Mission

The mission of Boston Public Schools is to give all students (Grades 6-12) the opportunity to participate in an innovative athletics program that explicitly develops the social-emotional and physical well-being of all athletes. The curriculum for this program is student-centric, culturally responsive, and emphasizes the positive nature of competition.

Vision

The Boston Public Schools offers a broad spectrum of sports in a fun, safe, and welcoming learning environment that equips students with skills that are necessary for success in college, career, and life.

Students will:

• develop decision-making and problem-solving skills;
• share ownership of their team and its inherent responsibilities;
• understand the benefits and responsibilities of competition;
• learn and apply performance-based sciences that will assist them in overcoming physical, social, and emotional obstacles in their lives.

Coaches will:

• give their players an age-appropriate and significant voice on the team;
• be mission-driven and values-led;
• model respectful listening, empathy, and cultural and linguistic responsiveness;
• maintain an enthusiastic, constructive approach to developing skills;
• develop a fun environment that fosters personal growth and treats failure as a learning experience.

Athletic teams will:

• become role models for safe and welcoming school environments;
• promote ethical problem-solving;
• model the power of full engagement;
• achieve by setting challenging, realistic goals;
• practice regulating emotions under difficult circumstances;
• demonstrate respect for their teammates, coaches, opponents, officials, and communities.

Boston Public Schools Office of Social-Emotional Learning and Wellness will:

• resource the Athletic Department’s mission;
• develop curriculum;
• train, mentor, and support coaching staff;
• work with parents to promote the mission;
• demonstrate their commitment, support, and interest in this initiative to coaches, students, and parents;
• develop an evaluation tool that supports coaches in meeting this new mission;
• value the voice of coach and athlete-students in this process.