Holly Shelter Middle School takes great pride in its athletic program, emphasizing both the development of students' physical skills and the importance of character-building on and off the field. The school’s program covers multiple sports including football, cross country, softball, and cheerleading, each requiring dedication, teamwork, and discipline. For parents and guardians, understanding the ins and outs of the athletics schedule, requirements, and expectations is crucial to ensuring a smooth experience for both themselves and their student athletes. Zeus Network Activate ~ Your Ultimate Guide to Streaming Success
This guide provides an in-depth look into Holly Shelter Middle School’s sports program, covering the essentials such as practice schedules, uniform care, academic requirements, and behavior expectations, as well as how to stay connected with the school's athletic community through online forms, communication channels, and events.
Practice and Game Schedules: The Backbone of the Program
The athletic calendar is designed to optimize students' time in sports while balancing academic responsibilities. Regular practices take place Monday through Thursday, with sessions scheduled as follows:
- Softball: 4:00–5:30 PM
- Football: 4:00–6:00 PM
- Cross Country: 4:00–5:00 PM
Parents are encouraged to ensure timely pickups after each practice, as rides must be present at the conclusion of practice. In cases of weather cancellations or other unforeseen circumstances, Holly Shelter Middle School’s athletic department communicates changes no later than 2:00 PM via the school website, phone calls, and emails. Game days maintain a prompt start at 4:00 PM, with parents allowed entry into the facilities at 3:50 PM, helping maintain an organized and welcoming atmosphere.
Meeting the Coaches and Staying Connected
The heart of Holly Shelter’s athletics program lies with its committed coaches, each responsible for guiding the teams and fostering an environment of sportsmanship:
- Football Coach: Phil Bothwell (Email: firemanphil156@aol.com)
- Cross Country Coach: Justin Pugh (Email: justin.pugh@nhcs.net)
- Softball Coach: Chris Sheeran (Email: christopher.sheeran@nhcs.net)
- Cheer Coach: Shaly Blue-Diaz (Email: shalay.bluediaz@nhcs.net)
These coaches are the primary points of contact for students' progress, but any overarching concerns should be directed to the Athletic Director, Kyle Williams, at kyle.williams@nhcs.net, in accordance with the county’s “24-hour rule” on addressing issues.
Online Forms and Photo Day: Key Resources for Parents
To streamline access to team photos and required documents, Holly Shelter provides parents with online resources through services like PhotoDay and Google Forms. The following resources simplify parents’ ability to stay organized and informed:
Sport Pictures Access: Access team photos through my.photoday.com using the school’s unique access code, PGEX89784. For instant alerts, parents can text this code to 90738.
Escape the Vape Program: Holly Shelter offers a wellness initiative that emphasizes healthy choices, and parents can find out more through an online form: Escape the Vape.
The Importance of Academic Performance
Holly Shelter Middle School’s athletic department holds student-athletes to high academic standards. To maintain eligibility, students must pass all classes with a minimum of a C average, per the NCHSAA requirements. This commitment to academic achievement ensures that athletics complement, rather than hinder, students' educational goals.
The policy reflects a commitment to student success in both sports and academics, and parents are encouraged to monitor their children’s progress closely. If a student is struggling academically, support structures such as tutoring and academic resources can help keep them on track.
Setting Behavioral Expectations
Good behavior is essential for Holly Shelter’s student-athletes, both on and off the field. Students are expected to display respect and responsibility, as their actions reflect not only on themselves but on the school. Disciplinary measures include the following:
If a student receives in-school suspension (ISS) on a game day, they are prohibited from participating in the first half of the game.
If a student is suspended from school, they are ineligible to play in the game, with an additional one-game suspension following their return.
These behavioral guidelines encourage students to act responsibly and are in place to maintain the high standards Holly Shelter upholds in its athletic program.
Supporting Your Student-Athlete: Uniform Care and Spirit Packs
Uniforms are provided for athletes at the beginning of the season and must be well-maintained. Students are responsible for keeping track of their uniforms, as they cannot participate in games if these are lost or stolen. In such cases, parents must replace missing items.
To foster team spirit, the school’s PTA offers spirit packs, including athletic wear, which can be ordered through the athletic website. The online store remains open for a week, allowing parents and students to showcase their school pride. Typical delivery times are between three to four weeks.
Staying Hydrated and Healthy
Holly Shelter encourages students to take their health seriously by bringing a water bottle to every practice and game. Hydration is crucial, and by emphasizing this habit, the school promotes overall student health, supporting their peak performance on the field.
Building a Strong Athletic Community
At Holly Shelter Middle School, athletics are a way to build community, instill values, and teach valuable life lessons. Parents play an essential role in this process by supporting their children, following guidelines, and fostering a positive atmosphere around the athletic program. By actively participating in these aspects, parents and guardians can help make the Holly Shelter sports experience a rewarding journey that promotes growth, resilience, and teamwork.
As Holly Shelter’s athletic community grows, so does the potential for students to not only excel in sports but to learn the skills that will benefit them in life. Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay connected, stay supportive, and enjoy the journey alongside their student-athletes.
