HISD ATHLETICS

An Active Ingredient in Creating a College-Bound Culture

To: Chavez Parents,

It is my pleasure to inform you that the “Play It Smart” program is in its second year at all 23 comprehensive high schools in Houston Independent School District. Our district has been mentioned in numerous articles, newsletters, and conferences nationally as a district that is committed to assisting our student-athletes academically as well as socially and mentally, ensuring that these students develop into productive young adults.

Established in 1988 by the National Football Foundation as an educational program, Play It Smart worked to turn football teams from tough inner city environments into learning teams. Designed to take a student-athlete’s passion and dedication to football, Play It Smart leverages the positive peer pressure of a team to make academic achievement the norm.

HISD has taken the lead with hiring Academic Coaches for each high school in the district to oversee the total well-being of Every Athlete, For Every Sport on Their Campus. This includes all female and male athletes. The responsibility of the Academic Coach is to ensure that all student–athletes are on target academically to enter college, serve as mentors, and assist in the development of successful student-athletes on and off the playing field.

Please do not hesitate to contact me about any issue – personal, behavioral, or academic that may arise with your child, positively or negatively. I am here to help.

This year – mandatory tutorial/study hall will be held for all athletes. All athletes will be required to attend leadership classes, as well as participate in community service events. We are attempting to create more structure and discipline in their lives, therefore we welcome you to check up on your child or help with the program. We expect our athletes to be respectful, hard working, and disciplined at all times.

Parents you can help Play It Smart by cheering on your athlete(s) at events, contacting teachers and coaches about their progress, and encouraging them to apply to colleges.

Thank you for making Chavez Athletic Department one of the best.

Matthew Wamble

Academic Coach

“PLAY IT SMART CHAVEZ”

mwamble@houstonisd.org

(832)741-9319