JMS students on the basketball court

When not in class, students at the Jewish Middle School can most often be found on the school’s newly redesigned outdoor sports court. With funding from the Predators Foundation, as well as support from a Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee Innovation Grant, JMS has redesigned its outdoor athletics space and enhanced its athletics program to provide more opportunities for its growing student body.

The new court features resurfacing, freshly painted regulation court lines, and adjustable in-ground basketball hoops. The court is just one change to the developing JMS athletics program.

JMS believes in students’ whole health and well-being. In supporting health and activity, JMS is committed to growing its athletics program and giving students more opportunities to participate in activities that provide a multitude of physical and cognitive benefits.

This year, JMS boasts a basketball team, an ultimate frisbee team, and a running club, with additional sports teams coming in the spring. Athletics Director Eliza Griffin says that the new sports court has become one of the school’s most popular spaces, but moreover, “It is an incredibly inclusive space. Any student who wants to use it and participate is welcome to. We have seen our students embrace this value and actively encourage their peers to join in and take part in games and athletics.” Griffin adds that, “The JMS athletics program has been one of the most valuable tools in fostering inclusion and collaboration within the school.”

Seventh grader Legend Wright echoes Griffin’s sentiments, emphasizing that, “The new court is well deserved and gives students a space for organized games and programming. It’s a special place where all students can play together.”

Co-Head of School Alene Arnold says that the partnership of supporting community organizations, “Not only promotes better health in our children but strengthens the sense of community within the school. A robust athletics program is fundamental to guiding our students to becoming engaged and passionate learners.” The Jewish Middle School is incredibly grateful to both the Predators Foundation and the Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee for its ongoing commitment to the health and wellbeing of JMS students.