The Westwood Regional School District believes that a dynamic program of student activities is vital to the educational development of the student.
Middle school athletic programs offer a unique opportunity for student athletes. We aim to provide a meaningful extracurricular opportunity that strikes the balance between learning and participation with competition. Our students are able to learn and explore a variety of sports in a safe, educationally sound environment under the care of trained educators. It is a unique opportunity to unite with their peers on a team that encompasses both Washington Township and Westwood, with students who may have gone to any one of our four elementary schools, and compete against students from schools in the surrounding school districts.
Our students learn a great deal from participation in interscholastic athletics. Lessons in sportsmanship, teamwork, competition and how to win and lose gracefully are integral parts of our athletic program. Athletic participation also plays an important part in helping students develop a healthy self-concept as well as a healthy body. Athletic competition also improves school spirit and helps students develop pride in their school.
The major objective of the athletic program is to provide wholesome and unique opportunities for students to develop positive leadership habits and attitudes of social and group interaction.
Coaching leadership should be of the highest quality and should provide athletes with examples of exemplary behavior. Measurement of leadership success should not be in terms of the tangible evidence of the victories and defeats. The development and enhancement of character, courage and integrity should be the major objectives of the athletic program.
The athletic program should always be consistent with the general objectives of the school. The athletic administration should be oriented to general policies of the institution. At no time should the program place the total educational curriculum secondary in emphasis; program leaders should constantly strive for the development of well-rounded individuals, capable of taking their place in modern society.
OBJECTIVES OF PARTICIPATION:
· To provide a program that mirrors the school philosophy and mission and enhances the development of the student athletes that participate in our athletic program.
· To provide opportunities that will allow the program to serve as a laboratory where students may cope with problems and handle situations similar to those encountered under conditions prevailing in the contemporary world. The laboratory should provide adequate and natural opportunities for:
1) Physical, mental and emotional growth and development that is age appropriate.
2) Acquisition and development of special skills in activities of each student’s choice.
3) Development of commitments such as loyalty, cooperation, fair play and other desirable social traits.
4) Directed leadership and supervision that stresses self-discipline, self-motivation, excellence, and the ideals of good sportsmanship that make for winning and losing graciously.
5) A focus of interests on activity programs for student body, faculty and community that will generate a feeling of unity.
6) Achievement of initial goals as set by the school in general and the student as an individual.
7) Provisions for worthy use of leisure time in later life, either as a participant or spectator.
8) To provide a program that allows students to explore sports for future participation.
9) To provide sufficient activities to respond to a wide variety of students interests and abilities that offer the greatest benefits for the greatest number of students.
10) To provide opportunities for students to explore their desire to succeed and excel.