Dear Parents,
This morning starts the first week of school and I wanted to
take a moment to address a few things. I have posted the schedule for August on
the blog at www.hickmanfootball.blogspot.com but I wanted to talk about the football program as it
relates to school more directly. As you know school starts at 8:55 in the
morning and ends at 4:05. We will practice every day after school from 4:30 to
7:00. To be competitive we need to
practice at least 2 and one half hours a day. Please believe our opponents are
doing so. I know that I have taken liberties with time over the summer and I
will do my utmost best to stay on time. However keeping to that schedule will
involve your son getting down stairs and out to practice as quickly as
possible. Some of your sons do not move quickly, but I will commit to this. We
will never be on the field past 7:15 regardless of our start. I encourage you
to help me impress upon the players how important it is to get to practice. To
aid in keeping on time I am asking all varsity players (starters and players
rotating) to come in on Monday mornings at 8:00 am for a film session for the
week. As school starts tomorrow I am asking that the varsity players come in
Tuesday August 19 at 8:00 am for film session. Our next Film session will be
Monday August 25th and every Monday after that. This will alleviate some of the prep time
needed in the evening so I can keep to the time commitment in the evening.
The football program will be checking grades weekly. Those
grade checks are due every Thursday. Hickman has a no F policy. That means that
if a student has an F on his progress report then he cannot participate in the
games until that grade is raised to passing. He may practice but he cannot
participate. My policy has been more proactive. Students who are not holding at
least a C in a subject area may be encouraged to see his teacher for tutoring.
This may mean he misses practice and meeting times. I will also be contacting you,
as his teacher should, about any grade below a C in a subject area. I know as
parents we all want our children to strive for academic excellence. It is my
belief that if you come to school every day and do your work to the best of
your ability, listen to your teachers, and stay out of trouble a student can
regurgitate at least a C. I too am seeking academic excellence in their efforts
just as I am on the field. I will be discussing this expectation with the team
tonight.
In closing I want to address a concern that was shared. All
of you have been very supportive over the summer and that has really been
appreciated by your son, me, and my staff. However I have been made aware that
some of you may have been upset about the time commitment that football takes.
I understand your son is part of your family just as he is part of the Hickman
family and family is important. I also understand your son, as well as, you
have an expectation of success in this endeavor. I assure you that I and my
staff share that same expectation and want your son to have the very best
experience playing football that he can have. Please understand that sacrifices
are being made every day by your son, by you, by your family, by me, and by my
staff and their families. Let’s continue to work together to make this a
successful experience for all.
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