From Needham Public Schools

As part of a targeted effort to provide the most positive experience for its student-athletes, and thanks to continued funding from the Needham Education Foundation, the Needham Public Schools and the Needham High School Athletic Department have entered into an expanded relationship with the Positive Coaching Alliance.

Committed to enhancing the athletic culture and climate for Needham students, workshops will resume for NHS and middle school athletes, parents and coaches, while programming will now be offered for Needham youth sport organization leaders, coaches and parents as well. The NHS Athletic Department and the PCA will work together through these interactive workshops and presentations to help establish a shared set of values and common goals for all athletic programs in town, from the youth leagues up through the high school varsity teams.

Needham High School sees its partnership with the PCA as a key component in developing clear, positive expectations for its players, coaches and fans.

Director of Athletics Micah Hauben said he feels this is a very important aspect of the relationship, as it helps to “promote good citizenship, strengthens community, and is aligned with the district’s goals in relation to social and emotional learning. In addition, the student-athlete workshops not only look to help develop students into better competitors and teammates, but also present participants with leadership techniques and resiliency building strategies. The importance of honoring and respecting the games they play and the values of good sportsmanship are also stressed.”

Jim Perry, one of the PCA’s national keynote speakers, will run a series of workshops in September. Perry brings with him an incredible knowledge base, having been a standout athlete himself (playing basketball at USC), and his connection and commitment to youth and high school sports is highlighted by his past and current experiences, which include being a member of the White House and Congressional “Building Character through Sport” Task Force and the National Association of Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) National Coaches Council chairman.

The PCA program schedule for the fall is as follows: 

• “Developing Winners in Life through Sports” Parent Workshop—Monday, Sept. 26 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the NHS auditorium and facilitated by Jim Perry for parents of all level athletes in Needham 

• Captain’s Leadership Keynote Presentation by Jim Perry—Tuesday, Sept. 27 from 12:30-2:00 p.m. at the NHS auditorium for all 2011-12 NHS varsity captains

• “Double Goal Coach: Coaching for Winning and Life Lessons” Workshop—Tuesday, Sept. 27 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the NHS auditorium and facilitated by Jim Perry and Eric Eisendrath (lead Boston PCA trainer) for coaches from all Needham youth sport organizations

• Keynote Presentation and “Culture, Practice and Games” Workshop—Tuesday, Sept. 27 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the NHS library and run by Jim Perry for all Needham Public Schools coaches

For more information, visit the NHS Athletic Department Web site or contact NPS/PCA Coordinator Karen Mullen at r_k_mullen@yahoo.com.