Academic Honors

Morris Schott Middle School announced academic honors at a recent assembly. Several Wahluke Eagles received certificates of merits as a result of their hard work in the classroom. The coaches, being educators, value their players educations. While all the players desire an NBA career, the coaches remind them of the importance of having an education they can fall back on when their knees finally give out.

Simply telling the players to complete their homework isn't enough so all three coaches provide a quiet place, assistance, and resources. Originally it was Wednesday study hall, and then a few Mondays ago, players began announcing they had homework as practice concluded so another day was added. And even on the off practice days, different players will stay after school and head to Juan's or Bethany's classroom or my office so they can get help or just a quiet place.

The coaches especially want to recognize Antonio who worked hard in all his classes and reached Principal's Honor Roll for the first time. Cristian too deserves special mention. Cristian began education in English the latter portion of third grade. Last year he was a student in Juan's bilingual fourth grade classroom, and halfway through fifth grade, he was promoted to an on level English only classroom. Principal's Honor Roll means a grade point average of 3.5 or above and Honor Roll signifies an average of 3.0-3.4

Principal's Honor Roll

Alan

Antonio

Cristian

Dario

Gabino

Oscar

Honor Roll

Jose

Librado

Academics Count

Bethany, Juan, and I care about our players' academic performance. All of us work in education and have high expectation for the boys and their grades. We realize that basketball eats into their study time so we offer study hall after Wednesday's practice. Additionally we will help any player with their school work anytime they ask. Even on non-practice days some of the players walk to the Intermediate and do school work in Juan's or Bethany's class.

We wish that all our players were pulling straight A's but they're not. However a few of them are close. This week is conference week and I took the time to meet with the players teachers and check on their studies and behavior. Most of the boys are doing well. I spoke with those players who were having difficulty and reminded them that basketball is a privilege they earn and can easily loose. One of our boys was having difficulty with his behavior in class. I gave him a firm reminder and today his teacher reported that his behavior was stellar, a complete turn-around. The coaches expect no less.

On a positive note, Morris Schott Middle School announced the Fifth Grade Honor Role and the following players made the list. Cristian (Me Duele), Oscar (Catfish), Dario (Big D), Alan (Big Daddy), Gabino (Pickles), Librado (Don Vicente), and Jose. Our goal is to eventually have all our players on the list. All the boys want to play in the NBA and Juan, Bethany, and I encourage them. We also remind them that in the end, academic success is the solid foundation for all their dreams.