th Grade Track Parent Meeting “Teaching Kids More Than Fundamentals” Brian Town-MS Athletic Director

Introduction of Coaches 8 th Grade Boys Track --Brent Ksiazek-Head Coach --Rod Wiebers-Assistant Coach 8 th Grade Girls Track --Jodi Buchan-Head Coach --Carlie Fitzgerald-Assistant Coach --Kelly Scott-Assistant Coach

MS Philosophy The middle school philosophy focuses on participation and skill development for our athletes. The goal of the coaches is to place your child in a position where they can experience the most success and contribute to the team.

Parent/Coach Communication: 3 Step Process 1)Player talks to Coach 2)Parent talks to Coach 3)Parent/Player/Coach/MS AD conference ----This is an excellent time for your child to work on communicating with adults and being an advocate for themselves.

PHYSICALS Must have one before first day of practice Good for 13 months NO PHYSICAL = NO PARTICIPATION Forms on district website-click “forms” on left side, scroll down to “Health Forms” and go to “Athletic Physical”

Sports Injury Assessment Free Through Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons Offered M-F from 7:00-8:15 a.m. DMOS West Campus Westown Parkway

Transportation If a child is riding home with their parent the parent MUST sign out with the Coach May NOT ride home with another parent unless returning to participate in another school event or activity and must have a parent note signed by administration (District Policy)

School Directions/Schedules See JMS website for directions to schools we will be competing against Game Schedules- --Go to --Click on “Johnston” and locate your particular activity --District home page has this link as well as a “How To” parent guide

Weather Cancellations will be on JMS and District websites as soon as a decision is made along with the make up date if known Decisions typically made after 1:00 CIML website has option where you are automatically notified of a cancellation Your child will call you

Parent Expectations Be supportive of your son/daughter Be supportive of the TEAM and your child’s role on that TEAM

Character Counts JMS website- “Parent’s Guide to the Six Pillars” Character activities you can do at home

Role of Parents Before the season - understand why they participate During a contest – be a positive role model After a contest – give them time

Why Kids Play – Girls Michigan State University Study To have fun To stay in shape To get exercise To improve my skill To do something I am good at To learn new skills For the excitement of competition To play as part of a team To make new friends For the challenge of competition

Why Kids Play – Boys Michigan State University Study To have fun To do something I am good at To improve my skills For the excitement of competition To stay in shape For the challenge of competition To get exercise To learn new skills To be part of a team To go to a higher level of competition

Admission to Events The Central Iowa Metropolitan League charges admission to all middle school athletic events. The league has adopted this policy and set the admission price at $3.00 for adults and high school students, $1.00 for students K-8, and $1.00 for seniors who are 55 years and older. Some schools at certain times will not charge due to their facilities being under construction or not having an area that is conducive for selling tickets.

Admission to Events Please show respect towards our ticket takers and the opposing schools’ ticket takers as this is not a decision made by them, but the decision of the CIML and the middle school athletic directors. If you have any questions or concerns about this policy please contact me.

Meets Have 11 Boys and Girls meets on the schedule, but each athlete can participate in 7 per state rule Allows coaches to enter kids in several events by taking a smaller group Coaches will talk about this at individual meeting

Parent Help Field Events-high jump, long jump, shot put, discus Hurdles and Blocks Exchange Zone Judge 15 Parents Per Meet Sign up with name and address at individual meeting and list your preference

Individual Meetings: Topics Covered Contacting the Coach Attendance Policy-our job is to teach commitment and responsibility and we expect your child to follow through with this Meet Schedules (see website) Academic Expectations-Student First Sign up for meet help

Practice Ending Times Coaches will give this to you at the individual meeting Please pick your child up at this time each day and be respectful of the coaches and their responsibilities outside of coaching 20 Minute Rule

If you have any questions please me at or call me at

Individual Meetings 8 th Girls parents back of auditorium 8 th Boys parents front of auditorium

Go Dragons!! Thanks for Coming