The Bigger Picture and Being a Tiger
By Thayne Johnson, Activities Director
Research has shown that involvement in co-curricular activities while in school provides many benefits to those students who are involved. Being involved helps students feel more connected to their peers, their school, and their community. Today’s students have many choices when it comes to getting involved in school. Activities are no longer limited to the traditional sports. Students in our district have the opportunity to be involved in many different clubs, activities, and athletics.
Involvement in certain activities can reach well beyond your student’s time in high school. Many of today’s fastest growing activities, in terms of participation, can help students develop skills that could lead into a career. Activities like the robotics team are a great way for students to develop their technical skills and to explore the world of technical education. Clubs like trap-shooting, cycling, table tennis, and math league are also great ways for your students to be involved with something and develop skills that they will be able to use as they transition into adulthood.
One of the most important roles that parents of students who participate in activities can play, is to help their kids see the bigger picture of their involvement. This means that the skills kids take away from being in a club, sport, or activity, will help them be successful members of society. More important than wins and losses is what our kids learn from the experiences they have as a part of a team. We need to help students learn from both success and failure, to understand what it’s like to be on both sides of the game.
During the school 2015-16 school year, we brought back a program that recognizes our students for both their accomplishments in activities and for being true examples of a TIGER. The TIGER of the Week award is a way for students to be honored for showing the characteristics of Tenacity, Integrity, Gratitude, Effort, and Respect. Coaches nominate students and winners are recognized with a certificate and a photo in the newspaper. These five characteristics are truly important in seeing the bigger picture. A student who displays these positive traits in their involvement in activities will no doubt be successful in other ventures in life.
As we go through the 2016-17 school year, keep an eye on the bigger picture and what it means to really be a TIGER. Focus on those teachable moments and the life lessons that kids can take away from activities. We know that this is going to be a great year filled with success for our students. Go Tigers!
