Revised Athletic Participation & Eligibility Policies

Thursday, 10 June 2010

Greetings Upper School Community:

As we continue with end-of-year celebrations for the 2010 academic year, I wanted to share some policy adjustments for the coming 2011 academic year, to which I have alluded in previous letters.

Taking into consideration the revised guidelines of the Ohio Department of Education, beginning next fall, all rising Freshmen and Sophomores will be required to participate in two seasons of involvement in the MVS athletic program. Physical education credit will no longer be granted for activities outside of MVS sports. Our non-cut policy, focus on good-sportsmanship and life-long fitness, and welcoming reputation for all of our sports have always encouraged students to join MVS teams, even with little previous experience. While programs at the varsity level will continue to focus on pursuing winning records by fielding competitive squads, encouraging student involvement at all levels contributes to the larger goals of supporting an active, healthy, and well-connected school community.

The upper school has always taken pride in the abundant opportunities for student involvement in the life of the school, ranging from athletics, the performing arts, clubs and organizations, and student government, to name a few. Upper school students traditionally participate in a wide variety of activities, contributing to the positive spirit of school community, strengthening the inter-connectedness across grade levels and between peer groups. Active extra-curricular involvement provides valuable lessons in time management, balance of interests, and expanding peer relationships, particularly for students new to the upper school. We are confident that requiring two seasons of athletic participation in MVS sports by the end of sophomore year, will strengthen these ties in the upper school.

Additionally, working closely with Ken Laake (Athletic Director) and our coaching staff, we have tested this year a more rigorous athletic eligibility policy. The new policy takes into consideration MVS’ primary focus on academics while balancing the important role of athletics, providing increased oversight and support to our student athletes. MVS has long believed that the OHSAA regulations (achieving passing grades in a minimum of 5 classes) have not appropriately reinforced the high academic standards that we promote at MVS.

The revised eligibility policy, which we have tested since the winter trimester, includes the following enhancements: students must achieve a minimum of a cumulative 2.0 GPA during the previous marking period, including no failures in any classes. During a current academic term and athletic season, if a student’s school work declines, according to mid-terms or from concerns raised by a teacher, parent, or advisor, that student will be placed on Academic Watch, requiring weekly up-dates from each class to provide a more attentive perspective of a student’s status.

Each Friday this winter and spring, Ken Laake and I have reviewed the weekly status reports, conferring to determine the extent of student athletes’ involvement for the following week’s athletic participation, sharing our decision directly with the student athlete, their parents, and the appropriate coach. The gradual implementation of the improved eligibility policy this year has provided ample evidence of greater academic responsibility in balancing the role of athletic involvement; teachers, coaches, and parents have been involved with individual decisions, leading to increased collective support of our student athletes. Having used two seasons to refine this policy, we will formally implement these changes beginning in August of the 2010-11 academic year.

As always, I welcome your feedback regarding these policy changes as we strive to provide greater support to students at MVS, in this case relating to encouraging involvement in athletics and providing increased support to student athletes.

With sincere regards,


Sam Wagner
Head of Upper School