Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.

1. What is your BMI? (Body Mass Index)
2. Why do we take Physical Fitness tests?
3. How do you grade us?

What is your BMI? (Body Mass Index)

BMI is a height-to-weight formula commonly used to determine where on the 
underweight to obese scale an individual's weight falls. To calculate your 
BMI, use the following formula: Your weight in pounds is divided by your 
height in inches times your height in inches.  Take that figure and multiply 
it by 703.  For example, a person who weighs 148 pounds and is 5 feet 6 
inches tall has a BMI of 24, and would be considered in the Normal range for 
weight.  You would divide 148 by (66x66) and then multiply that by 703 to 
get 
a BMI of 24.  Once you determine your BMI, compare it to the BMI scale to 
determine your weight category:
           18.5 or less is underweight
           19-24.9 is normal
           25-29.9 is overweight
           30-39.9 is obese
           40+ is morbidly obese

Back to Top

Why do we take Physical Fitness tests?

Physical Fitness tests are the first step towards understanding the 
relationship between a healthy body and healthy mind.  This leads to the 
development of fitness habits that will stay with you for a lifetime. 
Physical Fitness tests are given in the Fall and the Spring.  At the end of 
the school year, your scores, along with your height, weight, and BMI are 
sent home to your parents.  The Physical Fitness tests are: (1) Situps- 
amount in one minute, strengthens abdominal muscles.  (2) Pushups- amount in 
one minute, develops upper body strength. (3) Pullups- no time limit, 
develops upper body strength.  (4) Shuttle Run- increase agility, speed, and 
endurance. (5) Sit and Reach- shows flexibility.

Back to Top

How do you grade us?

Evaluation and Grading
   1. Preparation- sneakers, shorts, tee-shirt.  5 times unprepared in a
      marking period results in a failure for that marking period. Warning
      letters are sent midway thru the marking period to alert for a possible
      failure.
   2. Tests- Physical Fitness tests (see FAQ)
   3. Class participation
   4. Mid-Term Exam (grades 9-12 only)
   5. Final Exam- (grades 9-12 only)

In New Jersey, passing four years of Health and Physical Education, is a 
state requirement for obtaining a high school diploma.

Back to Top