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The NYSGA has selected 10 schools to receive funding to implement golf in their gym classes. With the equipment and training provided by this program, the schools will be able to teach golf to their students for many years to come. The ten schools are listed below.
A.A. Gates Elementary - Port Byron School District
Cherry Road Elementary - Westhill Central School District
Emily Howland Elementary - Southern Cayuga Central School District
Frazer Elementary - Syracuse City School District
Elmwood Elementary - Syracuse City School District
Meachem Elementary - Syracuse City School District
Lyncourt Elementary - Lyncourt Union Free School District
Split Rock Elementary - West Genesee Central School District
Jamesville Elementary - Jamesville-Dewitt School District
Fremont Elementary - East Syracuse School District
Thousands of kids will now have their first opportunity to learn about the great game of golf in a structured educational environment as a result of the NYSGA’s $25,000 financial commitment to the National School Program.
The design of the National School Program curriculum integrates the learning of skills, concepts and core values in each lesson. One of the major skill sets taught in the curriculum include developing motor skills associated with striking such as putting, chipping, pitching, and the full swing in gradual progression. Another focus of the program includes teaching students the protocols for safe participation like taking turns and checking their personal space before swinging. Furthermore, the lesson plans emphasize the First Tee’s Nine Core Values: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, responsibility, confidence, respect, perseverance, courtesy and judgment.
A safe and effective school golf program requires developmentally appropriate equipment that fits the muscle coordination of beginners. Therefore, the First Tee National School Program features modified equipment such as oversized clubs, tennis-style balls, and a variety of targets to ensure safety for all participants.
I looked at the list of schools you just published. As usual, I see wealthy suburban schools being served. It would be nice if urban or small rural schools could get into the mix. The kids being served currently have a stronger likelyhood of “finding” golf. Again the rich get richer.
Sorry to rain on the positive message, but this reality just jumped out at me.
Actually, we felt as if the money was spread around fairly consistently in the Central New York area. 4 of the grants went to schools in urban areas, and 2 other grants went to small urban schools…Southern Cayuga & Port Byron. We felt strongly that the monies should be spread fairly evenly across varied economic districts, and I think we accomplished that goal.
Being a USGA member I would be very interested in volunteering to assist at Split Rock Road elementary or Cherry Road. I am a member at Skaneateles Country Cub and a member of SWDGA(Syracuse Womens District Golf Assn.)It’s a great idea to go to the grass roots through the school systems and I realize this is a pilot program that can be expanded as needed. Without our youth becoming interested golf could sunset for the public.
Any chance, in the future, we could get Auburn on the list??
Any school district in Upstate NY can apply to the NYSGA for a grant. We hope to expand this program of our Foundation to include more schools each year.