May 2011 - Jefferson County Public Schools

Hoops
In spite of your conclusion in “Short Guys” (February 8 th 2011), I would like to show my appreciation that
finally someone has written to a piece addressing this situation. Considering that many short people are cut
because of their height is ridiculous, it is about time someone stood up and took some action and said what many
short athletes, including myself, feel, but haven’t had the heart and time to tackle this situation.
Your idea that coaches shouldn’t overlook short people was excellent. I can relate to this. For example, I
remember when I was around the age of 16 and I would try out for basketball teams; many believed I was the best
overall basketball player on the court during try-outs. But for some reason, I could never make the team. However,
I noticed that everyone who made the team was tall, not talented.
Second, I love how you included how shorter people are overlooked. And the fact that they make up their
lack of height with talent and agility. Agility is a big key in basketball, those taller guys may have the height, but
they may not have the talent to perform on the court. Another key thing that I agree with you on is that most
shorter people have more heart, and work harder to get better, as well as being dedicated to the game that they
love. They do this even though they may be cut from a team several times.
Finally I applaud that you included those few short athletes that made it to the professional level of the
sports world. Such as 2-time dunk champion, Nate Robinson, of the Boston Celtics, and Running Back, Darren
Sproles, of the San Diego Chargers. These are two athletes that I feel are always overlooked and deserve credit for
what they do. I wish that more people would step up and have the same point of view as you and not cut shorter
people from teams because of their height. I support you and your dream of one day having a Professional
basketball league for shorter people.
Thank you Daryl,
Deshon Wilson
I Like
The article, “More Faith Less Frustration,” was so motivating that it inspired me to use it in my classroom. I
make all the kids in my classroom write letters to themselves about how they see themselves. I then let them read
it out loud. After every one shares, I pair the kids into two’s and let them write each other motivating letters. This
lets them see how others see them and how wonderful they appear to others. Because of the impact the article
had on me, the kids in my classroom have a higher self esteem and are doing well. “More Faith Less Frustrations” is
a beautiful article.
The article talks about how kids sometimes think they are not smart enough to do the work so they think
giving up is the way to go. I liked her advice to take a deep breath and believe in yourself. It’s true that if you
believe in yourself and say, “I can do anything,” then you will be able to do anything you set your mind to. I tell my
students to always have faith because they are capable of doing anything.
I always try to create an environment that all my kids can be comfortable in. The article motivates me more
in trying to keep that kind of environment. In the article “More Faith Less Frustration” it say’s that sometime the
besting the child can do to solve a problem is to talk to an adult that they trust. I want to be one of adults that my
kids can come and talk to trust.
Cause of the article “More Faith Less Frustration” I put up self motivating words on the wall and make the
kids say it out loud for them self and there peers. I think it will make them feel good about them self’s and give
them a good start to there day. I also encourage there parents on parent teacher conferences to put up motivating
words in the house and in the child’s room.
Jamilya Ahmed
Greenwood