1. 2011 8 th Grade Track Parent Meeting “Teaching Kids More Than Fundamentals” Brian Town-MS Athletic Director

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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”

6. Sports Injury Assessment Free Through Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons Offered M-F from 7:00-8:15 a.m. DMOS West Campus -6001 Westown Parkway

7. 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)

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

9. 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 email option where you are automatically notified of a cancellation Your child will call you

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

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

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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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

18. 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 email address at individual meeting and list your preference

19. 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

20. 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

21. If you have any questions please email me at btown@johnston.k12.ia.us or call me at 278-0476 btown@johnston.k12.ia.us

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

23. Go Dragons!! Thanks for Coming