Alas, the day has come...

...for the start of season. The coaches: excited. The kids: excited. The parents: excited. The entire Palms neighborhood: excited. A kid scoring his first goal: ecstatic.

I Am Large, I Contain Multitudes

It was the great American poet Walt Whitman, whom I have heard described as "the chronicler of the cosmos," who inspires the title of this blog, a line taken from his poem "Songs of Myself". There is so much being digested in the belly of LA Scores, and this is our attempt to purge its contents in the classiest of ways (please note we have used to word "purge" rather than vomit).

First, I caught a glimpse of the micro-documentary of our program I mentioned in a previous post...it looks phenomenal. All I ask is a for a little more patience and we will bring you the final product.

Second, we have begun planning for the Inspired Art event which gives local artists a chance to create a masterpiece inspired by the poems of our students. Last year's event yielded many wonderful works, some of which are hung in the office.

Third, on the financial side of things, we have received funding from WSA and the Rose Hills Foundation. Those of you shoulder-deep in the muck of fundraising know what relief this could bring.

Fourth, we have hired two new middle school coaches who go by the names of Jenna Goldfein and Jake Axelbank. They are in their third week of coaching and, judging from what I have bore witness to, are superbly holding up the high standard of LA Scores coaches.

And finally, regular programming will be commencing at all our schools on March 14th. The excitement growing each day is threatening to overwhelm us, but we are professionals. We get the job done.

Just look at all that stuff. LA Scores is a vessel of the Walt Whitman line: I am large, I contain multitudes. And you are, too.

Good Omen for Arsenal

With Arsenal striving to get a bid to the Champions League, perhaps the results of our own Palms Premier League will serve as a herald to their ambitions. As of Monday, Arsenal has been awarded the Palms Premier League trophy, defeating Chelsea 2-0 in the finals. Their team boasted the league's top scorer, Cesar, with 7 goals in 7 games. Adding to their prestige was the winner of the Assists Award, Kelvin. America Scores LA would like to thank all the students who participated in the PPL and we hope next year will bring in a new class of competitors.

Palms Premier League

I may have mentioned it. I may not have mentioned it. The Palms Premier League has been underway for a week and the play is competitive. We have three teams consisting of sixth, seventh, and eighth graders all vying for the glory of being a member of the greatest soccer team to hail from Palms Middle School. Many of these players have come through our program at the elementary level and will continue to serve their communities at the high school level. It is imperative that we (and by we, I mean the people who read this and care) continue to support those who have the greatest need for support. Fairness is not about everybody getting the same as everyone else. Fairness is about people getting what they need. And in the course of ten years, America Scores LA has spent every day trying to fulfill needs as they arise.

Big Thanks to the Eisner Foundation!!

To our loyal follower(s), we have something wonderful in the works. The Eisner Foundation, in their apparent generosity, is helping America Scores LA to make a micro-documentary meant to present the multiple depths of the program into one minute. Coming soon to a blog near you. As a reward for your loyalty, we do have some pics that should keep all your media desires at bay, featuring Coach David and the Alumni Coaching Team (sounds like an indie band). Enjoy.

Mayhem

Mayhem is the only word I can think of to describe the current turbulence in the school system. Suddenly, there is a severe lack of trust in our teachers because of the severe betrayals of a few. First, and most importantly, I do not have the answer. Mainly because I have no idea how deep the problem goes. Is it a national issue? State? Local? Should the Arne Duncan (the current Secretary of Education) completely raze the institutions that seem to be failing the children? Should only the individuals who corrupt our most precious resource be held accountable or should the blame reach higher? I dont have the answers. The only thing I can do is come to work every day and be better than I was yesterday, and hope. I hope that there all still enough good people out there who are not only capable of teaching, but are also willing.

Word of the Day

irenic-an adjective, aiming or aimed at peace. Sample sentence: America Scores LA strives to be a big gun in the irenic arsenal of education.