SUMMER VOLLEYBALL ON THE GRASS AT SMS - NEXT SESSION IS AUGUST 3RD

 Hey everyone… as stated in the original schedule that went home with our early morning spring volleyball crew… we are going to take a 2 week break… Mr. Smith is on holidays. We will resume our morning volleyball sessions on August 3rd. In the meantime, get out on your own or with a friend and work on your game… head down to the beach or over to the college to play some ball in the sand. Also, spread the word around to others and get a friend or two out to join us in August. Reminder, Mr. Henderson and I will be running a mini camp at SMS on August 23 and 24. Again, more details will be posted on this Blog within the next 2 weeks. Enjoy the rest of July and we can’t wait to see you in August… Cheers

THURSDAY, JULY 15, 2021 - OUTDOOR VBALL AT SMS

 Unfortunately, I think the right thing to do is cancel today due the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Salmon Arm. According to the WHO, Salmon Arm’s AQI is 15x higher than normal toxin levels. I know if we were running PE classes this morning, we would set up the nets inside and run two classes at a time in the gym playing mini volleyball on the badminton courts. So… I hate doing this… we will cancel today and add a day in August. With the smoke being so thick - and I can really smell the smoke in the air when standing on our back deck - it’s not healthy to do activities like volleyball outside. Last night, I found myself coughing a lot after walking Jagger at the wharf. The smoke is thick. 

***Our next outdoor session will be on Tuesday, August 3, from 8AM to 9:30AM. Once again, please check this Blog for info and details. In August, we will run this opportunity on Tuesdays only; however, we will add a Thursday in for today’s cancelation. In August we will be continuing the outdoor volleyball sessions on the 3rd, 10th, and 17th. With a culminating mini volleyball indoor volleyball camp, at SMS on August 23rd and 24th. We are going to charge a camp fee which will be $35 and the money collected will go towards our SMS volleyball and Athletic Program. More information and Details about the volleyball camp in August will be posted on this Blog at the end of July. 

***Again, sorry for today’s cancelation. It’s difficult making these decisions; however, I think it’s the right thing to do. Mr. Henderson and I look forward to seeing all of you in August. 

TUESDAY, JULY 13, 2021 - OUTDOOR VOLLEYBALL AT SMS

 Good morning everyone. Yes, we are on for this morning and will be going from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM at our SMS fields. Once again, please come prepared with hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lots of water. Reminder… the school is closed, so anyone needed to use the bathroom with have to bolt over to the Field of Dreams complex and use their facilities. I will be at the school getting ready to set up at 7:50. Look forward to seeing you their. 

THURSDAY MORNING VOLLEYBALL IS ON AT 9:30 TODAY…

 Weather looks good. I hope to see a lot of participants out. Spectators are welcome. Please read the Post below for details about what to bring with you. If anyone has an outdoor volleyball, please bring it with you. 

SUMMER VOLLEYBALL … JULY 8th SESSION… THIS THURSDAY

 Hey Everyone… I hope the start to your summer is a good one. I know it has been hot and unfortunately … smokey! 

As far as Volleyball this week goes, I am triple booked; however, we will still go … please see new time for this Thursday below:

Thursday, July 8th… We will go from 9:30 to 11:00 … 

I have a physio appointment at 8 and then I get my second shot … YES… in the afternoon!

Be sure to bring lots of water, sun screen, sun glasses, wear a hat… and lots of water… The school is closed and no students will be allowed in the building. If one has to go to the washroom, one will have to dart over to the Field of Dreams and hope their facilities are open… So… make sure you go before you arrive. I would wear a comfortable pair of runners you can play in … bare feet is great, but might not be good for our fields. The fields are dry, hard, and dusty… We will try to set up the three nets in a grassy area, but most of the field is in rough shape. We will make it work…

***Please check this blog before every session in case it has to be cancelled for what ever reason… I will arrive 15 minutes before each session, so players can set up the nets. Reminder… all players must take down the nets and put away equipment after each session. It will be fun… hot… but fun. 

GRADE 6/7 GIRLS' & BOYS' VOLLEYBALL PRACTICES/TRAINING

 To help prepare our current Grade 6/7 Girls and Boys at Shuswap Middle School for the fall volleyball season in September, Mr. Henderson and Mr. Smith are offering practice/training opportunities for our young inspiring volleyball players. Practices/training sessions will begin next week. Please see details below:

When: Tuesday and Thursday Mornings, from 7:00 AM to 8:10 AM... ***Gym doors open at 6:50 AM

Where: Of course... Shuswap Middle School

For Whom: Any Gr. 6/7 Student who wants to play volleyball for Shuswap next year

Cost: Commitment to ... Getting up early... Showing up on-time... working hard... producing best effort and attitude... having fun ... and expecting to struggle/fail often, but also learning that it's part of the process and getting better... Cost is a lot; however, it's worth it! At least we think it is.

Sign-up/Register: See Mr. Smith in the PE Office on Friday at lunch or on Monday at lunch to sign up ... OR... bet yet... Sign up with Mr. Smith outside in the morning as he walks around the school (outside), while you are lined up... in your Cohorts... Socially Distancing... You can't miss Mr. Smith - He will be wearing a baseball cap, sunglasses, holding a clipboard in one hand and a nice mug of tea (Orange Peko ... with a good dollop of honey) in the other hand. MAX 36 Student-Athletes Per Day... Don't worry... If Tuesdays and Thursdays fill up, we will open up a session on Wednesdays... 

Hope to see you take advantage of this great opportunity... Nothing better than good coaches wanting to spend time with young people to help them get better and reach their potential. 

***Please check back next week for details about next fall's volleyball season at SMS... Parents and players ... it might help you plan ahead.