6 supporters are talking about petitions related to Gymnastics Team!
As a proud former West gymnast, and now a current educator, this plan seems extremely poorly thought out. Asking new drivers to drive across town is asking for accidents. Not all families can make that commitment. You will be limiting how many gymnasts within the city get to compete by combining teams. High school gymnastics is such a special thing, please don't limit access to only the elite few.
As a former JMM gymnast I highly disagree with this restructuring that does not involve the voices of the coaches and athletes. Coaches know what is best for their teams and we need to listen to them. Coach Danielle has made huge strides for Memorial gymnastics and created a culture that should not be altered, which invites students of all gymnastics experience to participate. This restructuring would greatly limit opportunities for those with limited experience who are looking to get involved in athletics.
You must involve people most directly affected by decisions in those decisions. Hear and honor their voices. That is how community works. No other way.
This proposal would be a huge disservice to all current and future gymnasts in MMSD, resulting in fewer opportunities for girls to participate in a sport they love. I am also incredibly disappointed that the district did not solicit input from the people who will be most impacted by this proposal: the student athletes, coaches and families. This proposal is not an equitable approach to high school athletics and a poor reflection of the district’s priorities. MMSD should delay this decision and have a public forum to listen to those most impacted by this decision and to discuss potential solutions that ensure equitable access to high school sports.
As it is there were too many girls on the west team to compete at meets. We are already tight for gym space sharing with memorial. It is difficult for high schoolers to travel to other schools for sports- and its unrealistic to ask for this type of coordination. We won’t be able to participate under these conditions. It feels like a step toward dissolving the program completely- making it difficult to attend (travel) and difficult to compete (too many kids). Please I urge you to reconsider.
My daughters participated in gymnastics at West. It was an incredible experience for both of them. This restructuring seems poorly thought out and will very negatively impact the opportunity for young women in the MMSD High Schools to have that level of support. The plan as currently laid out should not go forward.