VoWW Interview #22 - Michael Charles Jackson
Overview
"Voices of West Windsor" is a joint project between the Historical Society and SR Mosaic to fill in the gaps in our records of our town's history. We interview contemporary inhabitants of groups not typically found in our archives so that future residents can get a perspective decades later - much like how our perspectives of old West Windsor were obtained through interviews of longtime residents in the past.
Recreation is an integral part of many students' upbringings. Amid COVID, this aspect of adolescent life has taken a hit. In this interview, Voices of West Windsor sits down with Michael Charles Jackson, Social Studies/U.S. History Teacher and Cross Country, Boys Basketball, Track & Field Coach at Community Middle School, to talk about recreation in an uncertain era.
"Voices of West Windsor" is a joint project between the Historical Society and SR Mosaic to fill in the gaps in our records of our town's history. We interview contemporary inhabitants of groups not typically found in our archives so that future residents can get a perspective decades later - much like how our perspectives of old West Windsor were obtained through interviews of longtime residents in the past.
Recreation is an integral part of many students' upbringings. Amid COVID, this aspect of adolescent life has taken a hit. In this interview, Voices of West Windsor sits down with Michael Charles Jackson, Social Studies/U.S. History Teacher and Cross Country, Boys Basketball, Track & Field Coach at Community Middle School, to talk about recreation in an uncertain era.
Talking Points:
(On who in town has inspired him)
"There have been many people in the town that inspire me. The first and foremost is our school district’s superintendent – David Aderhold. He has taken many courageous stances for the wellbeing of the students and the school district. Rev. Cornell Edmunds is another individual I would like to acknowledge. He helped me come to ease at a time when the country was facing the divisive issues. He has been at the forefront as a pastor of a church in New York city and a great supporter of MLK. At the same time, I would also say that I am a great fan of the Johnson family. They have been a great support for me at every step of the way."
(On the importance of sports in West Windsor and the balance between academics and athletics)
"Our sports program is 100% visible and transparent unlike many other programs across the country. Our commitment to excellence is on full display. We have had a great balance between academics and sports in our school district. We have realized that the success in both are kind of inseparable. Lessons in sports have brought about lessons in character, hard work, integrity, discipline, unity, and commitment. These have made our students harder and better. Universities are no longer judging just by academics but are looking at an overall personality. We all are learning that we need to have a balanced outlook."
(On the impact of COVID on athletics)
"I have a deep empathy for the athletes who could not do what they meant to due to the COVID scenario. A lot of athletes feel their belonging when they work with the team. Due to COVID, many such kids are going through anxiety and this is causing loss of wellness in the kids. It is not just a loss of sport, but a loss of wellness."
(On including new sports into school curricula, given the diversification of the town in recent decades)
"The main challenge currently is to get the current sports curriculum available to the kids. This is our immediate requirement. At the same time, our recreation and sports director is open to including new sports as well. New programs are definitely being considered to include as many kids possible in the program. I also believe public speaking and the debates are a great way to develop the mindset in the young people. When they have to discuss with others with multiple different viewpoints, they develop the empathy towards the ideas."
(On who in town has inspired him)
"There have been many people in the town that inspire me. The first and foremost is our school district’s superintendent – David Aderhold. He has taken many courageous stances for the wellbeing of the students and the school district. Rev. Cornell Edmunds is another individual I would like to acknowledge. He helped me come to ease at a time when the country was facing the divisive issues. He has been at the forefront as a pastor of a church in New York city and a great supporter of MLK. At the same time, I would also say that I am a great fan of the Johnson family. They have been a great support for me at every step of the way."
(On the importance of sports in West Windsor and the balance between academics and athletics)
"Our sports program is 100% visible and transparent unlike many other programs across the country. Our commitment to excellence is on full display. We have had a great balance between academics and sports in our school district. We have realized that the success in both are kind of inseparable. Lessons in sports have brought about lessons in character, hard work, integrity, discipline, unity, and commitment. These have made our students harder and better. Universities are no longer judging just by academics but are looking at an overall personality. We all are learning that we need to have a balanced outlook."
(On the impact of COVID on athletics)
"I have a deep empathy for the athletes who could not do what they meant to due to the COVID scenario. A lot of athletes feel their belonging when they work with the team. Due to COVID, many such kids are going through anxiety and this is causing loss of wellness in the kids. It is not just a loss of sport, but a loss of wellness."
(On including new sports into school curricula, given the diversification of the town in recent decades)
"The main challenge currently is to get the current sports curriculum available to the kids. This is our immediate requirement. At the same time, our recreation and sports director is open to including new sports as well. New programs are definitely being considered to include as many kids possible in the program. I also believe public speaking and the debates are a great way to develop the mindset in the young people. When they have to discuss with others with multiple different viewpoints, they develop the empathy towards the ideas."
