“Benefits of Investing in Positive Student Attitudes towards Schools”
Article by Ariana Smith
Description:
In the realm of athletics, the focus is on the athletes. A support system is formed by cheerleaders, coaches, booster clubs, and fans. Each has a commitment, a role and a purpose leading to the success of the athletes, and in turn, the school image as a whole. This same focus and attention should be applied to students. The same measures taken to ensure the success of an athlete and a school’s athletic department are necessary for building strong, academic students as well.
Most often, the athletes are treated with the utmost respect- especially those who are high in rank and achievements. They sport the school colors and are not ashamed to show their pride and make the most of all the support they receive. They are recognized not only for their achievements, but their improvements as well. They’re given game plans for success and are either praised or reprimanded depending on whether or not they stick to the plan. Whether it is a team or individual sport, the athletes are quite supportive of each other and create a close bond, keeping each other in check. Looking at the student body in a similar light, academically- encouraged students can have the same proud attitude towards their school as athletes do towards their sport. By surrounding students with a support team, establishing a game plan, and recognizing them for achievements and improvements, students will be more likely to take pride in their work as well as themselves and will be motivated to do their best.
The most direct encouragement ideally comes from the home of these “athletes.” The parents are the cheerleaders. The cheerleaders boost the morale of the team, and lead the fans in cheering them on as well. By creating an uproar of spirit echoing throughout the stands, the athletes feel nothing but support and admiration. Not only are they encouraged to do well for self- satisfaction, but to satisfy their spectators as well. The same traditional chants and cheers such as “Go! Fight! Win!” “Score again!” and “We’re #1!” are repeated over and over until that is the motto. Similar mottos should be drilled into the heads of the students by their cheerleaders, like “Go to school!” “Do you best!” and “You’re #1!” No matter their mood, the cheerleaders can always be counted on to have smiles on their faces and a few peppy words. Just as athletes need cheering on through out an entire game, students need just as much encouragement just as often.
While the cheerleaders rally support, someone has to be there to implement the strategies for success. These individuals, the coaches, are the ones giving the pep talks in the locker room, rattling off a few last minute tips on the bench, and jumping and screaming from the sidelines at anyone interfering with the plan. They play a key role in the athlete’s life on and off the field, becoming a role model. They aren’t afraid to dispute a bad call, nor do they allow any slacking. They work to correct a players’ weakness and showcase their strengths.
Although teachers aren’t provided with whistles and stat sheets, they are able to use the instruments they’re given for the same purpose. Their teaching methods, class assignments, instruction both inside and outside of the classroom all make a difference in what shows up on the players’ profile- the transcript. One reason why athletes feel bonded with their coaches is because of the genuine concern these coaches show for their highly valued athletes. If valued at this same level, students would know that they are each a primary concern to their teachers and that their future is more easily accessible if assisted by them. Teachers, just like coaches, help to establish the goals and lay the paths leading to reaching these goals. But in order to be effective, these role models should establish themselves as being not only knowledgeable, but trustworthy as well.
The booster club, while seemingly less involved with the athletes, is there for financial support. They bridge out into the community to rally support for the athletes and their families, and to ensure the treatment deserved. The booster club members will do anything and everything to benefit the athletic department and guarantee everyone’s needs will be met. Presumed to be the same as the administrative board’s goal, more recently they simply make sure everything runs smoothly, preventing problems instead of providing opportunities.
Principles, AP’s, guidance officers, etc. should be the established ‘booster club’ of students; taking their input and advice into consideration and doing all they can to ensure that students are fully supported, not simply regulated. This would allow students to acknowledge that they play an important role in their school system, and that they can make a difference.
This leaves the final component- the fans. These individuals are actively supportive for one reason or another. They attend the games, cheer as loud as the cheerleaders, donate to booster club fundraisers, and shout at the referees just like the coaches. While they may seem random and unnecessary- what is a game with out the fans? Similarly, what is a student support system without the backing of the members of the surrounding community? By being motivated by people other than those such as teachers and parents who are expected to play some sort of role, the students will know that more than simply those whom they see on a daily basis are depending on them to succeed. It will demonstrate the trust invested in them as both the present and future molders of society.
School should be looked back on as a positive experience. Just as athletes are made to feel a part of the team with uniforms, recognition, responsibilities, goals, etc, students should have this same pride in themselves and their school to the point that they have a sense of attachment stimulating trust and encouraging them to set standards for themselves and their peers.
Funding for Academic Year: 2005