Grafton Middle School

Mission

Athletics at Grafton Middle School are an extension of the academic school day. Therefore, the athletic program will enhance the preparation of students intellectually, physically, and socially for their role as life-long learners and responsible citizens with a focus on sportsmanship, responsibililty, commitment, and community.

Objectives

• To provide opportunities for physical, mental, and emotional growth
• To develop confidence and self-esteem
• To develop and understand the concepts of individual and team play
• To learn that good sportsmanship means winning and losing with grace and dignity
• To learn to make decisions under pressure
• To become an involved member of the community

***Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Alert***

As of Tuesday, April 21st, 2020, Governor Charlie Baker and his administration extended school closures through the remainder of the 2019-20 academic year. The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) and its Board of Directors will be releasing a public statement regarding subsequent cancellation of the Spring 2020 athletic season following the most up-to-date guidance and recommendations from local, state, and national governing health agencies, in light of the novel COVID-19 pandemic.

Little is known about this newly recognized virus, but transmission appears to occur easily from human-to-human. Accordingly, on March 10th, Gov. Charlie Baker and his administration declared a state of emergency. All questions regarding the impact this may have on the Grafton Public Schools should be directed to the Office of the Superintendent. The Grafton Public Schools coronavirus information page can be found here.

Grafton Athletics remains steadfastly committed to providing as much information to student-athletes, parents/guardians, coaches, staff, etc. as possible under these uncertain and unusual circumstances. Per the most recent MIAA communication, ALL Spring 2020 athletics will, regrettably, be CANCELLED. This decision will has been reviewed by the MIAA Board of Directors, and ultimately made with the health, safety, and general well-being of MIAA-member schools in mind, and with the latest evidence-based guidance from all governing health agencies. Out of an abundance of caution, and in order to closely follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MA DPH), ALL Grafton High School athletic facilities are closed indefinitely, including informal/formal team gatherings, team practices, captains' practices, scrimmages, jamborees, "shooting around", etc. In the coming weeks and months, GHS Athletics will release further information regarding Fall 2020 athletic registration information and standard pre-season clearance communications. All clearance documentation may be submitted via email to GMS School Nurse - Mrs. Davis (davisj@grafton.k12.ma.us).

We realize this is frustrating and disappointing, but as always, our ultimate goal is to provide a safe environment for healthy participation in educational athletics by our student population and, subsequently, our friends, family, and many supporters. All future updates will be made in the best interest of these individuals, and will be communicated frequently via this website, Twitter (@GraftonAD), Schoology, and/or email. As this unpredictable situation evolves over the coming days and weeks, please do not hesitate to contact me directly with any questions or concerns, as they relate to GHS/GMS Athletics (scanlonj@grafton.k12.ma.us). While we appreciate the continued patience and cooperation of all community members throughout this pandemic, we still ask you to remain vigilant in practicing "social distancing", proper hand washing for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, and all other techniques to stem the spread of this virus. Several public health agencies have released public statements regarding COVID-19, along with a large variety of educational resources, some of which are provided in the links below. While school buildings have been closed through the end of the academic year on June 12th, this does not mean that school itself, the learning that takes place in and out of the classroom, our collective sense of community and belonging to our teams are cancelled. Teachers, coaches, staff, and administration are all an email away, and are here to help our students and athletes in whatever way we can. Please do not hesitate to reach out.

Best,

COVID19 Resources - Grafton Public Schools

COVID19 Resources - CDC

COVID19 Resources - MA DPH

COVID19 Resources - WHO