October 15, 2010

To: Bronxville Board of Education

From: David Quattrone, Superintendent

Subject: Physical Education Athletic Option

This document describes how we have resolved ambiguous, sometimes contradictory

regulations concerning graduation requirements in physical education, eligibility
requirements for student athletes, and rulings by the Commissioner of Education. If the
Board endorses our approach in concept, we will proceed to prepare a written policy that
will be part of the comprehensive physical education plan required by the state.

Our approach is designed to ensure that (1) all students participate in a sound physical
education program, K-12; (2) varsity athletes in grades 11-12 have an opportunity to
fulfill those requirements without duplicating a rigorous program of exercise; and (3)
instruction is not disrupted by unpredictable changes in class rosters as athletes complete
each season (the “revolving door” problem).

To address these needs, we charged the PE department with developing an 11-12 elective
program that builds on the core curriculum in grades 9-10. The key idea here is that by
passing the 9/10 curriculum, all students have met state standards – just as students meet
required outcomes when they pass a Regents test. The grade 11/12 curriculum provides
additional opportunities for enrichment, specialization, and advancement. The physical
education faculty developed the elective plan during the 2009-10 school year and
implemented it in the fall of 2010. Juniors and seniors select elective units within their
assigned PE period in a team teaching environment.

The athletic option allows varsity athletes in grades 11 and 12 to substitute one season of
play for one quarter of physical education. Fall athletes may exercise the athletic option
for the first quarter. Winter athletes may exercise this option for the second or third
quarter, but not both. Spring athletes may exercise this option for fourth quarter.

The net effect of this approach is that all students participate in the elective program for
at least one quarter. This ensures balance in their program and compliance with state
regulations. The quarter designation further ensures that class rosters are stable; student
athletes must return to class at the immediate start of the next quarter regardless of post-
season play. (Reasonable accommodations will be made for this group.)