- November 23, 2024
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A partnership between Flagler Schools and the Flagler Sheriff’s Police Athletic League is hoping to bring sports to local middle schools.
The initiative discussed at the School Board agenda workshop on July 11 would unite Buddy Taylor Middle School and Indian Trails Middle School with Imagine Schools, First Baptist Christian Academy in Bunnell and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School, if they all choose to compete against each other in new leagues.
While the number of students able to participate has not been decided, Earl Johnson, Flagler Schools executive director of leadership development, said the schools are hoping to get financial support to include as they can.
“We’d like as many students to participate as possible because we feel it would be positive for the student-athletes who maintain
“We’d like as many students to participate as possible because we feel it would be positive for the student-athletes who maintain good grades and good behavior to participate.”
Earl Johnson, Flagler Schools executive director of leadership development
good grades and good behavior to participate,” Johnson said.
Three Flagler Sheriff’s Office deputies from PAL are already interested in working with the middle-schoolers, and some retirees have expressed a desire to come back and help by refereeing, said Kim Hale, P.A.L director.
“We are trying to get as many officers involved as possible,” Hale said.
School Board member Andy Dance said it could be beneficial to provide opportunities for high school students to earn volunteer hours by assisting the middle school league. The possible problem noted with this is that the high school sports seasons are the same as the tentative calendar for the new middle school sports seasons.
“My theory is let’s start simple, so that we can make this successful the first year,” Hale said. “Then we can build from there.”
PAL will provide an update on the program at the next School Board meeting on July 18.
