Page 8 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • May 11, 2011 Midland Park NJSIAA still prohibits home-schooled from play An effort by Midland Park school officials to change rules that ban homeschooled youngsters from playing in their public schools’ interscholastic sports teams failed to get approval from the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) last week. “I’m disappointed and upset,” said Midland Park Athletic Director Nick Capuano, who made the unsuccessful plea in front of the state association’s executive committee. The committee is made up of superintendents, principals and athletic directors from throughout the state. Midland Park’s resolution sought to allow each individual school district to decide whether it would permit homeschooled students to participate in league play in teams from their town of residence. Though the state department of education permits home schooled students to participate in extracurricular activities in their local district, NJSIAA regulations, which rule all interscholastic sports, don’t permit the practice. NJSIAA is the governing body for high school sports in New Jersey. It is made up of 425 accredited public, private and parochial schools in the state. The NJSIAA rule governing eligibility for participation in interscholastic athletic programs says that the student “must be enrolled in that school and must meet all the eligibility requirements of the Constitution, Bylaws and Rules and Regulations of the NJSIAA.” But a further clarification to the rules of eligibility specifically defines an enrolled student as one whose home instruction is provided by the board of education but not one “being home schooled by parents or other parties.” Capuano said he had presented his case in front of the NJSIAA’s advisory committee in April and had received an overwhelmingly positive response as well as a recommendation to appear in front of the executive body. Capuano explained he had been approached by the parents of a high schoolaged student who wanted their son to avail himself of the sports offerings at the school. The parents pointed out that state standards now in place for home schooling make it easy to prove academic achievement and eligibility and that their son should not be denied the opportunity to play high school sports. The athletic director said the district is assessing its options before deciding how to proceed. Our Pool Company, LLC opened for business last week at 64 Godwin Avenue in Midland Park. Mayor Joseph Monahan, left, cut the ribbon, while store managers David Preus and AnnMarie Brown look on. VFW Commander Hank Douma, right, provided the flag that will fly permanently in front of the new store. The company specializes in all facets of pool service including openings and closings, weekly maintenance, expert heater service, and all types of equipment installations and repairs. Water analysis and chemical treatments are also a specialty. Our Pool Company also carries a full line of algaecides, filter cleaners, filter aids, minerals for salt systems, and many other products to help pool and spa owners enjoy their investments. Call Our Pool Company at (201) 857-4747. Grand opening Franklin Lakes Antique & Collector Car Show and Flea Market The 36 Annual th Across from Urban Farms Shopping Center Franklin Lake Rd., Franklin Lakes Sunday, May 29, 2011 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Rain or Shine http://clubs.hemmings.com/jlrvcca/ May 25th Edition of The Villadom TIMES A Special Section... featuring the annual car show & flea market, will be inserted in the You are invited to participate by including your advertising message in this pull-out section. Not only will you get the regular circulation of The Villadom TIMES, but also the extra exposure of several thousand additional copies that will be distributed at the car show and flea market. Advertising Deadline: Wednesday, May 18th To place your advertisement, call The Villadom TIMES at 201-652-0744.