Agenda Item
d. Elementary Athletics Overview Presentation ~ Updated 12.8.2025
Summary: Presented by: Triscilla Weaver, Ph.D., Chief of Access & Opportunity, Division of Access & Opportunity
DCSD
Elementary
Athletics
Dr. Triscilla Weaver,
Chief of Access and Opportunity
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DCSD Elementary Athletics
Vision and Mission
• Vision
• Our vision is to create a strong, inclusive sports community where every student is
inspired to participate, grow, and achieve their personal best—on and off the field.
We envision a program that nurtures lifelong appreciation for physical activity,
teamwork, and sportsmanship, helping students develop the skills and mindset
needed for a well-balanced and fulfilling educational experience.
• Mission
• Our mission is to provide elementary students with a strong, well-rounded sports
program that promotes physical fitness, teamwork, and personal growth. Through
diverse athletic opportunities, we aim to develop healthy habits, build confidence,
and teach the values of discipline, respect, and collaboration. Our program
complements academic learning by fostering a balanced lifestyle and preparing
students for successful matriculation into middle and high school sports
programs, where they can continue to grow as athletes and leaders.
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Benefits of Elementary Athletics
• Academic
• Social and Emotional
• Character Development
• Health and Wellness
• Access and Opportunity
• School Climate
Austin Elementary 2025 Overall Track Champions
• Long Term Development
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DCSD Elementary Sports Offered 24-26
Fall
Track
Soccer
Winter
Basketball
Competitive Dance
Spring
Flag Football
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Program Foci
• Year 1:
• Build Awareness of the Program
• Reduce Barriers to Participation
• Establish Teams Across Schools
• Year 2:
• Expand School Participation
• Grow Student Engagement
• Develop an Evaluation Framework
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School Participation Data 2024-2025 & 2025-2026
Sports 2024-2025 2025-2026
Track 65/77 (84%) 68/77 (88%)
Soccer 59/77 (77%) 71/77 (92%)
Competitive Dance 39/77 (51%) 59/77 (77%)
Basketball 61/77 (79%) TBD
Flag Football 63/77 (82%) TBD
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Participation Rate of Schools by Area 2024-2026
(Area Breakdown)
Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area Specialty Area Horizon
(17 Schools) (16 Schools) (11 Schools) (9 Schools) (24 Schools)
Sport
24-25 25-26 24-25 25-26 24-25 25-26 24-25 25-26 24-25 25-26
12 17 15 12 10 9 7 8 21 22
Track
(71%) (100%) (94%) (75%) (91%) (82%) (78%) (89%) (88%) (92%)
13 17 14 14 9 10 5 9 18 21
Soccer
(76%) (100%) (88%) (88%) (82%) (91%) (56%) (100%) (75%) (88%)
Competitive 8 14 8 9 8 10 2 7 13 19
Dance (47%) (82%) (50%) (56%) (73%) (91%) (22%) (78%) (54%) (79%)
13 13 10 5 20
Basketball TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD
(76%) (81%) (91%) (56%) (83%)
12 12 11 6 22
Flag Football TBD TBD TBD TBD TBD
(71%) (75%) (100%) (67%) (92%)
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Student Participation Data 2024-2025 & 2025-2026
Sport 2024-2025 2025-2026
Track 782 1203
Soccer 932 1278
Competitive Dance 213 700
Basketball 942 TBD
Flag Football 649 TBD
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Participation by Gender 2024-2026
Female Male
Sports
24-25 25-26 24-25 25-26
Track 263 646 519 557
Soccer 184 407 748 871
Competitive Dance 202 679 11 21
Basketball 289 TBD 653 TBD
Flag Football 215 TBD 434 TBD
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Participation Data By Grade Level 2025-2026
Sport 4th Grade 5th Grade Total
Track 600 603 1,203
Soccer 627 651 1,278
Competitive Dance 340 360 700
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Summary Highlights
Student Participation School
Participation
Track 54% Increase 5% Increase
Soccer 37% Increase 20% Increase
Competitive Dance 229% Increase 51% Increase
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Coaches Data 2024-2025 & 2025-2026
Sports 2024-2025 2025-2026
Track 132 136
Soccer 118 142
Competitive Dance 39 59
Basketball 122 TBD
Flag Football 128 TBD
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Testimonials
• I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the implementation of the athletics
department, particularly as it is reflected in our elementary schools. I am thrilled
that my daughter had the opportunity to participate in track and field....... Seeing the
enthusiasm of the scholars at Redan Elementary School was truly inspiring. The
energy and excitement among the students reflect the positive impact of this
initiative. As we pause to say thank you, I want to acknowledge that you are moving
in the right direction. Let us continue to support and elevate this program to the
highest level possible.
-Calvin Holland, parent at Redan ES
• I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for the wonderful
athletics program offered at the elementary level. My daughter participated in every
sport available this year, and each experience has been incredibly meaningful for
her. She has grown not only in her athletic abilities but also in her confidence,
responsibility, and determination. We are so grateful for the time, effort, and
encouragement the coaches and staff provide. Your dedication creates an
environment where students feel supported, challenged, and excited to try new
things. Thank you for giving her opportunities that have helped shape her character
and strengthen her love for being active.
-Taheisha Caraballo, parent at Barack Obama
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Testimonials
• My wife and I are so happy with the elementary athletics
offerings. They have helped our son develop his social skills,
grow stronger physically, and learn the value of teamwork and
being a contributing team member. We are truly grateful for the
positive impact these programs have had on his confidence and
overall well-being.
-Corrie Collier, parent at Narvie J. Harris, Gwinnett County Asst. Athletic Director
• My son has really enjoyed playing sports for his school via the
DeKalb County elementary sports program. Not only has he built
confidence and new friendships, he has been given the chance
to try new sports that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. He
loved seeing his teachers, classmates and principal support the
team and the games, and it has generated camaraderie
throughout the school. Weare grateful for this experience and the
amazing coaches who have dedicated their time to building well-
rounded students.
-Katie Lopez, parent at Sagamore ES
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Slide Title
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DCSD
Elementary
Schools
Dr. Triscilla Weaver
Chief of Access and Opportunity
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