As the lunchtime football program comes to an end for another year, the Wellness Committee is preparing to re-introduce the highly successful lunchtime softball game. As with all Wellness committee activities, this is an open game for senior students (grades 3 through 6) that emphasizes learning, fun and sportsmanship. We are particularly excited to have Jason Burks on board as a coach for the lunchtime softball program. Many of you may know Jason from his years of service as a coach for the Burbank Parks & Rec girls’ softball program. We are also thrilled to have pitcher extraordinaire Jena Van Loo back on the mound. Rounding out the parent coaching staff will be Rick Wilson, Earl Brown and yours truly.

For any of you who have read my newsletter articles in the past, you know that I am committed to keeping kids interested in our national pastime. Research continues to suggest that interest is waning in youth baseball due to the slower pace of the game when compared to other recreational activities. Many kids would rather play a simulated baseball game on Play Station or the Wii than don their cleats and head down to their local Sandlot. At a time when technology is rapidly speeding up every aspect of our lives, I feel it is especially important to preserve the tradition of wiling away a few hours at the ballpark, either as a player or spectator.

As a youngster, I spent many summers at my uncle’s farm during the haying season. As busy as it got, we never failed to play an hour of softball on the back lawn after lunch before returning to the tractors and hay wagons. It is with this spirit that we invite the students to take a brief respite from their studies and join us on the back field every Thursday after lunch for a spirited game of work-ups. If you join us on the right day, you just might catch Principal Ginnetti on the mound or stepping up to the plate! On that note, we encourage all teachers and staff members to jump into the rotation as well.

Paul Bond
Chairman