Parent Letter, January 8, 2024

January 8, 2024

Dear Gaston and Computech Aquatics Parents,

We're back in the (heated!) pool starting on Tuesday, with a leader's meeting/prep day on Monday after school.

I hope this letter finds you and your family in good health and high spirits. As we approach the end of the school break, I am excited to share some upcoming opportunities for our athletes to stay active and engaged in aquatic sports. If you are receiving this message, either your Middle School student at Gaston or Computech was part of our Water Polo program or has asked about joining our Junior Lifeguard program! Either way, we're excited to have you on board as Aquatics Parents!

1. Junior Lifeguarding Program: We are thrilled to announce the commencement of our Junior Lifeguarding program, starting right after the break. This program is an excellent opportunity for our athletes to develop their swimming skills, learn essential lifeguarding techniques, and stay fit. We encourage all Gaston and Computech students to participate in this enriching experience. All middle school students are encouraged to attend and invite their friends! Tuesday & Thursdays Now Through February 8. NOTE: Parent pickup is at 5 PM at the front of Computech, not at the Edison pool. Busses provided. details here

2. Swim Season - Quarter Four Sport: Mark your calendars! The Swim Season, a quarter-four sport, is set to begin on Tuesday, February 13. This is a fantastic chance for our athletes to showcase their swimming prowess and compete in a different aquatic environment. If your athlete is part of a Club Swim Team, please contact us to coordinate practices/meet schedules where appropriate.

Balancing Baseball and Swimming: For those athletes interested in baseball or girls' volleyball (Quarter 3 sports). Once your Q3 season concludes, your athlete can transition to the swim team. Have your athlete reach out to their swim coach.

Year-Round Aquatics Program: Our comprehensive aquatics program spans the year, offering continuous opportunities for our athletes to engage in aquatic sports. Upcoming schedule is as follows:

• • Now through February 8: Junior Lifeguarding (TONS OF FUN, FRIENDS, & FITNESS)

  • February through April: Swim Team (A Quarter 4 Sport)

  • May: Water Polo Camp 

Leadership Opportunities in Junior Lifeguarding: We seek dedicated, hardworking, and incredible leaders for our Junior Lifeguarding program. If your athlete is interested in a leadership role, please encourage them to contact me via Teams Chat. We have scheduled a meeting for potential leaders on Monday the 8th, and we welcome all interested volunteers (middle school and high school) to join and learn more about this fantastic leadership opportunity.

Important dates to remember:
    Saturday, March 8, 2024 Edison Relays Middle School Swim Event (We will need your help to put on this all-city event!)
    First week in May: Water Polo and Swim Team Awards Banquet (and meet and greet the high school coaching staff)

These programs keep our athletes physically active and help develop leadership skills, teamwork, and a strong sense of community. Your support and encouragement in guiding your child to participate in these activities are invaluable.

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact me. Let's look forward to an exciting and active year ahead in our aquatic sports programs!

Looking forward to seeing you on the pool deck!

Edward Vinson & Andrew Bernyk