Physical education at Jefferson High School is a premier PE program in the state of Iowa. Additionally, we are the only high school in Iowa to be a CrossFit Affiliate. We take great pride in the work we do for students to become healthy, fit, and strong.
The physical education department has been recognized by the Iowa Department of Education for best practices in physical education, and by the president as a national demonstration site.
Physical education courses
Performance PE
This is a daily course set up to provide progressive and structured lessons for students seeking high intensity training. Students will follow a set program that is designed to help them achieve a high level of strength and fitness. The students will work on strength training, as well as metabolic conditioning, agility, speed, and quickness. Students are given a pre-test and a post-test on a variety of functional strength and fitness activities.
CrossFit striking
This is a daily course that provides a high level of training for highly-motivated students. Skills include specific training in striking. Skill portion includes strikes, kicks, combination work, awareness, and personal safety.
Personal fitness
This is a daily course that includes personal fitness activities, such as CrossFit, striking, yoga, tai chi, Pilates, interval training, Zumba, step aerobics, and circuit training. Students will be assessed through a variety of methods (heart rate monitors, written assessments, and practical assessments).
Health and fitness
Fitness 1 covers nutrition, reading food labels, My Plate guidelines, eating disorders, elements of fitness, exercise planning, stress management, and mental and emotional health.
Fitness 2 covers alcohol education, legal and illegal drugs, tobacco education, substance abuse prevention, reproductive systems, sex education, and healthy relationships.
Team sports
This daily course includes general conditioning, team sports, and fitness. Student’s interests and scheduling feasibility will determine which activities will be available. The activity and level of the student’s skill will determine the amount of time spent on small group work and activity selected. Students will be assessed through a variety of methods (heart rate monitors, written assessments, and practical assessments).
Swimming
This course includes water safety, basic stroke development, lifetime water activities, endurance swimming, diving, and basic water survival. All levels of swimming ability are welcome.
Fitness for life
This is an independent online course which combines topics from health education with an active fitness component. Students do all the work on Canvas and will meet with the instructor once a week for fitness labs.