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As the Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics, my goal is to continually improve all areas of our program and to find new and meaningful experiences for all our students and athletes, grades kindergarten through 12. I am glad to be working in a caring community which supports health, wellness and athletics. We recognize the value of ensuring that every child has a balanced learning experience, and we continually explore new methods and revise traditional ones to ensure the wellness, health, and fitness of our students. We also promote social-emotional growth and help our students to become caring, open-minded, and respectful of others in the classroom and in extracurricular activities. 

Presently Commack athletes can participate in every sport offered in Suffolk County. We recognize that participation in athletics gives students the opportunity to develop specific skills they possess and to discover new talents. But, in Commack, we are also committed to the development of the complete student-athlete. We expect all the participants in our athletic program to demonstrate not only athletic ability, but also academic achievement, good citizenship, and a sense of responsibility and accountability. We are also cognizant of issues in our society that have affected athletic programs nationwide, and we have taken steps with our athletes and coaches to prevent, for example, hazing and sexual harassment, and to promote internet safety. For specific information, please refer to the district code of conduct and athletic guidelines that address student expectations. 

In the past, we have been honored with eight New York State School of Distinction Awards which gave all of our varsity athletic teams scholar-athlete status. This was an amazing accomplishment.  We have also been fortunate enough to win the New York State Healthy Stars Award for overall healthy policies and practices district-wide and the New York Good Sports Award indicative of our strong sportsmanship policies and practices. The Commack district has completed training in comprehensive school health practices from the American School Health Association, in recognition of our district’s dedication to health and wellness. 

Beyond directing and supporting an outstanding health, physical education, and athletics program, I am committed to fostering good communications with students and their parents. I believe in the value of our partnership and know that, by speaking with one another frequently, openly, and respectfully, we can be proactive in the prevention of potential problems. I invite parents to speak directly with the teachers and coaches of their sons and daughters, with the goal in mind of making the educational experience a productive one for each individual child. I also welcome communications parents may have with our lead teachers and athletic coordinators at Commack Middle School and Commack High School. Please know that I am available to you at any time.

Patrick Friel Signature

 

A man is sitting at a desk and smiling.

Patrick Friel

Director of Health and Physical Education

pfriel@commack.k12.ny.us

(631) 912-2080


CHS Lead Teacher Ed Boll: 912-2144

CMS Athletic Coordinator Jason Fluger: 858-3515

CMS Lead Teacher: Michael Kullack: 858-3512

 

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    Commack’s parents and professional staff believe that active student participation in athletics is vital to the development of a well-rounded individual. In keeping with this belief, we will continue to encourage student involvement, emphasizing the honor and privilege of representing Commack Schools as an athlete. 

    We hold high expectations for academic achievement of all student athletes and expect them to maintain those standards. The honor of participation carries with it the responsibility of Commack’s students to present themselves as role models. Athletes represent not only themselves, but also their coach, their team, the Commack student body, and the Commack community. They are therefore expected to act in a responsible manner at all times. As part of the commitment to a team, regular attendance at practices and games throughout the sports season and conformity to the rules established by the District is expected.

    Read the full document here

  • FALL: Boys Cross Country, Girls Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Boys Golf, Girls Gymnastics, Boys Soccer, Girls Soccer, Girls Swimming, Girls Tennis, Boys Volleyball, Girls Volleyball

    WINTER: Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Boys Bowling, Girls Bowling, Boys Fencing, Girls Fencing, Boys Swimming, Boys Track, Girls Track, Unified Bowling, Wrestling

    SPRING: Baseball, Co-Ed Badminton, Unified Basketball, Girls Flag Football, Girls Golf, Boys Lacrosse, Girls Lacrosse, Softball, Boys Tennis, Boys Track, Girls Track

    FULL YEAR: Cheerleading, Danceline, Funk, Kickline, Pom

  • FALL: Cheerleading, Boys Cross Country, Girls Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Kickline/Danceline, Boys Soccer, Girls Soccer, Girls Tennis

    EARLY WINTER: Boys Basketball, Cheerleading, Girls Volleyball

    LATE WINTER: Girls Basketball, Boys Volleyball, Wrestling

    SPRING: Baseball, Girls Gymnastics, Boys Lacrosse, Girls Lacrosse, Softball, Boys Tennis, Boys Track, Girls Track

  • Participating in any physical activity carries the risk of injuries. The Commack School District’s Athletic Program is prepared for all on-field or on-court traumas or emergency situations.

    General Safety Protocols
     

    All Physical Education (PE) teachers and all coaches are required to acquire “Concussion Certification.”

    All coaches at the middle school and high school are First Aid, CPR, and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certified.

    There is at least one AED in each school building, and an AED is always present on the athletic field, whether games are at home or away. An ambulance and doctor are present for all varsity, junior varsity, and middle school football games.

    All contact sports equipment is reconditioned and tested by an outside company annually to detect any damage or imperfections. Through this process, subpar equipment is discarded.

    Locker rooms and weight training rooms are disinfected with a safe but effective product on a daily basis to prevent the spread of germs. The same is true of wrestling mats that might otherwise harbor bacteria.

  • Concussions and head injuries are unfortunately a commonly reported injury in children and adolescents who participate in sports and recreational activities. A sideline concussion protocol is followed for all athletes.

    The five component plan (below) also includes education for parents and students, proper Emergency Room follow-up, and necessary “Return to Play Protocol.” Baseline neurocognitive impact testing (computer based) is done preseason for all varsity and junior varsity contact sports athletes. This baseline testing is repeated every two years, through St. Charles Hospital.

    During each season’s mandatory parent athletic code nights, concussion protocol/education is presented to parents.

    A PTA Athletic Advisory Board also meets monthly with our Athletic Director, Patrick Friel, to discuss any matters that may arise. If you have any questions about Commack’s safeguards or procedures, please contact our Athletic Director, Patrick Friel, at 912-2080.

    Overview: The Commack Athletic Program recognizes that concussions and head injuries are a commonly reported injury in children and adolescents who participate in sports and recreational activities. The District uses the following guidelines to assist in the proper evaluation and management of head injuries.

    Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. Concussions occur when normal brain functioning is disrupted by a blow or jolt to the head. Recovery from concussion will vary. Avoiding re-injury and over-exertion until fully recovered are the cornerstones of proper concussion management.

    Any student demonstrating signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion while participating in interscholastic athletic activity will be removed from the game or activity and be evaluated immediately, and will not return to play that day. Commack School District will notify the student’s parents or guardians and recommend appropriate monitoring.

    Concussion Management Team: The Commack School District will assemble a concussion management team (CMT). The CMT will consist of the athletic director, school nurse, athletic trainer, school physician, and/or outside consultants as deemed necessary. The District’s CMT will coordinate the training for all coaches and students. 

    Commack Public Schools Concussion Management Plan 

    The concussion program consists of five components: 
     

    1. Education
    2. Baseline neurocognitive testing using the ImPACT product
    3. Proper sideline management/guidelines
    4. Proper Emergency Room follow-up
    5. Proper Return to Play Protocol/Clearance back to athletics


    Letter from St. Charles Hospital Think Smart! Concussion Management Program

    Concussion Q & A for Parents

    Click here for more info about concussion management testing