Joint Effort Brings Lacrosse To Three East Austin Elementary Schools

The Afterschool Centers on Education (ACE) program at Austin Independent School District (AISD) recently invited the New Horizons Lacrosse Fund to participate in an effort to support Pearce Middle School. Pearce MS was recently re-purposed by AISD as a College Prep Middle School under supervision of the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Three feeder elementary schools (Winn, Pecan Springs and Harris) participate in a “Get Ready for College” program for 6th graders that may matriculate to Pearce. Along with programs provided by 4-H in science and Austin Film Commission in film-making, NHLF Services was created to provide teaching/coaching services in these three elementary schools one day a week throughout the fall.  Soft Lacrosse equipment was provided by New Horizons Lacrosse Fund through an equipment grant from US Lacrosse.

Academics are supported through a tutoring/homework period each day. Team skills and an understanding of the history and rules of lacrosse are addressed in the daily class portion. The lacrosse program is co-educational, “soft” (non-contact) lacrosse. The development of basic skills will be based on curriculum provided by STX Lacrosse (equipment manufacturer). Instruction will culminate in playing a variation of “STX Ball” either indoor or outdoor.

A semester-end field trip is planned. Students will travel to the University of Texas Campus to attend the UT SHOOTOUT Lacrosse Tournament. There, students will see games being played by their peer group (6th graders) and be introduced to the UT Mens Lacrosse Coach as well as have lunch.