. 

PRESIDENTIAL YOUTH FITNESS PROGRAM WAIVER