As parents and concerned residents of Newton, Massachusetts, we strongly urge the City and school administration to offer sports for the City’s middle schools in the Spring, 2021 for the physical and mental health of our children.

We recognize that the past year has challenged our city's school system in an unprecedented way. But as we approach warmer weather and the ability to gather outside, we are confident that Newton would be able to safely organize spring sports this season at the middle school level, offering a small slice of normalcy after more than a year of quarantine, hybrid and distance learning and few opportunities to be active or social without a screen.

We understand that many children in the Newton district play sports outside of school — and that some intramural sports options are under consideration. But the middle school sports experience is unique and special — offering adolescents of all backgrounds and abilities the opportunity to not only stay physically active, but bond with their classmates and develop leadership skills on the precipice of high school. For these reasons and more, even a limited spring season—against other Newton schools—would be of enormous value.

We acknowledge that there will be logistical challenges to overcome, including transportation, supervision, and field access. As engaged, active parents and capable members of the Newton community, we pledge to support you and help you work through these obstacles, as we have throughout the pandemic.

We look forward to your response and appreciate your attention to and leadership on this issue.