A Tradition of Excellence
Health & PE Department
Health & Physical Education Department Headlines
![Huntington High School has a new weight training and conditioning center (1)](../assets/images/2024/August/lead-14d.jpg)
New Weight Training Facility Ready to Debut
An all-new professionally designed and outfitted weight training and fitness facility is ready to debut at Huntington High School. It is the third exercise and training related room to come online in the past three years.
![Applications from rising senior athletes for an exemption from physical education are now being accepted](../assets/images/2024/May/lead-15b.jpg)
Applications Now Being Accepted for Senior PE Exemption
Rising Huntington High School seniors who plan on playing on a varsity athletic team in the fall can now file applications to be exempt from physical education class during their sport season. Applications are available in the athletic office and online at www.hufsd.edu.
![Jack Abrams STEM sixth graders Juliette Creegan and Matteo Dasaro at the awards ceremony.](../assets/images/2024/May/lead-03b.jpg)
Huntington PE Students Capture Suffolk Zone Awards
Ten Huntington UFSD elementary and middle school grade level students were recognized with coveted Student Leadership Awards at Bay Shore High School earlier this week by the Suffolk Zone of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance.
![Huntington seniors Thomas Girimonti and Olivia Polinsky garnered the Suffolk Zone Award](../assets/images/2024/March/lead-05a.jpg)
Huntington Seniors Capture Suffolk Zone Award
Olivia Polinsky and Thomas Girimonti are two of Huntington High School’s most sensational seniors. The pair has impressed everyone, gaining the respect and admiration of their teachers, coaches, classmates and teammates.
![Five new physical education courses are coming to Huntington High School.](../assets/images/2023/October/lead-31b.jpg)
Trustees Approve New Physical Education Courses
Huntington School Board voted unanimously to approve five new physical education courses that will be open to students in grades 9-12. Team Sports, Individual/Lifetime Sports, Personal Fitness, Dance, Yoga & Mindfulness and Unified Physical Education will be semester-long courses that students can schedule during the 2024/25 school year.
![Huntington students won Suffolk Zone physical education leadership awards.](../assets/images/2023/June/lead-30d.jpg)
Huntington PE Stars Win Suffolk Zone Awards
Nine exceptional Huntington UFSD sixth and eighth grade students garnered Suffolk Zone leadership awards for their outstanding effort and performance in physical education.
Health and & PE Department Important Information
About The Health & Physical Education Department
![Huntington's athletes were typically energetic](../assets/images/layout/hpe/_02.jpg)
Opportunities for Every Student
The Huntington Physical Education Program provides the opportunity for every student to achieve success and to develop a positive attitude towards vigorous physical activity. Success and skill are measured to a point where students have a feeling of fulfillment and accomplishment. Knowledge of many different sports enables students to enjoy a lifetime of activity, expanded interests and an appreciation of others with different abilities. Organic growth and muscular strength reach their highest level in students through a sound and intensive program of physical activity. A well organized and well conducted program in physical education contributes to desirable social development, as well.
Social, Emotional, and Mental Health Awareness
The Huntington Health Program offers students from kindergarten through 12th grade a curriculum designed to both educate and promote health awareness. At the primary and intermediate levels students receive comprehensive health education, including lessons in social and emotional health, character education, body awareness and signals, substance abuse and violence prevention. At the secondary level students receive education in mental health and self awareness, stress and stress management, the cycle of life, disease and illness prevention, fitness and nutrition, chemical abuse, human sexuality and family life. A thorough program of health education contributes toward a lifetime of good habits, behaviors and practices and assists in the prevention of poor choices, debilitating illness and disease.
![A variety of physical challenges had to be mastered at the competition](../assets/images/layout/hpe/_03.jpg)
Health & Physical Education Department Leadership
![Jim Hoops Leavy](../assets/images/layout/hpe/hoops-james.jpg)
James Hoops
Director of Health and Physical Education and Athletics
James M. Hoops assumed the position of district director of health, physical education and athletics on July 1, 2021. He previously served for three years as coordinator of physical education, athletics and special projects. He has worked full-time in the district since April 1984 and has been a physical education teacher since September 1990. He is also certified as a social studies teacher.
