Recently, many students have been confused about physical education (PE) credits at Camas High School (CHS) and how to get them waived. Some believe they can only be waived by doing three or four years of a varsity sport, four years of marching band, and many other variations of that assumption. However, those are not the only options for students.

CHS Varsity gymnast and Junior Varsity (JV) cheerleader Alyssa Palomo had .5 of her credits waived due to three years of a combination of those sports. However, many are unaware that credits can be waived, even if a student is not in JV or varsity sports. Palomo explained she would not mind completing the PE credit on her own time if her credits could not be waived. 

“I would just do weight training instead. Weight training seems fun,” Palomo said.

CHS Varsity football player Beau Harlan explained that he would have gotten his credits waived due to his participation in athletics, but he already got them out of the way by completing PE through the school. 

PE credits can be waived in a few different ways. One way is completing three seasons of any athletics associated with CHS. It does not have to be JV or varsity specifically. Those on the C team for three seasons can also get .5 credits waived. 

“It doesn’t have to be a varsity sport necessarily. Whether it’s the same sport over three years one time a year, or if you’d like, three sports in one year, [you can waive credits],” CHS Athletic Director Stephen Baranowski said. 

There are many different ways to get PE out of the way. Band members can get .5 PE credits if they march all four high school years. Students who can not complete PE due to medical reasons can also get their credits waived with a doctor’s note. 

Independent PE (IPE) is also an option. IPE is where students complete their PE from home and only enter the school for fitness testing. It is an excellent option for students who cannot fit standard PE into their schedule. 

“Independent PE is fun because it gives me the freedom to exercise how I want while also being able to do it with my friend,” IPE student Dalilah Cunningham said. 

CHS offers many opportunities to students to get their PE credits out of the way. If students do not compete in any sport with the school, IPE is an excellent alternative if there is no space in their schedules. Students can check in with their counselor if they want to take IPE or are confused about getting these credits waived.