Resources for our Students
If we reflect back on our middle school experience, most of us will be able to say it was challenging. So many new experiences to navigate with the added layers of peer pressure plus the introduction of multiple classes and teachers to figure out.
What if we could present a program that could improve on this emotionally challenging experience by giving students an opportunity to express individuality, expand learning abilities, finding healthy and supportive friendships, and communicating with teachers? The REACH Foundation’s Middle School Track Meet checks all those boxes.
In 2019 nearly 500 middle school student athletes from the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District competed in 10 different Track & Field events. In the winter students are encouraged to sign up for a track and field event. They train during the months prior to the meet. Some schools require students to maintain their grades and good attitude as incentive to be a part of the team.
Most of the coaches are middle school PE teachers. We also have teachers and support staff that step in to coach as well. The track meet introduces students to the team sport of Track and Field. They increase their self esteem, make new friends, and learn the value of sportsmanship. It is common to see students cheering on all of those competing regardless of which school they attend.
2021 will be our 8th Middle School Track Meet. We are proud to say that dozens of students that started out at the Middle School Track Meet became members of their high school Track and Field team.
We expect greater participation in 2021. Our goal is to incorporate a new aspect of the meet. PYLUSD Special Needs students make up about 10% of our student population. In 2021 we will hold a Track Event at the start of the meet for PYLUSD students with special needs to participate in.
