The State of Glen Cove PE, Health and Athletics

As more news of a difficult economy presents itself to us daily, I have recently been reflecting on the current state of our district's Physical, Health and Athletics Department.

I have always been something of a cups half-full type of person. If a challenge presents itself, rather than focus on things that are amiss, why not just take the situation and figure out how to make it better? As the athletic director at Glen Cove, I strive to give our students the best possible experiences during their school years. If one focuses on what needs to get done, rather than what can't get done, progress occurs.

As someone who lives the life of an athletic director on a daily basis, I can soundly say, we are doing very well in Glen Cove. You have my word, that in these potentially tough economic years ahead, I will continue to strive to bring in the various donations, grants and free programs that have put our physical education, health and athletics programs on the map. 

For the past three years, some of our most profound accomplishments include:

- A new fitness center at the High School at no cost to the district

- An elective style physical education curriculum that has included yoga, dance, cycling, self-defense and weight training

- Several cultural experiences with students from Denmark, one of which, was televised

- A part-time athletic trainer

- A new Concussion Program to help prevent potential brain injury

- The creation of a Student Athletic Leadership Team, which brings high school leaders to elementary schools to discuss a substance free lifestyle. The initiative is funded by a grant.

- Increased involvement in the Empire Games for the physically challenged

- New high school gymnasium curtains that increase the safety of our students

- The emergence of the Red Army- a major boost for school spirit at the high school

- An updated athletics Web site where we welcome contributing articles and pictures

- The arrival of our first summer basketball camp at Glen Cove schools, which included employment of high school students. The camp also generated money for our Booster Club

- Increased physical education time at the elementary schools

- Awards Night slide shows

- Improvements to our athletic fields

- Relocation of the high school batting cages

- Creation of an After-School Fitness Intramural

- Addition of a new middle school scoreboard at no cost to the district

- A sport psychology unit in our Physical Education classes

- Improved athletics showcases

- Additional middle school baseball, softball and girls volleyball teams.

- At no cost to the district, we have obtained various speakers to discuss topics such as NCAA recruiting, bicycle safety, and more

- An upcoming track invitational

- New floor hockey equipment donated by the New York Islanders

- No cost to district field trips to Mets and Islander games

- Drug prevention, skin cancer prevention and tobacco prevention programs

- Increased team trips to out of state competitions

- Positive changes in our eligibility policy

- A fully updated and safe adventure course at the middle school

- A special surprise for the varsity baseball/softball fields this spring

There are many more additional improvements, which we are proud to have made in the district. And speaking of pride, our teams are also on the rise.

Mr. Falen and Mr. Sirakis, along with their athletes, produced winning basketball records this season.

Our wrestlers produced an all-county recipient.

Ms. Gow, Mrs. Carmody, Mr. Rotolo, and Mr. Sirakis also have out of state team trips planned that are sure to improve team chemistry.

This is just the tip of the iceberg and it is exciting to be a part of it. The Glen Cove Community has been very supportive toward our athletic programs and I thank you for entrusting me to serve as your athletic director. New and creative programs that will provide more opportunities for student growth are being considered for future development.

These may include: athletic trainer certification classes for college credit, growth in our spinning electives, large track invitationals, sports medicine classes, increased sport summer camps, after-school or weekend exercise classes for handicapped children  and much more.

Dr. Scott Silverman is the athletic coordinator for the Glen Cove School District.