An Important Notice to Parents of Student Athletes

Hesperia Community Schools believes that it is critical to provide a variety of activities, in addition to the academic requirements, as we meet the educational needs of our students.  The athletic programs are a vital extension of the educational process and we remain dedicated to providing opportunities for our students. Through participation in these extra-curricular programs, student athletes are able to utilize and further develop their character, loyalty, discipline, leadership, teamwork and sportsmanship. 

Pay-to-participate suspended

The ‘pay-to-participate’ program was created in 2013 as a response to the unprecedented state budget cuts. The program required student athletes to pay a fee to participate in athletics, which helped offset the costs of uniforms, transportation, official’s fees, and many other costs associated with athletics. The Hesperia Community School Board voted unanimously to suspend the ‘pay-to-participate’ program at its latest board meeting on August 16th 2021. The athletic director, Tony Grimard provided additional information to the board, highlighting the effects ‘pay-to-participate’ has on student athletic participation. The board and the administration were in agreement that, if suspending these fees for one year helps our student athletes to participate in a sport where before they felt they could not due to monetary reasons then we have done the right thing by our student body. “Participation in athletics and other extracurricular activities is a student right, and not a privilege for those who can afford it,” stated Superintendent Bryan Mey during recent board discussion.

The district will be suspending the program for the 2021- 2022 school year, the school board will reevaluated the “pay-to-participate” program and determined if it was necessary moving forward. The hope is that we are able to offset the cost of these fees to our families with community support, through Spector participation. There was a flat rate of $50 per athlete per season for the high school and middle school level athletes. The board and administration is continuing to work on ways to offset this loss of revenue so that our families no longer have to field this financial burden alone.

We recognize the importance of athletics to the development of our student’s social and emotional growth and we feel at this time the district can, with the help of our community, and a few changes to the way we help fund athletics, remove these fees and lift the financial burden for families. COVID-19 has challenged Hesperia schools and helped us to improve how we educate our students both inside and outside of the classroom, it has also helped to bring to light to the importance of extracurricular activities, like athletics, to the mental health of our students. We are excited for our students to feel like they have the opportunity to be a part of something bigger, and our hope as a district that this is one step in the right direction.

Please consider helping to support our local athletics, and after school activities by coming to our district games, and events. Our district calendar has a complete list of athletic, and extracurricular events. If you are interested in purchasing a seasonal athletic pass to support athletics, please reach out to our athletic department secretary, Janet Fairchild. (231) 854-0509

Follow this link to order your athletic season pass, tickets to home sporting events, or pay your student athlete's participation fee.

http://statechamps.com/hesperiahsmi/

Participation in Hesperia Community Schools athletic programs is a privilege. With this privilege comes certain responsibilities. Student athletes represent Hesperia Community Schools in the classroom, in the hallways, in the athletic arena, and in the community. The Athletic Code of Conduct is in effect 365 days of the year, 24 hours a day, and 7 days per week.

The Athletic Code of Conduct serves to inform students and parents about the guidelines, policies, and regulations of the Michigan High School Activities Association (MHSAA) and the Hesperia Community School district. It explains expectations for athletes at our high school. One of the primary roles of the high school athletic department is to oversee the conduct of our student athletes. We urge parents to take an active part in the guidance and supervision of their son and/or daughter while supporting the school in our endeavor to develop positive and productive citizens.

Athletic Code of Conduct

Coaches Handbook

Cancellation Policy