With the start of the 2024 fall semester, the Physical Education (P.E.) class at Fauquier High School (FHS) introduced a modification to its make-up work policy. The policy requires students who are absent from class to regain points by completing exercises over the span of two Academic Enrichment (AE) periods. While the policy is aimed at raising students’ grades, many students have expressed backlash over its lack of leniency.
Students who choose to make up the time in AE will be given a set of warm-up exercises. Then, they will be given five cards with one exercise each. The exercises provided are rated for beginners, but some may be difficult for the average student.
The make-up policy offers an opportunity for students absent from class for any reason to regain the points they lost from not attending class. Sophomore Emily Galvez experienced this new gym policy firsthand. After Galvez participated in the Fashion and Talent Show during her gym period, she reluctantly got a pass for AE and was initially frustrated over the lack of leniency in the policy, “I do sports after school, and I feel like the policy is unfair to the people who also participate in after school athletic programs,” stated Galvez.
While some students find the policy strict, P.E. Coach Donald Downs offered a different perspective: “The changes were made so that it would be easier for the coaches to track what students did to make up their lost points.” The new additions to the policy established a set time [AE] where students can make up their time, as opposed to the old policy that gave students a wide range of time during and after school to make up their lost points. “For other classes, students go to AE to make up or do the work they miss; the same should go for gym class too,” stated Downs.
Overall, the new make-up policy has been effective in simplifying the process for both students and coaches. Although it faces scrutiny over its lack of leniency, it is a great option for students who want to raise their grades in gym class.
