Project A-TEAM Program

Program Coordinator - Kristen Hart
Fax - 201-547-3519
Email - khart@jcboe.org 

Our Philosophy

THE JERSEY CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS ELEMENTARY INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO DEVELOP THE STUDENT ATHLETE PHYSICALLY, ACADEMICALLY, EMOTIONALLY, MENTALLY AND SOCIALLY. A GREATER EMPHASIS WILL BE PLACED ON PARTICIPATION RATHER THAN COMPETITION. PHYSICAL SKILLS, METHODS, TECHNIQUES AND RULES WILL BE EMPHASIZED RATHER THAN WINNING. THE COACH WILL EMPHASIZE TEAM EFFORT RATHER THAN PROMOTING INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT.

Program Objectives

1. Emphasize the importance of good grades and abiding by both the attendance policy and Student Code of Conduct required for participation.

2. Games will be scheduled within the cluster for the regular season to promote friendly rivalries, develop friendships, foster school pride and improve community relations.

3. Improvement of playing skills.

4. Development of physical fitness and desirable habits of health and safety.

5. A chance to learn and display good sportsmanship.

6. Realization that athletic competition is a privilege that carries with it definite responsibilities.

7. An opportunity to learn that a violation of a game rule brings about a penalty.

8. Stress the values of fair play.

9. Show courtesy and respect for coaches, mentors, officials and fellow players.

10. Encourage the development of leadership, initiative and good judgment.

11. Promote the educational values inherent in interscholastic activities.

12. Develop and direct a wholesome team.

13. Encourage development of academic achievement as well as athletic skills.

Criteria for Participation

- 6th – 8th graders in each of Jersey City’s Public Elementary and Middle Schools, who meet the program requirements, would be eligible to participate.

- It is an interscholastic, competitive athletic league that places an emphasis on academic achievement as a basis for participation.

- Athletic seasons would correspond with those of the high schools’ (Fall, Winter, Spring). Competition would continue throughout the season culminating with playoffs and a championship.

- Practices will be held at each individual Elementary/Middle School. Games will be played at each school (where feasible) as well as the District High Schools.

- This program is designed to improve fitness levels, raise an awareness of the need for academic achievement and foster self-esteem through athletic competition.

- A head coach will be hired for each team. A parent volunteer will serve as an assistant coach and a student mentor from the division high school will be assigned to work with the team. The student mentor would be a member of the corresponding sport.

- Students must be cleared by a physician to be eligible for play. Students must also pass all core subjects abide by the Attendance Policy as well as the District Code of Conduct.

Athletic Seasons

Similar to the high school counterpart, the Project A-TEAM program consists of three seasons:
In the Fall Season, schools participate in Boys' and Girls' Track as well as Co-Ed Flag Football. The Fall Season runs from September to early November.

The Winter Season consists of Boys' and Girls' Volleyball in addition to Fitness Olympics. This season begins in late December and commences in early March.

The Spring Season includes Boys' and Girls' Basketball as well as Swimming. The Spring Season begins in early April and runs through early June.

Many of the sports are scheduled to occur during a different season from their High School equivelant. This will allow for the High School student-athletes to act as volunteers in the Elementary and Middle Schools, which is where the Mentoring portion of Project A-TEAM (Achieving Through Education, Athletics and Mentoring) comes in.