A new organization, the Putnam City Schools Athletic Council, has been formed to increase and improve the athletic opportunities for students in district schools, says Dr. Dick Balenseifen, athletic director for Putnam City Schools.
Balenseifen says the main purpose of the council is to gather input from district stakeholders about ways to improve athletic opportunities, facilities and funding in the district. The council’s first meeting in early November included district parents, high school and middle school athletic directors and elementary physical education teachers.
The second meeting of the council is set for 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7, in the board room of the district’s administration building, 5401 N.W. 40th. Council meetings are open to anyone interested in taking part.
Balenseifen said the district hopes to add middle school baseball and middle school slow pitch softball as spring sports, and is also looking at the possibility of middle school cross country clubs. At the elementary level, the district is considering adding volleyball and cross country clubs, Balenseifen says.
According to Balenseifen, increasing opportunities for students to take part in athletics has many benefits.
“The national research is consistent. Students who take part in athletics learn to use their time productively. Compared to students in general, students who take part in athletics have higher grade point averages, better attendance, fewer discipline problems and lower dropout rates. Athletics also contributes to good student health and fitness and is a place to learn values like hard work, self-discipline and working with others,” Balenseifen says.
For more information about the Putnam City Schools Athletic Council or its upcoming meetings, call 495-5200, ext. 1297.
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For More Information
Steve Lindley, Communications Director
(405) 495-5200, x1204
(405) 812-6119
slindley@putnamcityschools.org