Students in grades one through twelve are required to participate in physical education courses unless they are excused by the principal of their attendance center. Students may be excused from physical education courses if:

• The student presents a written statement from a doctor stating such activities could be injurious to the health of the student; and/or
• The student has been exempted because of a conflict with the student’s religious beliefs; and/or
• The student is enrolled in academic courses not otherwise available to the student; and/or
• The student is actively participating in the legislative page program at the state capitol for a regular session of the general assembly; and/or
• The student is enrolled in a junior reserve officers’ training corps. Students enrolled in junior reserve officers’ training corps programs shall receive one-eighth unit of physical education credit for each semester, or the equivalent, of junior reserve officers’ training corps the student completes.

In addition, a twelfth grade student may be excused from the physical education requirement when the student is enrolled in a cooperative or work-study program or other educational program authorized by the school which requires the student to leave the District premises for specified periods of time during the school day.

Students interested in seeking an exemption from participation in physical education for one of the above reasons must submit a written request from their parents to their principal for approval.

Policy 604.05 Religion Based Excuse from School Program and the rules and regulations which provide additional criteria needed to uphold regions exemption does not apply to this policy (603.06 Physical Education).

Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §256.11(5)(g)
281 I.A.C. 12.5

Cross Reference:
505.05 Graduation Requirements
602 Series Curriculum Development
604.05 Religion Based Excuse from School Program

Approved:
October 9, 1989

Reviewed:
April 8, 2009
October 20, 2014
March 20, 2017
October 16, 2017
June 20, 2021

Revised:
August 3, 2009
October 20, 2014
March 20, 2017
October 16, 2017
July 6, 2021