Friday, May 24
10:19 pm    School is out for today

• Congratulations to the girls’ cross country team for being recognized in the national rankings of MileSplit. The team, coached by Eric Nazar, was among 50 teams selected for Honorable Mention in the national survey.

September 2012

Message to parents of students in sports:

Due to a recent change in MIAA policy (Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association), the valid dates of sports physicals has undergone a significant change. In the past, as long as a physical was valid on the first day of a given season, that student was cleared to finish the season, regardless of when his/her physical expired. So, for example, if John Doe had a physical valid until October 1, he was cleared to play until the end of the season, in spite of the fact that as of October 2, his physical was out of date.

This has now changed. Under the new rule, John Doe will need to produce a new, updated physical, in order to continue playing his sport for the remainder of the season.

Obviously, this has significant ramifications for you and your doctor’s appointments for your child. Please make every effort to see that your child’s physical is valid through November of this year (several sports like Cross Country and other teams heading to the state tournament compete well into November). If your child’s physical expires in the middle of the season, please schedule an appointment prior to that expiration date to avoid any gaps in your child’s participation dates.

As a reminder, physicals are valid for 13 months after the date of the visit. So a physical done on September 1 of 2011 is valid until October 1 of 2012. Insurance companies typically cover a physical every 12 months, so in the case just mentioned, you should be able to schedule a physical in September without incurring any additional charges outside of your insurance. Remember, however, that doctor’s visits are notoriously difficult to schedule last minute, so please schedule necessary appointments ASAP.

I am very sorry for the short notice of this. This interpretation has just come down from the MIAA and most schools are scrambling to comply with the new rules. You can contact me with any additional questions.

Thank you.

Richard Ferro ~ Athletic Director

Updates from the ARHS Morning Announcements

• Ever curious about Crew? Try our Learn To Row Free Day with the Hamp Crew Team (Amherst is part of Hamp Crew). June 1st! Register at www.hampcrew.com

  Contact Monika Sharma or Jonathan Simonds for more information, or stop by and pick up a brochure in the AD Office.

• Nordic will have a brief meeting on Tuesday after school in room 239.