MW Families,
We hope everyone’s school year is off to a great start. It is hard to believe October is here already. With colder weather right around the corner, it is time to start thinking about our next season. The information included in this email is for our middle school students who are interested in participating in winter sports. Middle School (Modified) winter sports begin on Monday, November 20. Registration will open at 2 p.m. on Monday, October 16, and will close at midnight on Thursday, November 16.
The following “sign up” process is designed to make sure all students have access to winter athletic team information. At the bottom of this document, you will also find answers to frequently asked questions about modified sports.
There are three important things that need to be done prior to the start of the winter season:
Join the Google Classroom: Your child should use the codes below to join the Google Classroom for the sport he/she intends to try out for. These Google Classrooms are currently open and students can join now.
These Google Classroom codes are for 7th and 8th grade students only as 6th graders are not eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics in New York State. Please understand that the term “Modified” simply refers to athletic programs offered to our middle school-age students.
By joining a Google Classroom, a student is showing interest in participating in that particular sport. Once a member of the Classroom, students will have access to pertinent information such as:
Coach’s announcements
Information regarding physicals and corresponding paperwork
Pre-season workouts (if applicable)
Google Meet invitations
Start dates and schedules
Try out information
MODIFIED TEAM | GOOGLE CODE |
Basketball - Boys Modified | 2lm3hxe |
Basketball - Girls Modified | ionkuam |
Cheerleading - Modified | w7me2lb |
Wrestling - Modified | tersyrm |
**7th and 8th graders are also eligible to participate in the following high school sports pending approval and successful completion of the APP process. Interested students should join the appropriate Classroom and the coach will assist them with this process.
Swimming/Diving - Varsity Boys | 4cexlnb |
Ice Hockey | 75hawy6 |
Students must have an updated physical on file in the school health office or be able to provide one. Physicals must be dated November 1, 2022 or later.
Beginning October 16, parents/guardians must register their child for winter sports via our online registration program. All necessary forms will be completed within this program, including an opportunity to upload a current physical. Each child may only register for one winter sport.
The link for registration is listed below. It will also be posted in Google Classrooms and on the district website under “Athletics.” Please note that registration will not open until October 16 at 2 p.m.
https://monroewoodbury-ar.rschooltoday.com/
Questions may be directed to: Howard Harrison, Director of Athletics (HHarrison@mw.k12.ny.us)
Frequently Asked Questions About Modified (Middle School) Sports
Who can participate in Modified Sports?
This program is available to all Monroe-Woodbury seventh and eighth-grade students.
What does “Modified” mean?
The term “modified” simply means that rules have been tailored to meet the needs of our middle school students. Rules are “modified” to allow for maximum participation in a safe environment.
What is the Modified Athletics Philosophy?
At this level, the emphasis is on participation, safety, social/emotional growth, and teaching fundamental skills to young athletes.
What Sports are offered and when?
Fall Season:
Cheerleading
Boys Cross Country
Girls Cross Country
Football
Boys Soccer (2 teams)
Girls Soccer (2 teams)
Volleyball (2 teams)
*Middle School students are eligible to participate in Girls Varsity Swimming contingent upon successful completion of the APP process.
Winter Season:
Boys Basketball (2 teams)
Girls Basketball (2 teams)
Cheerleading (2 teams)
Wrestling
*Middle School students are eligible to participate in Boys Varsity Swimming contingent upon successful completion of the APP process.
Spring Season:
Baseball (2 teams)
Boys Lacrosse
Girls Lacrosse
Softball (2 teams)
Boys Track & Field
Girls Track & Field
Is there "cutting" in Modified Sports?
The goal of Modified Athletics is maximum participation. However, there are times when the number of students trying out exceeds our coaching staff’s ability to safely supervise and instruct. In this situation, reducing team size may be necessary.
What type of time commitment is involved in Modified Sports?
Team practices are usually held five days a week. It is the expectation that students attend every practice. Practice sessions begin immediately after school and students are released in time to ride the 5:00 pm late bus. Please note that there is no 5:00 p.m. bus on Fridays. Furthermore, on days of competitions, students will participate later than 5:00 p.m. Parents or guardians are responsible for transportation on those days.
What steps need to be taken in order to be eligible to participate?
To participate in a Monroe-Woodbury Interscholastic team at the Modified, Junior Varsity, or Varsity level, each student must have a physical exam within the last 12 months on file in the Health Office. The following documents are also required:
Parent/Guardian Sports Permission/Medical Update
NY Student Physical Exam Form
Interscholastic Sports Parent/Student Agreement (Code of Conduct)
This year we will be utilizing an online registration program. The link will be posted on the school website, social media, and in Google classrooms. This link will be available in the coming weeks.
Each team will have an interest meeting for prospective athletes prior to the start of the season. This year, due to COVID, these “meetings” may be conducted via Google Classroom. It is important for students to stay up to date on the daily information communicated via middle school announcements. Should your child make the team, a parent meeting will be held and sport-specific information will be shared by the coaches.
What is Selection Classification (APP)?
The Advanced Placement Process is used to determine a student-athlete's readiness to compete at a higher level of competition. The purpose of this program is to permit the accelerated student-athlete the opportunity to participate safely at a higher level of competition (high school team). In order for a 7th or 8th grader to try out for a high school team at Monroe-Woodbury, the student must first be recommended by the head coach of the program. In making this recommendation, we not only assess the athlete’s skill development but his/her social-emotional maturity level as well. If approved for the APP process, the student will undergo a maturity screening and a physical fitness test to determine if he/she is eligible to try out.
At Monroe-Woodbury we make every effort to have middle school students participate at the Modified level whenever possible. Since the middle school day ends an hour later than the high school, having 7th and 8th graders on high school teams presents logistical difficulties.
Where can I Find More Information?
Our school website will continue to be updated with information regarding our athletic programs. Click on “Athletics” for schedules, coaching directories, and other pertinent information. https://www.mw.k12.ny.us/athletics/