Educational Insights: September 2,2008
September 02, 2008
With another school year underway, fall sports have begun! Our
high school rejoins the Minuteman Athletic Conference (MAC) with
Banner County, Creek Valley, Leyton, Minatare, Potter-Dix, and
South Platte. This provides an opportunity to compete with school
districts more in line with our enrollment and demographics, as
well as a shorter traveling distance in some cases. Eight man
football will become the Friday night main attraction for our
community. Volleyball begins at Leyton this week. The girls’
golfers have already begun their season, with a young team excited
to compete. Pep band will soon provide our students with musical
talent to shine.
The MAC conference awards an annual Sportsmanship Trophy to the
school voted to exhibit the best sportsmanship qualities in the
conference throughout the school year. Last year’s winner, Banner
County, will receive the traveling trophy at the MAC Volleyball
Tournament this fall at Creek Valley. As Eagle fans, let’s rise to
the occasion and demonstrate good sportsmanship at all events we
attend. Not only for the hope of winning the trophy, but to set a
positive example for our students. True character is displayed in
defeat, as much as in victory.
These extracurricular offerings are essential in helping our
students to reach their maximum potential. Doug Reeves refers to it
as the “extracurricular advantage” (Educational Leadership, Sep.
2008) for students. Research notes a strong association between
student participation in extracurricular activities and improved
attendance, behavior and academic performance (Fujita, 2006). Some
might fear that if students are too busy, their grades can suffer.
However, data actually seems to indicate the more involved kids are
in extracurricular activities the higher their grades become!
Participation increases a sense of belonging and commitment for our
students.
When a school makes the commitment to increase extracurricular
participation, everyone stands to benefit. Discipline and grades
generally improve for students involved in extracurricular events.
As a community, it is essential for us to support our students in
all aspects of their educational program. Involved students are
more likely to succeed at higher achievement levels. Being good
sports and strong supporters of all extracurricular events serves
to unify our community and set the stage for excellence in Garden
County: GO EAGLES!
(Please note: In last week’s Educational Insights about increasing
parental involvement and the value of parenting, there was a phrase
that requires correction on my part. The final paragraph began
with, “These differences do not indicate any hope” in reference to
today’s changes in family life and child-rearing. It should have
stated, “These differences do not indicate there is no hope”. There
is always hope when we are informed and intentional about the needs
of our children.)
-Dr. Paula Sissel,
Superintendent/Elementary Principal
