Gladiator Parent/Guardian Update - 8.31.20

Good afternoon,

As we prepare for the first week of classes, I wanted to take the opportunity to reach out to all of you with a few Gladiators Athletics updates! It has been a busy time lately and I’m hoping to keep all of you as informed as possible. It is not our goal to send false hope that leads to disappointment...I truly feel that we can safely provide school-based sports! Continue to discuss personal hygiene, social distance, masks, etc.  - Thank you!

As always, if you have any questions - please feel free to reach out! osbornb@fowlervilleschools.org. 

Schedules

I released schedules this weekend...we have to. Please know that we have many moving parts to ensure that an event can take place if we get the green light. As a parent I want to see the schedule so I can prepare, even if I know in the back of my mind that things could be postponed or cancelled. I hope these schedules help you and your families...bus times are being confirmed with coaches and will be updated on the website. SCHEDULES

Spectators

TO BE ANNOUNCED...for away games we will be at the liberty of the opposing school for details. For home events, a plan is being finalized to TRY to get parents in attendance while still adhering to the Executive Orders that are in effect. Stay tuned...

MHSAA Guidance & Beyond

We continue to await word from the Governor’s office and the MHSAA in regards to the ‘moderate risk’ sports of Volleyball and Soccer getting to compete inside this fall. As we wait patiently for the green light, it is important to note that we are still requiring our coaches to go above the MHSAA standard in pre-screening athletes and taking temperatures. In addition, our coaches are still expected to schedule routine hand sanitizing / disinfecting breaks into their plans and practice compassion for those athletes struggling with these uncertain times. Like all of you, I await news from the MHSAA and Lansing on a daily basis.

Fall/Spring Sports Practices

Our department is working with coaches to do what we think is best for all involved. The MHSAA is allowing 16 off-season practices that need to be completed by October 31st. Fall teams that had their season postponed will workout on Mondays and Wednesdays. Spring teams will workout on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I apologize if your students' sport does not line up with their “soft start” schedule, we cannot accommodate everyone. WE will release a calendar soon. 

To participate in these activities we do need you to register your athlete on FinalForms so we can ensure all medical information is on file. This process can be better explained by visiting this article on our website. Please review the physical information below and use the PARENT PLAYBOOK for assistance! Thank you!

2020 - 2021 Physical Requirement

This is just a reminder that if your son or daughter had a valid physical last year that we have on file, they do not necessarily need to get a new physical. They would however need to complete a Sports Health Questionnaire and upload it to FinalForms or return it to  the HS or JH Office before they could begin practice. Of course you are always welcome to have your child get a physical, but the MHSAA gave families this option this year due to the financial and logistical stress of this pandemic. 

Junior High Sports

At this time, our two Junior High fall sports - XC and Girl’s 7th and 8th Grade Volleyball are still scheduled to begin shortly. There has been discussion amongst the JH Athletic Directors to move the Volleyball season to the spring…Get your child registered on FinalForms and be prepared in case we get the green light!

Fowlerville Athletic Boosters

There is a Booster Meeting this coming Tuesday, September 8th at 6:30 pm...the location is still “to be determined.” All are welcome to attend and learn more about how this organization works and helps out our student-athletes! 

FAMILY REMINDER: Fundraising cards and money are due Friday 9/4, please be prepared! Email questions to thomasj@fowlervilleschools.org 

Coping with Coronavirus

As we continue to carefully transition back to sports over the upcoming months, I received this resource ...use it if it helps your family!  This is a 1 page guide put together by USA Gymnastics to help student-athletes navigate the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Information for College Bound Student Athletes 

This is a reminder that if your child is interested in participating in college athletics, or if you have interest in learning more about this process, please take the time to look over this information- provided to us by the NCAA Eligibility Center! 

As always, I thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to read through this information. The goal of these updates are to paint a clearer picture of our current situation. Please let me know if you have any questions!

Make it a great week Gladiators!

Brian Osborn