A graduate of John H. Glenn High School, Mr. Hoops obtained undergraduate and graduate degrees at Stony Brook University, through which he also obtained his school administrator certification. He has coached wrestling on the high school level and boys’ and girls’ tennis and girls’ soccer on both the middle school and high school levels. He has also coached middle school boys’ and girls’ soccer and baseball.
While serving as assistant coach to iconic Hall of Fame head coach Lou Giani, the Blue Devil wrestling team won several Suffolk and state team championships along with 17 individual county and eight state champions.
Mr. Hoops has also served as the district’s public information coordinator since July 2001. He maintains Huntington UFSD’s website content and also prepares items for the district’s various social media platforms.
![Mike Marinello](../assets/images/layout/hpe/marinello-mike.jpg)
Michael Marinello
Department Coordinator
Michael Marinello has been the district’s coordinator of physical education, athletics and driver education since July 1, 2021. He has been a Huntington physical education teacher since September 1995. He earlier taught at Western Suffolk BOCES for five years.
A graduate of Sachem High School, Mr. Marinello earned an undergraduate degree at Springfield College in physical education and a master’s degree at Stony Brook University in liberal studies with a concentration in health science. He has coached high school golf, high school and middle school wrestling, JV tennis and middle school baseball and boys’ track and field.
Currently the head coach of the Huntington High School varsity golf team, Mr. Marinello is also an assistant varsity wrestling coach. He has been a well-known and well-liked faculty member and athletic coach who also lives in the community and has sent his own children through Huntington High School.
Mr. Marinello is a CPR and First Aid trainer. He has also been a volunteer emergency medical technician. He has taught driver education for many years and he leads the district’s program.
Course Requirements and Listings
Huntington HS
Health & Physical Education Department Scope and Sequence
Year by Year course offerings
Courses
- Choose 1 PE Course from Below
- PE Team Sports
- PE Lifetime Sports
- Personal Fitness
- Unified PE
Courses
- Choose 1 PE Course from Below
- PE Team Sports
- PE Lifetime Sports
- Personal Fitness
- Unified PE
- Project Adventure II
- and/ or 1/2 year of
- Health
Courses
- Choose 1 PE Course from Below
- PE Team Sports
- PE Lifetime Sports
- Personal Fitness
- Unified PE
- Project Adventure III
- and/ or 1/2 year of
- Health
Courses
- Choose 1 PE Course from Below
- PE Team Sports
- PE Lifetime Sports
- Personal Fitness
- Unified PE
- Project Adventure III
- and/ or 1/2 year of
- Health
* 2 units of credit in Physical Education and .5 units of credit in Health Education are required for graduation.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT OBJECTIVES The New York State Department of Education requires all students to complete one semester of Health Education at the senior high school level in order to meet NYS graduation requirements and receive a diploma.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OBJECTIVES: The Physical Education program is designed to meet the needs of each and every student. Each course offering encompasses an individual’s physical, social, emotional and cognitive self. The goal is to promote physical movements as it relates to the whole person and to instill a positive attitude toward fitness and health for a lifetime. Requirement: The passing of eight (8) semesters of Physical Education (4 years) is required for graduation. The Physical Education grade is included in the GPA and ¼ credit is granted each successful semester for a total of 2 credits for graduation.
The 7 – 8 physical education program will provide an opportunity for all students to have the necessary knowledge and skills to establish and maintain physical fitness, participate in physical activity and maintain personal health. Students will participate in personal fitness, individual and team sports. Our personal fitness program is a core strength and conditioning program. It is a deliberate attempt to optimize a students' physical competence in each of the ten recognized fitness domains. Cardiovascular and respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance and accuracy. This program is developed to enhance an individual's competency at all physical tasks along with the development of successful diet strategies. This conditioning program will take place in all classes concentrating on those activities which relate to sports and other group activities such as; flag football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, floor hockey, badminton and tennis, etc.
