Physical Education (PE) Waiver

Dear Parent or Guardian, Our physical education program(s) stress physical fitness and encourage healthful and active lifestyles. We encourage our students to participate in physical education. We are required to provide a minimum of:

• 150 minutes of physical education each week for students in kindergarten through grade 5 and for students in grade 6 who are enrolled in a school that contains one or more elementary grades (K-8 school).
• One class period per day for one semester each year for students enrolled in grades 6-8.

Florida statute 1003.455 requires each district school board to notify parents of the options available prior to scheduling a student in physical education. Unless your child meets one of the waiver criteria listed below, he/she will be enrolled in physical education for one semester of each year while in grades 6 through 8. A.  The student is enrolled or required to enroll in a remedial course. B.  A written parent request is submitted to the school’s principal, stating that:

• The parent requests that the student enroll in another course from among those offered as options by the school, or
• The student is participating in physical activities outside the school day which are equal to or in excess of the mandated requirement.

Each school district is required to notify the student’s parent of the options available prior to scheduling a student in physical education. Unless your child meets one of the waiver criteria listed, he/she will be enrolled in physical education. Please contact your school administration if you have questions or concerns regarding the physical education requirements or waiver criteria. Sincerely, Joanne Crowder Physical Education Program Specialist