Well here we are, February 15th, the start of another fun-filled year of Baseball Education Classes. Myself and Ms. VC are dedicated to teaching you, our students, all we can about the wonderful sport of baseball and of course, the New York Yankees. In this letter you will find all the important information you need regarding the BEC. Enjoy!
Length of this course:
The BEC will be in session starting today, February 15th, 2002, and will run until whenever the 2002 playoffs are over, presumably the 25th or so of October. Semester one will run until July 8, 2002, the start of the All-Star Break. We will resume classes July 11, 2002, for the start of semester two. Semester two will continue until the year ends in October.
Note: If, in a horrible mistake from the universe, the Yankees do not win the World Series or are in any way eliminated from the playoffs prematurely, the BEC will assume a state of mourning and will wallow in depression until we as a group mutually see it fit to cheer up.
When we meet:
From now until the start of the summer, the BEC will meet 5 days a week, Monday through Friday, at 10:45 am in the Middlebrook School Cafeteria. Classes will be approximately 25 minutes long, ending at 11:10 am. You are welcome to eat your lunch during class. If for any reason you are unable to attend class on a certain day, please let myself or Ms. VC know beforehand so that we can prepare for your absence. During the summer, the BEC will be less demanding. You are not required to physically attend classes at any time, however, you will be receiving emails from your teachers asking for certain assignments. Come September, we will resume our more structured schedule. I am not sure yet as to the place and time of our classes in the fall, but I will be sure to let you know when I find out.
Required materials:
While attending the BEC, you are required to bring only your knowledge of baseball and the New York Yankees. The only exception to this rule is any day on which an assignment is due.
Assignments:
The majority of BEC assignments are optional and are solely for extra credit purposes. You will always be informed of these
opportunities when they come up. Sample extra credit assignments are essays on certain players, game recaps, etc. We might
have a few required assignments, but they will be easy and will not require much thinking on your part. In the spring and fall, we will be taking BATs (Baseball Aptitude Tests). These are required. At the years end, we will compare your fall score to your spring score and see how much you have improved!
Grading:
You will be graded mostly on your behavior and your willingness to participate in class. The BATs and any required assignments will also contribute to your grade, and extra credit will help boost it. You will receive one report card per semester.
The Pledge:
The BEC now has its own pledge of allegiance. To spare you utter embarrassment, you are not required to recite this pledge in public at any time. I do, however, expect you to memorize it or at least read it once or twice. Here it is:
I pledge allegiance to the Yankees
The best baseball team in America
And to the World Series
Of which they win
This year, next year, and every year in the future.
Optional Extra-credit Assignment due Wednesday, February 20th:
Please write a 2-4 page essay (double-spaced) on one of the newer Yankees.
Your choices are:
Jason Giambi
Steve Karsay
Robin Ventura
Rondell White
John VanderWal
David Wells (formerly with the Yankees and now back with them)
Ms. VC and I look forward to seeing you in class Tuesday, February 19th. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Sincerely,
Ms. S.