Athletic Program Philosophy
Brian Sacks
Director of Health Physical Education & Athletics
Email: brian.sacks@plainedgeschools.org
Phone: (516) 992-7475
Middle School Program
The philosophy of middle school athletics is to maximize participation, have fun, and learn the fundamentals of the sport in a developmental setting. Each participant will be given equal opportunities to participate in both practices and games to develop those skills necessary for the sport. However, if the student-athlete is not developing to the satisfaction of the coach, then equal participation might cause a safety situation. This equal participation is also contingent upon attendance, behavior, and effort during practice sessions and games. The maximum number of athletes will be kept on the rosters (generally 10-25 athletes per coach, depending on sport). The procedure of reducing student-athletes in not desirable. However, if the number of students trying out for a team creates a situation that is difficult to manage, poses a safety issue, or is problematic because of faculty or facility considerations, reducing team size may be necessary.
*Middle school athletic teams are reserved for students in grades 7 and 8*
Junior Varsity Program
The junior varsity level is intended for those who display the potential for continued development into productive varsity-level performers. Although team membership varies according to the structure of each program, sophomores and freshmen occupy the majority of roster positions. In certain situations, juniors, freshmen, and a maximum of exceptional 8th-grade student-athletics may be included on a junior varsity roster.
The realization that practice sessions are important is a premise that is vital to a successful junior varsity team and player. For all team members, meaningful contest participation will exist over the course of a season. However, a specified amount of playing time is never guaranteed. Participants at this level are preparing themselves for the same six-day-a-week commitment that is expected at the varsity level. With the goal of becoming a varsity athlete clearly in sight, students participating at this level are expected to demonstrate a high degree of dedication and commitment.
Varsity Program
Varsity competition is the culmination of each sports program. Seniors and juniors generally make up the majority of the roster.
Squad size at the varsity level is limited. The number of participants on any given team is a function of those needed to conduct an effective and meaningful practice and to play the contest. While contest participation over the course of a season is desirable, a specified amount of playing time at the varsity level is never guaranteed.
A sound attitude and advanced level of skill are prerequisites for a position on a varsity team, as is the realization that a varsity sport requires a six-day-a-week commitment. This commitment is often extended into vacation periods for all sports seasons. While contests and practices are rarely held on holidays and Sundays, they sometimes may be scheduled during school vacation periods.
The varsity coach is the leader of that sport’s program and determines the system of instruction and strategy for that program.
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A New School Year Begins Tuesday, September 1st!
Our principals have a special message for the Plainedge community as we get ready to welcome our students and families back for the 2026-2027 school year! 📚🍎
#PlainedgePride #PlainedgeProud #weareplainedge #community
Welcome to Plainedge! We were thrilled to welcome our newest educators for two inspiring days of professional development, collaboration, connection, and learning at our New Teacher Institute! 🍎📚
Throughout the orientation, our new teachers participated in a CharacterStrong presentation, explored Plainedge Pride and our core values, connected with fellow educators, and learned more about the people, programs, and traditions that make Plainedge so special.
We are excited to welcome our newest members of the Plainedge family! We’ll see you all next week on Tuesday, September 1st! #plainedgepride #community #weareplainedge #education #newteacherinstitute
🎒💙 Welcome to Plainedge Pre-K!
We’re so excited to welcome our newest learners and their families to the Plainedge family! Our Pre-K orientation was a wonderful opportunity to meet teachers, explore classrooms, learn more about the school year, and begin building friendships before the first day of school!
A big thank you to our amazing PTAs for donating "The Night Before Preschool" book to all of our Pre-K students! This special donation is the perfect way to help our learners get excited for their first day of Pre-K! 📚
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Hello, Plainedge! 🎉 We’re ready for an amazing 2026–2027 school year! Our district calendar is now live on our website! Packed with can’t-miss events, activities, and important dates. Check it out today and mark your calendars!
We can’t wait to welcome everyone back on the first day of school, September 1, 2026! 🌟📚
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The countdown to a new school year is officially on! 📚☀️ Have you started the Plainedge Summer Reading Program yet?
📖☀️Nothing makes us happier than seeing our students enjoying books all summer long! Thank you to our Eastplain, Schwarting, and West families for sharing these wonderful moments of summer reading fun!
Learn more about the "Spar-Spangled Summer" reading program by visiting: https://bit.ly/plainedgereads2026
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☕️ Coffee with Dr. Z !
Missed this morning’s session? No worries! There are still opportunities to sit down, connect, and chat with Dr. Zublionis about our schools and community!
Join Dr. Z for an informal conversation where you can bring your questions, ideas, and feedback!
📅 Tonight, August 13 at 5:00 PM
📅 Thursday, August 20 at 9:30 AM
📅 Thursday, August 20 at 5:00 PM
Grab a cup of coffee, join the conversation, and get to know our new Superintendent!
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Our ESY students are learning by doing! Through hands on STEM activities, students explored engineering, problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork while building popsicle stick chairs, stacking cups, and designing parachutes.
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Smiles, sunshine, and so much fun! 📚 Our ESY program is making the most of summer with engaging learning, exciting activities, and unforgettable moments. We love seeing our students shine! 💙 #WeArePlainedge #ESY #SummerFun #Plainedgepride #plainedge
Four of our Plainedge Best Buddies student leaders recently represented our chapter at the Best Buddies Leadership Conference in Bloomington, Indiana! 💙
Co-President Giana Diaz, Vice President Leah Moore, and Co-Secretaries Megan Brennan and Samantha Innes joined Best Buddies chapters from around the world to participate in leadership workshops, collaborate with fellow student leaders, and bring back fresh ideas to strengthen our chapter.
We’re so proud of their dedication to inclusion and leadership, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish as they put their new ideas into action this school year! 🌟 #PlainedgePride #BestBuddies #Inclusion #StudentLeadership
🇺🇸Plainedge Elementary 📚
Star Spangled Summer Reading Challenge: There`s still plenty of summer left to read, explore, and have fun! ☀️📖 Plainedge students in grades K–5, be sure to work on your Summer Reading Packet and share your summer adventures with us!
Learn more by visiting: https://bit.ly/plainedgereads2026
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