Students and Athletes, It's Now Up to You
This past Friday we celebrated being back in school with Liturgy in the gym.
It was great to look out at the kids and see the largest group of students we have had in a few years. This is the third year in a row of significant growth in the student population, and it was reflected when we all gathered on Friday.
Kids from over 70 towns gathered together to give thanks for a great first week.
Now the tough part. Today, the kids begin to build their grades for the first marking period and, for those in sports, they begin to build their memory.
Building your grade simply means that every student enters this week on equal footing. It is now up to the students and the student-athletes to begin building.
In high school there are no automatics. Everything has to be earned both in the classroom and on the playing field. It is the teacher and /or the coach who now makes that determination.
To earn the best grade, or the most playing time, the path is simple. The student or athlete must, by their work, make the coach play them and or make the teacher give them the best grade.
This is done at practice and by daily excellence in class. This is where you can make the difference.
(Please review the new participation grade in the Parent Handbook.)
By doing your work, showing up on time, being positive and working to the best of your ability, you put the coach or teacher in a position to offer the best possible outcome: a good grade or playing time.
Grades and playing time are not won through complaining or through meetings. They are earned by demonstrating the best possible effort either in practice or during daily class. There is no substitute.
A great coach, or a great teacher, can help raise the level of play or the education of a student. I was blessed to play for Coach Fred Keil who had the ability to teach an average athlete, me, how to perform at an above average level.
The same is true in the classroom. I had the honor of having Mr. George Sullivan as my English teacher. Same result: An average student became an above average student.
But remember, in all cases, I had to do the work and not complain or quit when I did not get my way.
At DePaul, you may not always get what you want, but, you will always get what you need, to quote the Rolling Stones.
I wish all Spartans well as they begin making new memories.
A reminder that Giving Days for 2022-23 are on September 27th and 28th. Please check your in box or your DePaul social media platforms for details.
I hope you can help us through your generosity.
