Adrian schools officials laud participation in recreation, after-school programs

Brad Heineman, The Daily Telegram
·4 min read

ADRIAN — Participation numbers were reviewed Monday and Adrian Public Schools officials said they are pleased with the number of students getting involved with the district’s offerings of fall recreation sports and after-school programming.

The data was shared during the Adrian Board of Education's meeting by athletic director Chad O’Brien and Superintendent Nate Parker. O’Brien highlighted the statistics for the recreation sports, and Parker looked at the after-school programming numbers.

Enrollment for each of the fall recreation sports available, O’Brien said, ranges from 15 to 60 students. The district offers the following sports to younger students and those not participating in sports governed by the Michigan High School Athletic Association:

  • Third and fourth grade flag football.

  • Fifth and sixth grade tackle football.

  • Third and fourth grade combined with fifth and sixth grade volleyball.

  • Elementary run club.

  • Fall softball.

  • Cheerleading clinics.

  • Adrian Extreme Soccer.

The numbers thus far into the school year are solid, O’Brien said. The district and the athletic department have been promoting the recreational offerings at elementary school meetings and through social media.

While some sports generate more interest than others, O’Brien said, each of the sports offered are being utilized by students. Because programs like cheerleading and volleyball are currently underway, fall softball is not quite as well attended, he said. To fill up some roster spots and put an entire team together for softball, students outside of Adrian were welcome to join the recreational team.

While that’s not the case for every sport, O’Brien informed the board, he is considering that option for students who are not enrolled at Adrian. The reasoning behind that is to promote the Adrian district and its many offerings with the hope that the students’ families will choose to relocate their children’s education to Adrian.

With the winter season approaching, insights were provided on winter recreational sports, too. Basketball, wrestling and yoga are the main sports that will be offered thus far. There are considerations for powerlifting and gymnastics, too, O’Brien said.

After-school programming numbers are also a positive for the district, Parker said.

Adrian is working with its fine arts department to host after-school music camps and other music-related ventures, including plays and dramas. The after-school music camp is set to begin next week. It also has a working relationship with the Boys & Girls Club of Lenawee. Parker credited Cody Waters, chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Lenawee, for providing after-school programming that is full of energy and enthusiasm. Waters is a 2004 graduate of Adrian High School.

“It’s exciting to see all of the after-school stuff really take off,” Parker said. “The kids are excited, and that’s what we want to see.”

With this being the first year of having such a diverse offering of sports and activities, Parker said he is hoping the district will be able to create an after-school programming calendar that is available to parents and students at the beginning of the school year.

While it may seem like a lot to condense and work into a schedule, Parker said, there can be fluidity with the calendar. It would be optimal for parents to see what is available for their students at the start of the year and get them signed up as soon as possible.

In other business

The Adrian Board of Education at its Oct. 10 meeting also:

  • Recognized its first batch of “Outstanding Citizens of the Month” for the 2022-23 school year: first grade student Bryn Roan at Alexander Elementary School; Cora Hutchison, second grade at Lincoln Elementary School; third grader Mia Dickerson, Michener Elementary; Parker Prewo, fifth grade, Prairie Elementary; Eva Reynolds, seventh grade, Springbrook Middle School; and senior Leif Knox, Adrian High School.

  • Approved the resignations of Head Start instructor Samantha Hall, effective Sept. 13; food service employee Jill Kreigbaum, effective Oct. 3; and Head Start instructor Nicole Gestwite, effective Sept. 26. The retirement of school maintenance employee Kris Griewahn was also accepted, effective Sept. 30.

  • Approved the hiring of Julie Martin as an administrative assistant at Lincoln Elementary School; Paula Martin, Shannon Kissau and Alexandria Winters as Head Start teachers; Amanda Stevens as a Head Start teacher’s assistant; and Kimberly Rose as a paraprofessional.

  • Approved a change order in the amount of $43,680 from the Kreighoff-Lenawee Co. for additional heating, ventilation and air conditioning work throughout the district and continued work on the exterior wall repair at Adrian High School.

  • Accepted several donations from community members including $250 to the soccer team and $250 to the football program from Mary and Kenneth Kemerer, $200 to the athletics department from the Law Offices of Richard Wilson, $8,410 from the Maple Fans Club to benefit the baseball and softball teams, $500 to the girls swim team from Sarah and Eric Salenbien, $500 to the arts and culture club from Melanie Nightingale, $300 for T-shirts from Rising Associated, $300 for T-shirts from Blohmz LLC, and $30,000 to the baseball/softball community project from an anonymous donor.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Strong participation in recreational, after-school programs at Adrian schools