Parent News
Dear Parents: I am writing to introduce myself and the Parent Athletic Liaisons for each campus, let you know our role, provide contact information, and direct your attention to a number of resources available to parents and students about the Athletic Department and its programs.
At the end of last school year, the Parents Association added the following specific campus liaisons: R. Paul Faxon – Upper School Athletic Liaison and Michael Horwitz – Middle School Athletic Liaison. I serve as the athletic liaison coordinating any issues on all three campuses.
Contact Information:
Peter J. Martino, Jr. at PAAthleticLiaison@bbns.org
R. Paul Faxon at USAthleticLiaison@bbns.org
Michael Horwitz at MSAthleticLiaison@bbns.org
You can find additional contact information in the School Directory.
Director of Athletics: We are very fortunate to have Rick Foresteire, BB&N class of 1986, as the Director of Athletics. Rick speaks at Parents Association coffees at the beginning of each year, sends out an information letter to families each season, and is available by phone and email at the School. He and his staff are listed on page 8 of the 2007-2008 Community Directory.
Athletic Hotline/Web: Any special announcements concerning the Athletic Department, games, and practice schedules can be heard on the Athletic Hotline at 617-800-2259. Please consult the school athletic web page for the weekly game and practice schedules for all school teams.
Policies and Information: There are a number of excellent sources of information about the Athletic Department and its programs. The Community Directory has 23 pages of information on athletic programs starting on page 265 from the athletic philosophy of the School to program requirements and offerings to alternative programs. Additional information sources are set forth on page 268. The School's website has a specific section dedicated to the athletic program with schedules, daily updates and the like. Prior to the start of each season, Rick Foresteire posts a great deal of information on the web for students in grades 6 through 12 including a description of the tryout process. Page 8 of the Community Directory contains telephone numbers at the Athletic Department for general information, schedules, and updates.
Individual Team Issues: If your child is having individual issues about his or her status on a team, including playing time, opportunities for development, and other issues, you should begin by making an appointment to speak with your child's coach. In the event that these issues are not satisfactorily resolved, please contact the Athletic Director.
Alternative Programs: Page 268 of the Community Directory sets forth a variety of alternatives to the School's athletic offerings for students, including alternative athletic programs, alternative artistic programs, and a community service exemption. As you are aware, BB&N is a member of the Independent School League, which has strict rules on alternative athletic programs. If you have any questions about the waiver process, please contact the Director of Athletics.
Team Dinners: A wonderful tradition in which the team members gather at a student's house or a restaurant on a weekly basis as a team bonding experience.
PLEASE NOTE: THESE DINNERS ARE NOT SCHOOL SPONSORED EVENTS. THE SCHOOL TAKES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ORGANIZING THESE DINNERS OR TRANSPORTING YOUR CHILD BACK AND FORTH TO AND FROM THESE DINNERS.
Team dinners are solely the responsibility of the team members and their parents. Students and their parents have total responsibility for observing all state laws regarding driving to and from these dinners, including restrictions on the ability of inexperienced drivers to have non-family members as passengers. Each parent must take responsibility for his or her own child's transportation to and from these dinners. It is your decision as a parent whether you are comfortable with your child riding with a student driver who may legally be able to transport your child. Frequently, parents of younger Upper School team members will drive their children to and from these team dinners. Again, it is critical to understand that these are not School sanctioned events and that you are responsible for your own child's transportation to and from, and participation in, these team dinners.
Health and Fitness Class: Henri Andre heads up an excellent health and fitness class emphasizing the concept of a sound mind and a healthy body. He can be reached at the Athletic Department to answer any questions about this program.
Athletic Trainer: The School has an excellent athletic training staff headed by Kathy Gruning who can be reached at the Upper School at 617-800-2239.
Public Relations: The Athletic Department is committed to increasing media recognition of the accomplishments of BB&N's athletes, coaches, and programs both in the major newspapers and also in local community newspapers. Please make sure that you have provided Joseph Clifford, Director of Communications, with information about your child's local newspaper. You should contact the Communications Department, Joseph Clifford at 617-800-2404 or Andrew Fletcher at 617-800-2403 to assist the school in sending a news release to your local newspaper concerning a BB&N athlete's accomplishment.
Coffee Hours with the Athletic Director: Before the start of every season, Rick Foresteire has scheduled the following coffee hours for parents to discuss any issues or concerns for the upcoming season:
Winter Season Coffee Hour - November 6, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. in the Stonestreet Lounge at the Athletic Center
Spring Season Coffee Hour - February 26, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. in the Stonestreet Lounge at the Athletic Center
As you can see, the School has gone to great lengths to provide you with information about the Athletic Program at BB&N. I urge you to check these sources first as they answer many of the questions that come up about your child's experiences and opportunities with the Athletic Program. There will of course be questions and issues that are not addressed or that you cannot find the answer to. You may also have general comments or concerns about BB&N athletics. In all these instances, please do not hesitate to contact the appropriate campus Athletic Liaison or me, and either would be glad to be of assistance.
Very truly yours,
Peter J. Martino, Jr.
All-School Parent Association Athletic Program Liaison
PAAthleticLiaison@bbns.org
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