Thursday, March 15, 2012

Archery at Sparhawk

A straw poll of Sparhawk High students showed strong interest for an archery program. I am researching program  logistics and equipment. Based upon staff and PTO member input at the last two PTO meetings, an after-school program is the most viable starting option for late spring, summer and the potential for an integrated archery program in the fall. According to the NASP Archery site, a class of 30 can be outfitted for about $3,500.

USA Archery (U.S. Olympic Team) promotes archery in the schools so that there will be a better pool of world-class competitors. Other organizations have more local goals, which include academic performance and personal growth. There are at least three reputable programs from which to draw guidance and some grant funding and local resources that may provide instructor training, range management and coaching.

1. National Archery in the Schools: NASP Archery Internet Site
2. USA Archery: USA Archery
3. Archery After School Program: Archery-After School Program

I encourage anyone interested to look at these websites, and especially the NASP Archery site curriculum guides for grades 4-12 and also consider the following:
  • Archery is a lifetime sport, there are college teams all over the country, including UNH;
  • An archery program may be an attraction for international students;
  • All the benefits of team-building, community and personal growth;
  • Academics that relate to archery include physics, math, social studies, literature and language arts;
  • Sparhawk's new HS facilities is a resource that could host outdoor, FITA* competitions up to 90 meters;
  • The Lower Campus has adequate distance for an outdoor practice range (9-18 meters);
  • Indoor competitions are possible at the High School, as are postal competitions to bridge long-distances among schools and clubs whereby student's competition targets are mailed and scored.
*FITA: Fédération Internationale de Tir à l'Arc http://www.archery.org/
(World Archery)


Sunday, March 11, 2012

The next month and a half is a very busy one for the Sparhawk PTO.

This week we have the final days of our Camp Cody Raffle.  All proceeds from the raffle are going to fund some of the Sparhawk theater requests to the PTO.  Two of the larger theater requests we have received are:
  1. Choir riser for choral performances done for the different school levels.  These risers would be used for performances for many years to come.  Need two 3-tier risers at $685 each.
  2. Stage extension...we have received a $500 donation from a friend of the Sparhawk Theater and need approximately $600 more to complete the project
We are in the midst of coordinating our Spring Fundraiser which is an adult night out at the Sparhawk Theater with entertainment provided by Jim Plunkett.  I am happy to say we have already received several ticket orders.  If you would like to help out, please contact me at rcmcdonough@gmail.com.  We have lots of areas to coordinate and we need many volunteers.  One of the things we are looking for are donations to our silent auction/raffle.  Please consider donating any of the following:
  • theme items for silent auction and raffle baskets
  • sports memorabilia
  • gift certificates: restaurants, stores, online, local shops
  • tickets: sports, theater, entertainment...other events
  • vacation time share
  • any other ideas for items that you may have to donate
Our next PTO meeting is on Thursday, March 15th, and we will be drawing the Camp Cody Raffle winner at 4pm.

Hope to see you there...Rhonda McDonough, Sparhawk PTO President