Student Teacher Basketball

Over the course of the last week, I have held three days of try-outs for the basketball team I coach at my school. Try-outs were vigorous and in the end I selected 13 8th graders and 1 7th grader to represent our school in games against other teams in the district. I distributed this letter to those students who were selected:

Dear Parent/Guardian,

It is my pleasure to inform you that after three days of intensive try-outs, that your child has been selected to be a member of this year’s xxxxxx basketball team. Only 14 students were selected out of approximately 30 who returned the permission slips. Along with the privilege of being on this team comes significant responsibility. Our focus is to mold your child into a true student-athlete – to provide example for other students through their leadership in behavior, maturity, and academics.
A “C” cumulative average is required to remain on the team, as well as no suspensions (includes in house). If your child’s grade average drops below a C overall, or if he is suspended or sent to in house, he will be placed on Academic or Behavioral Probation. If a student is placed on Academic Probation, Mr. xxxxxx and Ms. xxxxxxx will check in with their teachers weekly. If grades do not improve over a 1 month period, the student will be removed from the team. While on Academic Probation, the student will be allowed to practice but will not be permitted to play in any games. In the case of a Behavioral Probation, the student will be suspended from all games and practices for a period of 2 full weeks. If a student is absent from practices, the coaches will discuss whether disciplinary action will be taken, and if the student will be able to remain on the team.

Commitment to the team includes attending all practices sessions (extenuating circumstances will be discussed for specific instances of absence), and playing in games against other schools in the city. Practices will be held Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 3:35 until 5:30 for the duration of the season. The season length and schedule of games are to be determined by the xxxxxxxxxxx Athletic Department and you will be informed of this information as it becomes available.

Signing below states that you have read and agree to the terms above, and that you give permission for your child to participate in this program, which includes regular practices, games, academic and behavioral excellence, and bus travel to other schools in the city, and photography of your child for purposes relating to xxxxxxxxxxx School. By signing below you also assert that your child has no health issues that would prevent them from engaging in rigorous physical activity. If you have any questions you may contact Mr. xxxxxxxxx or Ms. xxxxxxxxx atxxxxxxxxx School xxx-xxx-xxxx, xxxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxx, or xxxxxxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxx. Please write any comments on the back of this page. Thank you.

My goal, as always, is to be better than I was previously - to do things in a more productive fashion and to help my students improve themselves. Some of my selections on the team were definite gambles, in hopes that I could help provide students with incentive to bring their grades up, and to give them more positive experiences and controlled environment and activity after school ends.
In a recent conversation with a seasoned veteran teacher in my school, we discussed the need for more widespread extracurricular activities and how basketball was not enough. He worried that these types of activities don't truly address the needs of the students, and that basketball would not be a route to success for these kids. While I do admit that only two people come to mind who have made it to the NBA from our city, I do not think that participation in team sports is anything to scoff at. I think that participation in such programs helps students with teamwork, and in the context of my team, a sense of responsibility, belonging, and pride. We recently had a gentlemen speak to our students about starting an anti-gang program at the school, and I feel that if there were more things for students to do and more things to help students feel good about themselves and increase their confidence, the draw of gangs would not be so powerful.
The student teacher game gave me a lot of insight into my students' abilities. I played on the teachers side but also kept a close eye on my student-athletes. We have a lot of work to do but I certainly see a lot of potential.

I am positive and optimistic.