S.K.A.T.E.
WELCOME TO SKATERS KEEP ACHIEVING THROUGH EDUCATION (S.K.A.T.E.)
S.K.A.T.E. is an academic recognition program designed to encourage youth hockey players to strive for excellence in the classroom. As competitors, young players set goals for themselves on the ice and in the classroom. Like the cheers they hear for goals, assists and good hustle, they respond positively to recognition and reward for their performances in the classroom.
Student athletes must have a Grade Point Average (or equivalent) of 3.0 or above to qualify.
Player recognition will be at our annual banquet.
All School age registered players are eligible to participate.
SKATERS KEEP ACHIEVING THROUGH EDUCATION
This year, S.K.A.T.E. has partnered with the 10,000 Rinks Foundation/Minnesota Wild and Acceleration Minnesota, making the program even bigger and more exciting!
Purpose
Skaters Keep Achieving Through Education (S.K.A.T.E.) was established to encourage, support and reward youth hockey players who commit themselves to their schoolwork while enjoying the sport of hockey.
Goals
It is the goal of the Skaters Keep Achieving Through Education (S.K.A.T.E.) program to significantly increase awareness among youth hockey players that performance in the classroom is more important in life than performance on the ice. It is also a stated goal of S.K.A.T.E. to generate a lasting, measurable impact on higher achievement in the classroom.
History
In 1993, S.K.A.T.E. began in the Armstrong Youth Hockey Association to encourage academic performance among youth hockey players. Merilee Reilly and Lynn Leopold were among a group of "hockey moms" who championed the effort for Armstrong.
“So much emphasis in youth hockey and all of youth sports is placed upon performance on the field of play,” said Leopold. "We wanted to create a program that placed greater emphasis on academic performance and recognized the sacrifices young student-athletes make to juggle schoolwork with an active sports lifestyle. We wanted to teach our kids better time management skills."
Jordan Leopold and his long-time buddy, Pat O’Leary, were exposed to the S.K.A.T.E. program at the squirt level. Multi-sport athletes growing up, Leopold and O’Leary became outstanding multi-sport, scholar athletes, graduating with honors from Robbinsdale Armstrong High School.
Impressed with the impact this program had on academic performance among youth hockey players, the folks at Minnesota Hockey Journal (MHJ), in cooperation with the statewide governing body for hockey in Minnesota (Minnesota Hockey), have made it available to every youth hockey organization under the Minnesota Hockey umbrella.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is S.K.A.T.E.?
An academic achievement program, which stands for "Skaters Keep Achieving Through Education". It is designed to encourage student athletes to maintain good grades while participating in youth hockey and to reward their performance.
2. Who can participate in the program?
All Minnesota Hockey youth players. S.K.A.T.E. is free to all Minnesota youth hockey associations. (Mite through Bantam for MAYRA)
3. How can I get my son or daughter involved in S.K.A.T.E.?
Individuals alone may not participate in S.K.A.T.E. They must be part of a team that belongs to an Association that has an Association S.K.A.T.E. coordinator.
4. What are the criteria for qualification?
A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above during the academic period(s) which coincides with the youth hockey season.
5. How can parents help?
Most importantly, keep reminding players about the importance of school and how S.K.A.T.E. will recognize their performance. Teach them that the sport of hockey is not a destination in life, but a vehicle to learn how to better live life.
Qualification Criteria
- Student athletes (Mite through Bantam) must have a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or above.
- Special education students may qualify with a letter from their case manager stating they showed above average performance.
- Grades will be utilized from the time period that closely aligns with the hockey season.
- - For Students on trimesters: Final fall and midterm winter
- - For students on quarters: Final fall, and final winter 1
- All grades received during the designated grading period must be used to determine Grade Point Average
- No incomplete grades are allowed during the designated grading period.
- This program is not mandatory for all student athletes. Participation is up to the family of each individual skater.
- Report cards will be utilized to determine Grade Point Average, but S.K.A.T.E. will respect all laws and privileges for privacy. All information will be kept confidential.
Grade Point Formulas
A+ 4.333
A 4.000
A- 3.667
B+ 3.333
B 3.000
B- 2.667
C+ 2.333
C 2.000
C- 1.667
D+ 1.333
D 1.000
D- 0.667
NC 0.000
O 4.000
S+ 3.750
S 3.000
S- 2.500
*For each class, list the points that correspond with the letter grade for that class. Add all the points together and divide by the total number of classes to arrive at the GPA. This formula should result in a number between 0 and 4. If the number is 3.0 or greater, the participating student athlete qualifies for S.K.A.T.E.