Category: Volunteer Information

Introducing the Parent Portal

In 2020, we embarked upon developing a software platform that would benefit the parents of our students and our coaches. Our goals were simple:
  • Make it easier for our coaches to measure the progress of the students, and
  • Allow parents to get timely accurate information about their child and their child’s goals within the program.
To fully appreciate the level of innovation, let’s first recall how this process worked before the Parent Portal was introduced. Coaches needed to perform attendance, keep track of quiz scores and measure skills certifications on paper.  They then took the data from paper and entered it into a spreadsheet once they got back in front of a computer.  Many coaches had to perform these actions across multiple classes and dozens of students.  Coaches also ran the spectrum of experiences in using technology to track these types of progress.  Once the six-class session was completed, they needed to heavily rely upon cut/copy/paste mechanisms within word processing software to deliver a report card or progress report to deliver to a parent on Week 6. Upon receiving the report card, Parents had that one moment in time – the end of week 6 – to have full knowledge on their child’s achievements, what goals still remained, and what level of instruction would be best suited for them as they faced the upcoming registration period for the next season.
Introducing the First Tee Parent Portal:
At the login screen, you can use the email address that we have on file for you.  For Parents, it will be the email address you use for Registration.  For Coaches, it will be the email address we have on file for you when you completed your background check.  You can utilize the “Forgot your password?” link at the bottom of the form to reset it to something memorable for you.  Once you have logged in, you can navigate to your profile page and link your account to your Facebook or Google login.
For Parents who have logged in successfully:
  Your first screen is to see the name of your First Tee student(s).  Click on their name to see their Current Progress or their Transcripts which list the past classes they have enrolled in.  On the Current Progress screen, you will get a listing of their achievements, and the goals still remaining.  The level for which they are eligible to register their next class is the bottom field.  Additionally, you can view the Program Overview if you need more information about what is being measured, and you can Contact the Coach if you need to communicate any upcoming absences or additional information to the Coach about your child.
For Coaches who have logged in successfully:
Your first screen is to see the list of classes for which you have been assigned to be the Lead Coach.  Click on the class to see the Class Roster, perform attendance, score quizzes and highlight any achievements in their play requirements.  Additionally, you can contact all the Parents for the class to notify them of any weather delays or class cancellations.  If you need to view any data specifically about any one student, click on their name and you will see Student Detail.  The Student Detail screen gives you the ability to supply notes to a Parent or to the Program Administrator.  This is also the screen where you can view any allergies the student might have (Bee stings, Peanut snacks, etc)  Lastly, this screen will allow you to contact the Parent should you need to communicate with them directly. The software works on computers, smart phones and tablets. We hope that you enjoy this technology and will improve your experience with First Tee. For any additional information, contact Chris Hashley at 616-208-1177 or [email protected]  

COVID-19 Programming Safety and Health Guidelines

COVID-19 procedures and practices are in place!  Click the PDF below to see the steps we are taking to keep our classes safe, and how you, as participants, guardians, and mentors, play an important role. [ddownload id=”2998″ text=”2020 Program Health and Safety Guidelines”]  

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources

First Tee of West Michigan remains committed to our students and all those that make First Tee the great program it is. If you are a family we serve, please let us know anyway that we can provide assistance (food, supplies, etc.). We want to help any way we are able to during this time. Below are some resources we’ve pulled together in Kent, Ottawa, and Muskegon Counties. PS. Spring registration is still open and scheduled to start on time if you’d like to register. Kent County Resources   Ottawa County Resources   Muskegon County Resources
——– OTHER RESOURCES FREE Internet Service Via Comcast “As the country deals with the effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Comcast is taking immediate steps to help connect more low-income families to the Internet at home. Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, new Internet Essentials customers will receive two free months of Internet service.” https://www.internetessentials.com/covid19 Other articles: How to talk to your kids about Coronavirus – NY TIMES

HOLLAND SPRING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

2/24/20 Spring is coming, and we are looking for 12 mentors in the Holland area! You do not need to be an excellent golfer – just to be able to have a good time and care for young people.  Follow these simple steps to become a volunteer coach in Holland: Step 1:
  • Take a look at the schedule below.
    • Each row represents a six-class session (12-hour volunteer commitment) that needs coaches.
    • Sessions are color-coded for need:
      • Red = 3+ volunteer coaches needed, Yellow = 2 volunteer coaches needed, Green = 1 volunteer coach needed, White = Currently no need for volunteer coaches
  • Find a six-class session whose times align with your schedule
    • As a coach, we ask that you commit to a six-class session
    • Committing to six classes helps you build rapport with your class.
Step 2:
  • Email [email protected] in order to take an online background screening serviced by NCSI.
    • Background screening checks local and national databases.
    • Screening costs $30 to the volunteer
    • The First Tee of West Michigan receives a ‘green light’ or ‘red-light’ based on background screening.
Step 3: 
  • Go through our 15-minute online volunteer orientation, which can be sent by Program Director Taylor Haudek ([email protected])
Step 4: 
  • Arrive 15 minutes before class on the first day to get the scoop for your lesson!
We hope to see you this spring in Holland!  

