Rockford Intramural program offers many opportunities
by MIKE WESTGATE
Assistant Principal
East Rockford Middle School
A comprehensive education calls for learning both in and outside the classroom. Co-curricular activities are not a diversion but rather an extension of a good educational program. Study after study shows that students who participate in these types of activities tend to have higher grade-point averages, better attendance records, lower dropout rates and fewer discipline problems than students generally. For these reasons (and many more), Rockford Public Schools offers a wide variety of co-curricular activities to promote active student participation. An opportunity you may not know enough about is our outstanding secondary Intramural program.
Rockford’s Intramural program started in 1992 as an after-school basketball league at the high school. It has since evolved into more than 20 organized activities at all four secondary buildings in the district. Some of the successful opportunities have included: water polo, dodgeball, “Forrest Gump” Ping-Pong, snow football, golf, cross country, Guitar Hero, and archery, just to name a few. The philosophy is to maximize participation and accommodate a wide range of interests and abilities by offering team and individual activities to all secondary students.
District Intramural Coordinator Adam Burkholder continues to look for ways to meet the needs of our students and provide these types of co-curricular activities. His primary objective is to increase student involvement with a safe, fun and positive experience. Most of these activities are organized and supervised by Rockford teachers and coaches who share that passion for getting our kids involved.
For more information on Rockford’s many Intramural opportunities, check out the Intramurals page under Athletics at www.rockfordschools.org.
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