Hoops and Hugs have been a part of the Kitzingen Intermediate School for the last 3 years.

It was designed as an opportunity for the KIS students to share the common experience of one or both parents being deployed.   When Hoops and Hugs began 80% of the KIS population was affected.

Hoops and Hugs has several objectives.  They are to acknowledge the effect of deployment on our students; to support our students in the stable school environment; and to provide a link with our rear detachment commands that would be fun and informative.

The rear detachments provide soldiers that have been deployed to talk to students about what the parent is experiencing while away from home.  They talk about humvees and Bradleys, and MOP gear. 

Laura Bush has sent a message congratulating and encouraging students while parents are away.  Students have seen pictures of deployed parents doing everyday activities.

Hoops and Hugs have evolved over time to meet the needs of our students and community.  In the last 3 years activities have included communicating with deployed parents through letters, photos, and emails.

Hoops,  the recreational part of the program, include team and individual competitions. 

Students are involved in hoops, and soccer competitions, participating in a fun run with soldiers, and challenged to succeed in  “Military” activities such as marching.

Hugs, the outreach part of the program, is the building of the relationships with our military units and learning about others in deployed situations..

Hoops and Hugs benefit our students.  However, the adults  also learn from the wonderful questions that students ask.

Last reviewed December 16, 2004