• • While enrolled in OCPE, a student may not be enrolled in Denton ISD athletics. 
  • Only those in grades 7-12 will be eligible for consideration into the program.
  • The student must participate in the OCPE program for the entire semester.
  • In case of illness or injury (supported by documentation from a medical professional), the instructor must provide alternate assignments or make-up requirements for credit. 
  • A student may not transfer from a PE/athletic class into OCPE after the application deadline; however he/she may withdraw from the OCPE program into on-campus PE/ athletic program. Varsity eligibility is subject to UIL rules and head coach approval. 

• • Category I students will practice 15+ hours a week with a highly intensive, professional instructor. These students compete at Olympic/Junior Olympic levels, national levels, or collegiate-like levels. You may even see competitive meets or tournaments on their workout logs. These competitions should not account for more than 2 hours of time to be considered for their workout logs. These students can be dismissed for one period a day of OCPE.

• • Catergory II students are also trained by highly qualified instructors, but they will have around 5 hours a week of instruction and they are not deemed as elite as the Catergory I students. These students cannot be dismissed from school for OCPE. 

OCPE eligible activities (HighSchool) are Olympic-type/National level activites approved by the TEA that are not offered comprehensively through the physical education or athletic departments at Denton ISD high schools. 

Approved Activities

• • Equestrian
  • Fencing
  • Gymnastics
  • Ice Hockey
  • Ice Skating
  • Martial Arts
  • Wrestling
  • Rock Climbing
  • Rowing
  • Squash
  • Cycling
  • Lacrosse
• Please email OCPE@dentonisd.org if you do not see an activity listed that could be considered for the program. 

OCPE eligible activities (Middle School) are Olympic-type/National level activites approved by the TEA that are not offered comprehensively through the physical education or athletic departments at Denton ISD middle schools. 

Approved Activities

• • Dance
  • Equestrian
  • Fencing
  • Gymnastics
  • Ice Hockey
  • Ice Skating
  • Martial Arts
  • Golf
  • Wrestling
  • Rock Climbing
  • Tennis
  • Rowing
  • Squash
  • Swimming
  • Soccer
  • Cycling
  • Lacrosse
• Please email OCPE@dentonisd.org if you do not see an activity listed that could be considered for the program.

Student & Parent Responsibilities

• • Confer with the designated campus counselor about plans to enroll.
  • Ensure the student participates in his/her activity at one (1) approved agency under one (1) professional supervisor for at least the minimum amount of time per week as determined by the category chosen.
  • Ensure the student attends his/her activity regularly, which includes attending 90% of the days the class is offered.
  • Ensure records of participation and grades are submitted by the agency's instructor to the appropriate counselor.
  • Parents are responsible for making sure the Physical Education TEKS for the specific grade level are met.
  • Provide transportation to and from the sponsoring agency.

Instructor Responsibilities

• • Sign the Instructor Agreement stating he/ she is aware of the emphasis on program objectives and knowledge of the state-mandated TEKS.
  • Maintain and submit an accurate record of each student's attendance to ensure compliance with state laws regarding attendance for credit and compulsory attendance.
  • Evaluate each student's performance and submit the End of 9 Weeks Student Progress Report to the student's counselor one (1) week before the end of the current grading period.
  • Notify the student's counselor if the student fails to maintain a high level of performance and if the instructor is withdrawing his/her recommendation for the student to be in the program.
  • Notify the student's counselor if there is a change in the number of hours per week.
  • Notify the student's counselor if the student's attendance becomes irregular or the student withdraws from the program.

The Role of the Counselor

• • Direct parents interested in their child participating in OCPE to the informational website.
  • Understand and explain the differences between Category I and Category II.
  • Explain the student/ parent responsibilities and answer any questions or concerns.
  • Communicate with the student/parent with any concerns either by phone or in writing.
  • Communicate with instructors and agencies and remedy any issues.
  • Schedule the student for the 1st/7th period (Middle school) or 1st/5th block (High school).
  • Maintain an electronic file with the appropriate documentation on each student approved.
  • Communicate any issues and concerns with the appropriate athletic department staff.
  • Verify grades have been submitted by instructor.

The Role of the Athletic Department

• • Provide training for counselors regarding OCPE guidelines.
  • Maintain up-to-date information on website.
  • Approve/Deny OCPE applications and keep additional files on each student and training logs.
  • Ensure OCPE guidelines follow TEA and district policies.
  • Provide additional support/information to counselors where necessary.

A student's physical education OCPE waiver may be revoked at the discretion of the school district if it is determined the student's participation in the program:

• • no longer meets the criteria specified for the category chosen, or
  • the student's attendance becomes irregular, or
  • the student is not passing all of his/her classes, or
  • the student has been subject to discipline action at their school campus, or
  • the student has a pattern of late arrivals or early/late departures.