In grades 9 – 12, Blue Devil fitness is a core strength and conditioning program. It is a deliberate attempt to optimize a student’s physical competence in each of ten recognized fitness domains: Cardiovascular and respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy. This program is developed to enhance an individual’s competency at all physical tasks along with the development of successful diet strategies. This conditioning program will take place in all classes but will dominate the 60 percent of PE classes. During the other 40 percent of PE classes, students will participate in skill development, game strategies, socialization, teamwork and cooperation through traditional sport. This will take place during team-oriented classes concentrating on those activities which relate to sports and other large group activities such as; flag football, soccer, ultimate Frisbee, volleyball, basketball, team handball, pillow polo, floor hockey, yoga etc.
Individual sport activities are also available for 9-12 students to participate alone or with a minimum number of people such as; tennis, badminton, pickle ball, golf, ping pong, etc. The Project Adventure elective option for Grade 9 aids in the participants’ development of greater self-confidence and at the same time builds a sense of trust and commitment among classmates. The emphasis in this course is on participation and students are encouraged to extend their limits both physically and emotionally. Students are required to participate in all group activities, but may decline to attempt individual challenges that they feel are beyond their personal limits. Field trips to low and high element PA experiences will be scheduled during the two semesters
TEAM SPORTS - PE 9-12 Course #800T: This course is designed to give students an opportunity to learn and develop fundamental and advanced skills and strategies in the team sport category as well as general fitness concepts and conditioning techniques used for achieving and maintaining optimal physical fitness. Students will participate in comprehensive team and cardio-respiratory activities and be empowered to make healthy choices, develop positive behaviors in a team setting, enhance their overall wellness and engage in movement activity for lifelong fitness. The curriculum features a variety of team sports. Students will learn skills, strategies, rules and personal and social responsibility in activities that encompass the sports of flag football, basketball, volleyball, floor hockey, team handball, soccer, Ultimate Frisbee and softball as well as several others.
LIFETIME SPORTS - PE 9-12 Course #800L: This course is designed to give students an opportunity to learn and develop fundamental and advanced skills and strategies in the lifetime/individual sport category as well as conditioning techniques used for achieving and maintaining optimal physical fitness. There will be basic, intermediate and advanced levels instruction in badminton, bowling, golf, tennis, table tennis, volleyball, pickle ball one-on-one basketball, lawn games, Frisbee golf, running/walking and personal fitness training, both indoors and outdoors. Classes will be held outdoors, in the gym and in adjoining fitness, rig and weight rooms.
PERSONAL FITNESS - PE 9-12 Course #800P: This course is designed to improve the personal fitness level of participants through anaerobic and aerobic conditioning exercises utilizing the fitness room, rig room and weight room as well as outdoor facilities. Students will learn how to create and follow through with workout plans for a variety of goals that meet their personal needs and interests. Nutrition, principles of fitness, anatomy and a variety of training methods will be explored. Students will be empowered to train and monitor themselves after school, on weekends and during vacation periods.
DANCE, YOGA AND MINDFULNESS PHYSICAL EDUCATION - Course # 800D: Dance, Yoga and Mindfulness is a physical education course designed for students to achieve individual fitness goals. It provides all students with the opportunity to acquire comprehensive knowledge of dance and yoga skills, the practice and benefits of mindfulness and fitness concepts. Students develop and apply a broad understanding of choreography, dance, yoga and fitness elements and learn a variety of fun training techniques, which can be applied towards achieving personal fitness goals. The combination of fitness, dance and yoga offers students a total body workout, which promotes heart-healthy benefits along with the positive attributes associated with mindfulness. Students will learn movements in step-cardio, dance-cardio, body toning, Zumba fitness, cardio-Latin dance, hip-hop dance, Pilates and others dance genres.
UNIFIED PHYSICAL EDUCATION – PE 9-12 – Course # 800U: The Unified physical education course provides a unique opportunity for students with and without disabilities to come together through ongoing educational and physical activities. The course provides an environment where students can apply the skills learned and bonds created during Unified PE in Huntington High School’s Unified bowling and Unified basketball programs. The course is designed to advance student leadership, promote social justice and improve overall health and wellness. This course can be the foundation for creating a more inclusive school environment where individual differences are embraced and all students are accepted. Course objectives are to increase physical fitness and sports specific skills, develop new friendships, promote social inclusion among classmates, reinforce positive and healthy habits and provide opportunities to develop movement confidence and competence in a variety of physical activities.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROJECT ADVENTURE II and III/PERSONAL FITNESS Course #808F, 809S, 815F, 816S: Project Adventure II is an extension of the PA 9 unit and focuses on further developing a student’s ability to manage their perceived personal limits to accomplish these goals. Students will develop high levels of selfconfidence and appreciation for each member of the group, while experiencing challenges. Culminating adventure lessons may include opportunities for students to participate in activities at offsite locations. Written activities are required. Personal fitness opportunities will also continue in this course. Project Adventure III is an extension of PA 9 and PA II. It further expands and develops the student into a leader. This course is designed to nourish each individual’s leadership style and his/her ability to communicate, problem solve, and develop interpersonal relationships while participating in many group activities. Culminating adventure lessons may include opportunities for students to participate in activities at offsite locations. Written activities are required. Personal fitness will also continue in this course.