Muskegon Spring Volunteer Opportunities

2/24/20 Spring is coming, and we are looking for 16 mentors in the Muskegon area! You do not need to be an excellent golfer – just to be able to have a good time and care for young people.  Follow these simple steps to become a volunteer coach in Muskegon: Step 1:
  • Take a look at the schedule below.
    • Each row represents a six-class session (12-hour volunteer commitment) that needs coaches.
    • Sessions are color-coded for need:
      • Red = 3+ volunteer coaches needed
      • Yellow = 2 volunteer coaches needed
      • Green = 1 volunteer coach needed
      • White = Currently no need for volunteer coaches
  • Find a six-class session whose times align with your schedule
    • As a coach, we ask that you commit to a six-class session
    • Committing to six classes helps you build rapport with your class.
Step 2:
  • Email [email protected] in order to take an online background screening serviced by NCSI.
    • Background screening checks local and national databases.
    • Screening costs $30 to the volunteer
    • The First Tee of West Michigan receives a ‘green light’ or ‘red-light’ based on the background screening.
Step 3: 
  • Go through our 15-minute online volunteer orientation, which can be sent by Program Director Taylor Haudek ([email protected])
Step 4: 
  • Arrive 15 minutes before class on the first day to get the scoop for your lesson!
We hope to see you this spring in Muskegon!  

First Tee of West Michigan Expands to Kalamazoo County

Contact: Tyler Smies                                                                                                                          FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Executive Director Office: 616-208-1177 Cell: 616-965-6633 Email: [email protected]

First Tee of West Michigan Expanding to Kalamazoo County

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – February 10, 2019 – First Tee of West Michigan, in partnership with the Kalamazoo Junior Golf Association and the City of Kalamazoo, is planning to expand its programs to Kalamazoo County starting in spring 2021. First Tee is an international non-profit youth development program that teaches life skills, values, and healthy habits through the game of golf. The curriculum serves youth ages 7 to 17. There are seven chapters in Michigan, more than 150 chapters around the country and 10 chapters internationally. First Tee of West Michigan, established in 2011 in Grand Rapids, currently impacts young people in Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties. First Tee started with 73 students in 2011 and now works with more than 1,200 youth at 15 area golf courses. The organization believes it can impact more than 500 young people in Kalamazoo annually by 2023. “Kalamazoo is one of the largest population centers in the state without a First Tee chapter presence,” said Executive Director of First Tee of West Michigan Tyler Smies. “We are incredibly fortunate to partner with the Kalamazoo Junior Golf Association and the City of Kalamazoo, who have strong and sustainable junior golf programs. We can’t wait to provide First Tee curriculum to more young people in Kalamazoo who may not otherwise have the opportunity to learn through golf because of transportation or economic barriers.” PGA Professional Dean Marks, who operates the City of Kalamazoo’s three courses, and is also president of the Kalamazoo Junior Golf Association, is also excited. “The KJGA has provided affordable golf opportunities to 400+ youth annually for over 30 years.  The opportunity to partner with First Tee and their life skills and values curriculum will increase our outreach to area youth.  That is a win for the community, a win for the youth, and a win for golf and the future of Kalamazoo.  We are excited to expand the use of Red Arrow Golf Course to ensure that any family who wants their kids to learn important life skills through the game of golf will be able to do so regardless of their ability to pay.” Youth golf tournaments and clinics run by the KJGA will continue to operate in 2020, while First Tee develops relationships in Kalamazoo, recruits mentors and fundraises. First Tee’s programs are planned for all three of Kalamazoo’s municipal golf courses in 2021 – Red Arrow, Eastern Hills, and Milham Park. Smies says partnering with local school districts and youth-serving organizations is also critical to First Tee’s ability to impact students who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to learn through golf. First Tee hopes to begin outreach with area schools and organizations in the upcoming year in preparation for the 2021 program launch. First Tee relies heavily on volunteers and donors from communities in order to provide discounted programs to youth. Interested golfers, parents, volunteers, and donors can learn more about the organization and expansion plans at the West Michigan Golf Show, February 14-16 at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Mich. In addition, First Tee is hosting a Meet & Greet event for all Kalamazoo County residents on March 11, 2020 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Parks & Recreation Building at Homer Stryker Field, 251 Mills Ave.  Interested individuals are encouraged to RSVP by clicking here.  For more information on First Tee of West Michigan or to RSVP for the March 11 event, contact 616-208-1177 or visit firstteewestmichigan.org. ###

Randy’s Lessons – #1

First Tee Holland Area Director and PGA Professional Randy White shares how to encourage students to have good footwork.