The Arts and
Physical Education

Denver Public Schools

Attention

  • View the October Sound Body Sound Mind
    • newsletter (PDF) for exciting news about the fitness centers.
  • Presentation by Eric Larson for the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools (OSDFS) Project Directors Meeting on the PEP Grant Implementation, October 25, 2011 (PowerPoint or PDF).
  • Colorado Public Radio (CPR) interviewed Eric Larson, physical education coordinator, regarding DPS elementary physical education, PEP grant implementation, SPARK curriculum, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and House Bill 1069 (physical activity). Click here to listen to the broadcast and read the article.
  • Read the Education News Colorado article, "Promising anti-obesity programs in schools," highlighting the elementary physical education SPARK curriculum (PEP grant) and Force Elementary School and Debbie Ellis.
  • Four more schools—John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College, North, and West—have been selected to get new Sound Body Sound Mind fitness centers that will open in August, thanks to a $495,455 grant from The Colorado Health Foundation. The centers offer an affordable, convenient way for staff members, parents, and students to work out. Currently four fitness centers are open at Bruce Randolph, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and DCIS. Read the Your Hub article and watch the SBSM fitness center story on Fox31/KWGN.
  • As part of the 2010 Denver Plan, DPS recently launched the DPS Health Agenda 2015, outlining health priorities for the next five years because healthy kids learn better. Thirteen major goals span nutrition, physical education, health services, social-emotional health, health education, healthy and safe school environments, staff wellness, and family/community involvement. If your school or department is already doing well in any of these areas, share your healthy story or vision with Bridget Beatty, Coordinator of School and Community Health Partnerships, 720-423-8231.
  • Denver Public Schools' On the Move elementary physical education program was awarded a $1.5 million  Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) grant from the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools. Eighty-eight elementary and K–8 schools will receive funding for equipment, curriculum, and professional development (click here for more information on the federal grant, details on the DPS program, or our acceptance letter).
  • Colorado Guidelines for Adapted Physical Education (PDF)

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Denver Public Schools Physical Education LogoAbout Physical Education

The mission of the DPS physical education program is to provide successful physical experiences for all students. Through participation in the physical education curriculum, students should have the opportunity to develop knowledge and practices necessary in obtaining personal physical fitness and lifetime wellness values. They should acquire appropriate physical skills to participate in a wide range of physical activities and specialized sports skills. Social interaction occurs in physical education classes, and participation should foster personal values.