ADAPTED/ADAPTIVE PHYSICAL EDUCATION - Course #810F, 811S Prerequisite: Inclusion only through referral process and departmental approval. The Adapted/Adaptive program is a comprehensive service delivery system designed to identify and ameliorate problems within the psychomotor domain. Services include psychomotor assessment, individualized educational programming, developmental and/or prescriptive teaching, counseling and coordination of related resources. Services provide optimal physical educational experiences for students who may not safely or successfully engage in unrestricted participation in the activities of the regular physical education program.
CPR All 9-12 students will complete hands-only instruction in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and instructions in the use of Automated External Defibrillations (AED).
FITFOLIO/HOME TUTORING In complying with the Commissioner’s regulations, the department of physical education offers a program to those students that are temporarily or permanently unable to participate in the regular program. Students medically excused from P.E. from one week to one year will participate in written projects pertaining to physical education and interscholastic athletics.
HEALTH - Grades 10, 11, 12 - Course # 730 (½ Year - ½ Credit) 5 periods weekly Offered: Fall and Spring Semesters. Required for Graduation Health Education is available to students in grades 10, 11 and 12. It is preferred that students take health in grade 10 or 11. The Huntington High School Health Education course presents a variety of methods for making its content available to the students. Class discussions, motivational games and activities, student presentations, guest speakers and audiovisual aids are all utilized to make this a student centered, positive classroom experience.
It is the philosophy at J. Taylor Finley Middle School that the physical education program will provide an opportunity for all students to have a quality education that meets the needs of all types of learners. Students are taught the necessary knowledge and skills to establish and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Seventh and eighth graders will participate in personal skill and fitness activities along with individual & team sports. Students are encouraged, educated and given the necessary tools in order to demonstrate responsible personal, emotional and social behaviors that are essential in life. Students are evaluated through affective, psychomotor and cognitive assessments during each marking period, whether the student is in a sport-related class or in a fitness or skill related activity. Finley takes pride in teaching wellness and lifelong fitness skills, which provide enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and social interaction.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION 7 AND 8 (40 weeks – alternating days) Physical Education is required of all seventh and eighth grade students. Class periods consist of a fitness, skill and sport activity segments. Finley’s personal fitness activities are geared toward core strength and conditioning. The main focus is to improve a student’s physical capability in each of ten recognized fitness domains: Cardiovascular and Respiratory Endurance, Stamina, Strength, Flexibility, Power, Speed, Coordination, Agility, Balance and Accuracy. This program is developed to enhance an individual’s proficiency at all physical tasks. Students will also participate in skill development, game strategies, socialization, teamwork and cooperation through team- oriented classes concentrating on those activities that relate to sports and other group activities such as flag football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, floor hockey, badminton, tennis, ultimate Frisbee, pickleball, lacrosse and track and field along with several others.
HEALTH 8 The State Education Department has determined that every student must receive at least one semester of Health at the middle school level. The Health Education curriculum examines critical health issues facing adolescents today. Topics include pressures of being a teenager, mental health, decision-making, family life, substance use and abuse, and chronic and communicable diseases. The students will identify and practice the skills necessary to make informed decisions and solve health problems.
Health & Physical Education Department Suffolk Zone Awards
Information Coming Soon
Finley Galleries and Slideshows
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit eiusmod
200+
Challenging Academic Courses
14
Academic Departments
30+
Interscholastic Athletic Teams
90+
Colleges and Universities accepting 2020 HHS Graduates