Newton Public Schools initiates comprehensive review of physical education curriculum

The Newton School Committee convened on June 2, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, focusing primarily on staff communication, the physical education curriculum, and the overall wellness of students.

The meeting began with a discussion about staff communication, particularly regarding the use of personal phones during school hours. Committee members acknowledged the need for staff to have access to their phones for communication purposes, especially in managing student engagement. It was noted that while staff should minimize distractions, there is a necessity for adults to remain connected for operational reasons. The committee agreed to keep the current policy on phone usage unchanged, with plans to revisit it if necessary.

Following this, the committee moved on to the physical education (PE) curriculum update. The presentation highlighted the importance of health and wellness education, emphasizing its role in addressing the physical, mental, and social-emotional challenges faced by students today. The committee received a self-study report from the health and wellness team, which included recommendations for enhancing the PE curriculum. Key findings indicated a need for a more robust written curriculum to ensure consistency across grades K-12, as well as an increase in instructional time for physical education, particularly at the middle school level.

The committee also discussed the importance of integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) competencies into the PE curriculum. It was noted that while there are existing health education components, dedicated health education classes are lacking at the elementary level. Recommendations included creating a clear documentation of how SEL is addressed across various subjects and ensuring that health education is consistently taught from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Additionally, the committee acknowledged feedback from parents and students regarding the need for improved facilities and equipment for physical education. The discussion underscored the importance of equity in access to physical education resources across different schools.

In conclusion, the committee expressed gratitude for the contributions of the health and wellness team and emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration to implement the recommendations from the self-study. The next steps involve further discussions in subcommittees and planning for the next phase of the curriculum review process, which will include piloting new initiatives and mapping out instructional needs for the upcoming school year.