Description:

The OCPE Program is a partnership between Melissa Schools and approved off-campus agencies that provide activities such as archery, figure skating, dance, equestrian, fencing, gymnastics, ice hockey, ice skating, lacrosse, martial arts, golf, rock climbing, squash, swimming, table tennis, tennis, and track cycling. Click here for a current list of Melissa Schools' OCPE-approved agencies.

Game days and competitions will not count toward the total weekly participation hours (see category descriptions for required weekly hours). Agencies must provide an alternative place of instruction during inclement weather. In addition to the physical activity offered at each agency, students will also be taught a TEKS-based curriculum and have assignments and tests on the material.

Students will receive a numerical grade each nine-week period and a final numerical grade for the semester. The Physical Education Department will be responsible for supervising the OCPE Program standards to ensure that each student receives a quality, off-campus physical education experience.

Students cannot participate in OCPE if:

1. They take PE at their school.

2. They take Athletics at their school.

3. They are on their school’s UIL sports team.

   • This compromises UIL eligibility if taken during the same semester as OCPE.

Students may participate in one of two different categories: Category I or Category II. Please read below for a complete description of each.

Please see the OCPE Student Application below for information on the OCPE program and participation requirements.

Applications are due two weeks before the first day of the course to allow for scheduling and TEA agency approval.

Student applications must be completed every school year.

Note: The student application will not be considered unless the agency is already on the OCPE Approved Agency List. For more information, view the Agency section below.

Agency Responsibilities

1. The agency shall designate an OCPE Agency Coordinator who will be solely responsible for training all instructors to ensure that all OCPE Program requirements and TEKS are met. http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter116/index.html

2. The Agency shall provide a clean and safe environment where students are “well supervised,” meaning that the instructor shall be present at all times during the scheduled activity to provide guidance and instruction and ensure safety.

3. The agency premises at which Melissa Schools students receive services must be located within 30 miles of Melissa Schools school boundaries.

4. The agency shall provide an alternative place and plan for students participating in the OCPE Program when there is inclement weather.

5. The agency shall provide students an opportunity to meet the required weekly hours depending on their Category. Competition/Game participation will not count towards Category II required hours.

6. The agency shall meet with Melissa Schools personnel during an announced or unannounced site visit. Melissa Schools will be expecting to see evidence of learned Physical Education TEKS. Melissa Schools will look for skill development, learned physical activity and health concepts, and social development by observing students participating in appropriate activities. 

7. The Agency Instructors will be required to keep documented attendance records and provide grades for students at the end of each 9-week grading period by a designated deadline. Failure to do so will result in the student receiving a failing grade for the grading period.

8. The Agency will contact the OCPE coordinator if a student is injured, consistently absent, quits, or is removed from their program. 

9. The Agency will be dismissed from the OCPE program if there is evidence that OCPE Program criteria and/or requirements are not being met. 

10. The agency shall ensure that all local ordinances and state and federal laws are observed in its provision of services to Melissa Schools students, including but not limited to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 USC §1232g, et seq., 34 CFR §99.1, et seq.

Agency Approval: To apply to be an approved agency, the agency must complete the following form: OCPE Agency Application.

The agency will receive a notification of the approval decisions within three weeks. Student applications can only be submitted once the agency has been approved.