Community Relationships

Parents and community members play an important role in the success of any athletic program. Their support, involvement, and connection to the program are encouraged and valued. At the same time, that involvement should be built around clear expectations and a positive structure that supports coaches, athletes, and the overall program.

Strong community relations begin with communication. Parents and community members should know what is happening within the program, understand the expectations, and have opportunities to be involved in meaningful ways. Weekly emails, SportsYou, social media, and other forms of communication will be used to keep families and community members informed throughout the year.

The goal is to build a program that the community feels connected to and proud to support. The following events and initiatives are designed to create those connections and provide opportunities for athletes, families, coaches, and community members to grow together.

Meet the Coach Night

The hiring of a new head football coach is an important moment for any community. Meet the Coach Night provides an opportunity for community members to meet the coaching staff, learn about the vision for the program, and ask questions about the direction of the program.

Freshman Parent Meeting

Each April, incoming freshman parents and athletes will be invited to meet the high school coaching staff and learn more about the transition into high school athletics.

The meeting will cover:

• Program expectations

• Important summer training dates

• Football camps and summer opportunities

• The role of parents within the program

• Expectations for student-athletes

• Questions and answers with the coaching staff

The goal is to begin building relationships with families before their student-athlete officially enters the high school program.

Junior High Parent Meeting

During the first week of school, junior high parents and athletes will have an opportunity to meet the coaching staff and learn about the expectations of the athletic program.

Topics will include:

• Program expectations

• Medical and safety information

• The role of parents within the program

• Expectations for student-athletes

• Questions and answers with the coaching staff

Building relationships early helps create a smooth transition from junior high athletics into the high school program.

Video with the Coaches

During the football season, Monday nights will provide an opportunity for parents and community members to watch film and learn more about the program.

This will be an informal opportunity to better understand the game, ask questions, and gain insight into the strategies and decisions involved in football. It also provides an appropriate setting for parents and community members to discuss questions or concerns regarding the program.

Polish and Pray

Polish and Pray will take place shortly before the start of the football season and will provide an opportunity for varsity football players to spend meaningful time with their mothers or significant mother figures.

The evening will include dinner or refreshments, a presentation on the safety procedures used to protect student-athletes, and an opportunity for questions and answers.

The evening will conclude with each athlete standing and sharing what his mother or mother figure means to him before presenting her with a rose. Mothers and sons will then have an opportunity to spend time together polishing the athlete's helmet and praying over the upcoming season.

Decals with Dad

Each year on the Thursday before the first game, varsity athletes will spend time with their fathers or significant father figures.

Athletes and their guests will have the opportunity to decorate their helmets together while spending quality time together. The evening will conclude with a few fun father-son competitions and activities.

The goal is to create memories that extend beyond football and strengthen the relationship between athletes and their families.

Hero Program

The Hero Program will connect varsity student-athletes with younger students throughout the district who can benefit from having a positive role model and mentor.

Selected athletes will be paired with an elementary or intermediate student and will spend time with their buddy each month, including having lunch together at school. When possible, students will be matched with younger students who may benefit from additional encouragement, positive guidance, and a strong role model.

The program will also promote literacy by having varsity athletes visit elementary campuses and read with younger students throughout the year.

Elementary and Intermediate Pep Rallies

At least once each fall, the athletic program will bring the excitement of Friday night football to the elementary and intermediate campuses.

The band, cheerleaders, and athletes will participate in pep rallies designed to build school spirit and create excitement throughout the district.

The goal is simple: younger students should be able to see themselves as future members of the program. Building that connection early helps create pride in the school and gives students something to look forward to as they grow.

Give Back Day

Athletic programs and extracurricular organizations have a responsibility to give back to the community that supports them.

Give Back Day will provide an opportunity for athletic teams and extracurricular programs across the district to work together in service to the community. Students and coaches may assist with projects such as painting, mowing lawns, cleaning yards, washing cars, or other projects where help is needed.

The community supports its students throughout the year. Give Back Day is an opportunity for students to learn the importance of serving others and returning that support.

Little League Camps

The athletic program will partner with local Little League organizations to provide camps for younger athletes.

The primary goal will be to have fun, build relationships, and introduce young athletes to basic athletic fundamentals. The coaching staff will also provide a clinic for Little League coaches to help them develop their own coaching skills and knowledge.

Little League coaches will be encouraged to participate in high school practices when appropriate, creating opportunities for coaches throughout the community to learn from one another and build a stronger athletic culture from the youth level up.

Friday Night Lights

Friday nights should be an experience that the community remembers.

The goal is to bring excitement and energy back to Friday Night Lights through music, fireworks, smoke, bounce houses, student involvement, community activities, and other traditions that make game night special.

Elementary students can line the track as the team enters the field. The band, cheerleaders, students, families, and community should all feel like they are part of the experience.

The score will not always be what everyone hopes for, but the experience should still be memorable. The goal is for today's athletes to remember their Friday nights for the rest of their lives and for today's elementary students to dream about one day being on that field themselves.

Social Media and Communication

Social media is an important part of connecting the athletic program with the community. It should be used consistently to distribute information, promote events, celebrate student-athletes, and share the identity of the program.

Program social media should include:

• Game schedules and results

• Highlights and accomplishments

• Upcoming events

• Community activities

• Student-athlete recognition

• Program announcements

• Behind-the-scenes moments

• Opportunities for families and community members to get involved

Social media is more than a place to post scores. It is one of the primary ways the community sees the people, values, and culture behind the program.