John O'Leary
Lead Teacher, K-12 Health & Physical Education
617-696-4470 (x5547)
Curriculum Overview
Today’s fast-paced American culture is inundated with technologies that have contributed to a variety of teen health concerns (i.e. childhood obesity epidemic, bullying, stress/anxiety/depression, suicide, vaping, opioids, among other risky behaviors) resulting in children that are at greater risk for poor health and for the first time in recorded history, have a lower life-expectancy than their parents. The good news is that most of the factors that contribute to all-causal mortality are controllable (lack of exercise, substance abuse, poor eating habits, and unhealthy stress management). Our goal is to have Milton High School students graduate with the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of physical activity and health-enhancing behaviors. A Milton High graduate will be a physically literate individual:
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Has learned the skills necessary to participate in a variety of physical activities.
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Knows the implications and the benefits of involvement in various types of physical activities.
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Participates regularly in physical activities, fitness, or exercise.
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Is working toward their personal health-enhancing fitness goals.
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Values physical activity and its contributions to a healthy lifestyle including self-expression, enhanced mood, and quality social interactions.
Milton High School graduates will be health literate citizens. Students will have the knowledge and skills in a variety of health education benchmarks including:
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Responsible decision-making and problem solving
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Self-Awareness, self-management, and goal setting
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Effective communication, relationship skills and social awareness
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Analyzing influences, critical consumers, and advocacy
Issues that affect student overall well-being can change rapidly with trends and accessibility. Our health curriculum, which is aligned with the Massachusetts Department of Education Frameworks, allows educators to use data and adapt to changes in student risk behaviors. Providing students with current research and best practices regarding health information and skills they need to make responsible decisions. All classes are co-educational.
In order to graduate from Milton High School, all students are required to take and pass four years of physical education/health for a total of ten credits.