Eighth grade basketball and the value of healthy risk taking

Every eighth grade boy is playing basketball this season, along with 80% of the eighth grade girls.

Gordon's athletics director reflected on this extraordinary participation rate, and what it says about how Gordon teaches young people to be healthy risk takers, in her weekly email:

Did you know that every eighth grade boy is playing basketball this season?

Did you know that sixteen eighth grade girls are playing basketball this winter?

This high participation rate is due in part to the Gordon's no cut policy. 

It is developmentally appropriate for adolescents to be trying on many different hats and figuring out their identity. 

Gordon athletics allows students to try out a sport knowing they will be welcomed onto a team. 

Also, the Gordon community, including the eighth grade class, has created an environment that recognizes the importance of inclusivity. 

Students place equal value on both the experienced player and the athlete who has chosen to take a risk and learn something new.

They have embraced healthy risk taking. 

This is an essential component of learning.

I am proud of them all, and of our school. 

In related news: Mr. Burnstein talked about leadership and Gordon athletes in Middle School meeting on Tuesday while two Middle School athletes were having an amazing week leading their team at the U11 football national championships .