Greenwood school board members Tuesday commended the district’s intra-city basketball league as a positive influence on students.
Board President Barbara Gray said the program gives children something constructive to do on weekends and helps fight obesity.
“I have had so many parents say that they are so pleased with that because in Greenwood we lack the recreational activities for the kids,” she said. “So then the idle mind becomes a workshop for the devil.”
Board member Jimmy Carter said he agreed with Gray’s sentiments.
“If we get them before they get to the streets, we can save them,” he said. “Once they get to the street, it’s hard to get them out.”
The Saturday games for fourth- through sixth-graders involve both boys and girls from each of the elementary schools. Six-minute quarters with a running clock are played.
A $3 donation from parents covers the operational costs, Superintendent Margie Pulley said.
The season ends Feb. 28.
“We have had packed gyms on Saturday morning, so that’s a good thing,” Pulley said. “Those are excellent feeder programs for our high school and middle school athletics.”
She said the program has an academic component: Before students enter the gym, Assistant Superintendent Jim Mattox asks them questions from their multiplication tables, and they must answer correctly before entering.
Mattox is in charge of the league.
“I told him when I was assistant superintendent that used to be my job, but I’ve moved up so I passed that on to him,” Pulley said.
Gray said it is an opportunity for students to enhance their skills at a young age and also forces parents to get involved by bringing their children to the games.
“It’s making them get up and become more productive,” she said.
The board president also thanked the administration and staff for putting in the extra work on weekends.
Also Tuesday:
nThe board authorized paying $300 in expenses for Nicholas Foster, a senior trumpet player from Greenwood High, to participate in the Lions All State Band.
nCity Council President Ronnie Stevenson read a resolution from the city recognizing the district for its “Successful” rating from the state.
nThe board authorized making up two snow days — Jan. 10 and Feb. 10 — on President’s Day (Feb. 21) and Good Monday (April 25). It moved board meetings originally set for March 22 and April 12 to March 9 and April 6 due to conflicts with spring break and the National School Boards Association meeting.
• Contact Charlie Smith at csmith@gwcommonwealth.com.
