Brandon Twp.- A new after-school program at the intermediate school may be seen as latchkey by some, but will still benefit kids athletically and may work to channel them into sports at a higher level in the district.
The Brandon Intramural Program was introduced to the school board at their Sept. 16 meeting by District Athletic Director Don Watchowski and Ross Gauthier, academic behavioral interventionist.
‘This is the first exposure (of an athletic program) at Brandon Fletcher Intermediate School,? said Watchowski. ‘We have 15 kids signed up in the first month.?
The program, he noted, takes a three-pronged approach, with the objectives being to provide a fun, safe, supportive and challenging environment; to focus on sport specific skill development; and to introduce, cultivate and refine personal social skills such as trust, respect, cooperation, communication and sportsmanship.
All fourth through sixth graders are invited to participate in the intramural sports from 3:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., Monday through Thursday at BFIS, 300 South St. Cost is $25 per student, per month. The activities change each month. In September, the focus is running club/outdoor games. October will feature flag football and ultimate Frisbee; November is 3-on-3 basketball; December is speed and agility/indoor games; January is volleyball; February is floor hockey and indoor soccer; March is 5 on 5 basketball; April is soccer and May is baseball/softball and kickball.
Students can sign up each month so they are able to participate in what interests them. All sports are co-ed, though some divisions may be gender specific.
The $25 monthly fee is not expected to garner any profits, but will pay for the program itself. Watchowski said 60 percent of the proceeds will be paid to Gauthier for directing the program; 10 percent will be dedicated to facility usage; and some funds will also be used for physical education equipment.
For more information, contact Ross Gauthier at
rogauthi@gmail.com.