2012 8th Grade Fall Athletic Parent Meeting

“Teaching Kids More Than Fundamentals”

Johnston Middle School

Agenda5:00-6:00

1. Introduction

2. Johnston MS Athletic Philosophy

3. Role of Parents/Coaches and expectations

4. Physicals/Concussion Forms

5. Transportation / Weather / Schedule Changes

6. CIML Admission Policy

7. Team breakout

Introduction of Coaches

• 8th Grade Cross Country

Chris Harken – Head Coach

Clint Ibeling – Assistant Coach

• 8th Grade Volleyball

Laura Albrecht – Head Coach

Vicki Hales – Assistant Coach

Carrie Larson – Assistant Coach

Introduction of Coaches

• 8th Grade Football

Tom Griffin – Head CoachJamie Cason – Assistant Coach

Michael Barta – Assistant Coach

Ben Knight – Assistant Coach

Dustin Mead – Assistant Coach• 8th Grade Cheerleading

Danyel Reiter

Philosophy of Johnston Middle School Athletics

• The philosophy of the middle school is to provide all students an opportunity to participate while emphasizing skill development, sportsmanship, and citizenship.

• Athletics are an extension of the classroom and seek to provide educational experiences that teach positive lifelong lessons.

Why Kids Play – BoysMichigan 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

Why Kids Play – GirlsMichigan 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

As a parent, what are some things I can during the seaon?

• Before the season – Become acquainted with the goals and philosophy of Johnston Middle School athletics. Talk with your child about setting goals.

• During a contest – Be a positive role model in the stands for you child and community

• After a contest – Stay positive, “I really enjoy seeing you compete.”

Parent Expectations

• Be supportive of your son or daughter• Be supportive of the TEAM and your son

or daughter’s role on that TEAM• MS Officials

Physicals

• All athletes must have an updated physical before he or she can participate (includes practices & games)

• Physicals are valid for 1 calendar year.• NO PHYSICAL = NO PARTICIPATION• Forms on district website-click “forms” on

left side, scroll down to “Health Forms” and go to “Athletic Physical”

Physical Form

Page 1 Page 2

Concussion Form

• Concussions remain a major emphasis at all level of sports. Iowa Code Section 280.13C, which passed last year, states “Annually, each school district and nonpublic school shall provide to the parent or guardian of each student a concussion and brain information sheet, as provided by the IAHSAA and IGHSAU. The student and student’s parent or guardian shall sign and return the concussion and brain injury sheet to the student’s school prior to the student’s participation in any interscholastic activity for grades seven through twelve.”

• At this point, your athlete should have shown you this but we have copies here if you need to complete the form.

* The concussion form is valid for one school year (different than the physical). If your child is planning on participating in another sport later in the school year, he/she does not need to sign another form.

Concussion Form

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/Meet Schedules-

--Go to http://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

Weather

• Cancellations will be on JMS website 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

Parent/Coach Communication:3 Step Process

1) Player talks to Coach

2) Parent talks to Coach – It is best to contact coaches by phone or email to set up a meeting. We want to avoid impromptu meetings with coaches before or after games/practices.

3) Parent/Player/Coach/MS AD conference

***This is an excellent time for your son or daughter to work on communicating with adults and being an advocate for themselves.

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.

• Offset cost of officials

Individual Meetings:Topics Covered

• Contacting the Coach• Attendance Policy-our job is to teach

commitment and responsibility and we expect your son or daughter to follow through with this

• Responsible for replacing lost equipment• Practice/Game Schedules• Academic Expectations-Student First

Cross Country

• Parent help is ESSENTIAL for our home meet.

• Please sign up with Coach Harken and give him your name and email so we can organize our help.

• Meet in auditorium (by stage)

Football• Concession stand help-assigned dates and

times-You will NOT miss your son play• Letter will be sent home with your son• If your son is an “A” player you will work during

the “B” game and vice versa• Chain Gang-Parent help this year• Sign up with your name AND email after your

individual meeting• Meet in the main gym

Volleyball

• Scoreboard and Scorebook• Sign up with your name AND email after

your individual meeting.• Meet in the back of the auditorium

Practice Ending Times

• Coaches will give these 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

If you have any questions please email Josh Tobey at

josh.tobey@johnston.k12.ia.us

or call 278-0476 at J.M.S.

Go Dragons!!

Thanks for Coming