According to Char Bliss, co-principal of Robert Moore School, the school held a “hugely successful” baseball program for K-6 students, parents, and even some grandparents. The event emphasized the importance of organized sports for girls and students with “exceptional needs.” Moreover, this event was part of an ongoing initiative with Jay’s Care, which supplied hats, T-shirts, and other equipment to students of Robert Moore School. Additionally, the event focused on building character, building community, and physical activity.
“I had talked with some staff, our youth outreach worker, who is Rebecca Tolen, because she runs a lot of our programming that has to do with student engagement and family engagement,” said Bliss. “She’s a huge baseball fan. So I did throw it out there to other staff, but Rebecca obviously picked it up right away. Another staff member came forward, who is Melissa Goulack, whose brother works for the Blue Jays. It was a lot of work, but those two ladies basically organized and ran the program after school.”
Moreover, this program was “hugely successful,” and will happen again sometime this school year.
“It was a hugely successful program,” said Bliss, “we absolutely intend to do it [again] this year.”
The event brought out multiple generations of family members to support their young ones, including grandparents.
“We have lots of parents and grandparents that we haven’t seen out,” said Bliss. “Lots of grandpas and dads were out because baseball seemed to be something they’re drawn to and were excited to see their kids were playing.”
Moreover, the event drew the attention of 40 per cent of the student base at Robert Moore School and included a day for students with “exceptional needs,” and another for junior girls.
“We also included any student who wanted to participate and/ or their parents who wanted them to participate. So that included some of our students with exceptional needs,” said Bliss. “So that was great.”
“Then we had one day that was just for the girls, our junior girls. So basically, grades 4, 5, [and] 6, because often with sports sometimes the boys take over.”
To curtail this trend the junior girls had a separate day to play ball.
“It was great for our girls to learn the game and practice and not be self-conscious of trying something new,” said Bliss.
After the event, some students played catch with their parents and also received their very own Toronto Blue Jays hat and t-shirt.
“Afterwards, we would have some parents stay with their child and play catch or do something like that. So, then every student got a hat and a Blue Jays t-shirt, which was really nice.”
In addition to some family bonding and the Blue Jays swag, Bliss said the staff of Robert Moore School focused on building character and community along with some physical activity.
“It’s not just about baseball,” said Bliss. “It is very much about building character and community and having kids work together and trying new things.”
“‘I’m a huge proponent of physical activity throughout the school day and after. So, I think everybody needs to be involved in physical activity in some sense,” said Bliss. “Whether it’s organized sports or it is, you know, just getting out and going on a hike or something, it’s good for kids.”
Bliss said the event will continue as long as it is sustainable for the school.
