East Clinton Local Schools aiming to fuse sports with mission of education

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SABINA — A conversation is under way to line up East Clinton (EC) athletic programs with the school district’s mission to educate and grow students.

At the first meeting of the Athletic Committee comprised of several EC leaders, the participants kept coming back to a vision for coaches that would be like the vision for teachers, EC Superintendent Eric Magee reported this week to the school board. The district’s motto is “Building Champions in the Classroom and Ambassadors in the Community!”

Among the stated goals for Astro sports, suggested Magee, would be instilling positive outlooks in the student-athletes and forming good coach-player relationships.

When the Athletic Committee is done with the project, Magee hopes expectations and guidelines will have been set out for the prep sport programs, coaches and student-athletes.

School athletic programs need to have an educational foundation, Magee said, adding that East Clinton student-athletes will play to win, “but winning is not the purpose.”

At one juncture, the superintendent said few students will end up making a living playing professional sports.

School athletics provide a stage where a school district can carry out some of the things students learn in the classroom, with a goal of allowing students to reach all the potential they have, Magee said.

At East Clinton, classroom teachers have what’s called a toolbox of formative assessments, he said. Teachers don’t have to use any particular “tool” that’s in the toolbox, but they are expected to use some of them in the classroom to help grow their students.

Similarly, there may end up being “a toolbox of sorts for coaches,” Magee said. Coaches would be encouraged to use some of the tools and grow the student-athletes in some way.

The superintendent said he would like to end up with something in writing that the district can hand to a coach, and which would state what is expected from them as a coach.

The board of education held its session at Sabina Elementary. Principal Jennie Pierson reported the preschool there is full, both morning and afternoon.

She said a Christmas Committee was able to sponsor 36 students for gifts and 83 students for food, with the help of the Church of Christ.

East Clinton Middle School Principal Robbin Luck said middle school students will be taking part in an Elks essay contest. The theme of the essay is “Why our veterans are America’s heroes”.

Middle school students have had some fun activities recently such as Crazy Socks, and Holly-Jolly Hats, reported Luck.

As a result of parent feedback, Magee said for the 2018-19 academic year, professional development sessions held on some Fridays will move from a two-hour late arrival to a 90-minute early dismissal.

Magee recognized departing board of education member Shane Walterhouse, who served a four-year term as an elected board member.

Being a school board member isn’t something most people choose to do, said Magee. He added that Walterhouse brings “a different perspective, I think a healthy perspective to a board.”

Reach Gary Huffenberger at 937-556-5768.

Sabina Elementary Principal Jennie Pierson reports that the preschool there is full, both morning and afternoon.
http://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2017/12/web1_jen.jpgSabina Elementary Principal Jennie Pierson reports that the preschool there is full, both morning and afternoon. Gary Huffenberger | News Journal

East Clinton Superintendent Eric Magee, right, presents a plaque of appreciation to board of education member Shane Walterhouse, left, as Walterhouse rounded out a four-year term this month.
http://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2017/12/web1_DSC_0429.jpgEast Clinton Superintendent Eric Magee, right, presents a plaque of appreciation to board of education member Shane Walterhouse, left, as Walterhouse rounded out a four-year term this month. Gary Huffenberger | News Journal

By Gary Huffenberger

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