Dear Piranha Families,

We’re off to a great start! Thank you to everyone who joined us for today’s smashing Cake Bake (literally, there was cake smashing...we're looking at you 11-12 boys!). It was a fun and festive kickoff to the season. We’re especially grateful to Lara Macdonald for organizing the event and to our coaches for judging. You can see photos and videos from the event here.

And without further ado, here’s what you need to know this week:

Practice This Week

We only have four practices this week. There is no practice on Friday, June 6.

If you're new to the team, we strongly encourage your swimmer to attend practices this week so our coaches can get a good sense of what they’re ready to swim at Time Trials.

Team Photo Day – Friday, June 6
It’s time to say cheese! We’ll take our official team photo this Friday evening. Please have your swimmer wear their team suit and team shirt. (Pro Tip: Label team t-shirts with your swimmer's name and age group. The shirts all start to look the same when they get piled up on the pool deck....)

Timing details are as follows:

• Individual & sibling photos: 4:30 PM
• Team photo: 6:00 PM

If you are taking individual and sibling photos, arrive at 4:30 PM and they'll take photos in the order you arrive. 

See the attached flyer for more details, including information on how to order photos.

Big Piranha / Little Piranha Mentor Kickoff – Friday, June 6

One of the most beloved Piranhas traditions is back. Our Big Piranha/Little Piranha mentoring program kicks off right after team photos on Friday!

This fun, low-key program pairs older swimmers with younger teammates to build connections across age groups, spark new friendships, and help every swimmer feel like part of the Piranha family. Whether it’s cheering from the deck, decorating posters, or offering high-fives before races, this buddy system adds a whole new layer of fun to the season.

No sign-up required. Just show up after photos. Swimmers will be matched on deck We’ll kick things off with poster-making and other fun activities

This is a great opportunity for swimmers of all ages to build confidence, make a new friend, and contribute to our incredible team spirit. Let’s get the season started with some Piranha pride!

Time Trials – Saturday, June 7

Our first meet is this Saturday. Time Trials is an internal meet designed to help swimmers and volunteers get used to meet routines and allow coaches to get baseline times. Our meet theme is Hawaiian! Come dressed in your Hawaiian best (think leis, floral shirts, and straw hats). More information will be sent later this week regarding Time Trials.

In the meantime, here are some action items: 

• Sign up your swimmer on Swimtopia
• Sign up to volunteer (also on Swimtopia)
• Email Karen if your swimmer will not attend

Volunteer Reminders:

NVSL has official rules about what volunteers should wear. Please wear a white top (plain – no Piranhas logo) and navy bottoms.  Expect a reminder email later this week with role-specific instructions.

If your swimmer is swimming breaststroke, butterfly, or IM, we ask that you sign up for a second half volunteer role so families with younger swimmers can work the first half. We especially need Clerk of Course, Marshals, and Timers for the second half.

Important Note on Meet Conduct

We have a no electronics policy for all swimmers at meets. At Parklawn, we want meets to be about team spirit, connection, and fun. 

Swimmers should leave phones, tablets, and gaming devices at home. Instead, we encourage kids to bring cards, books, or games to help pass the time between events. 

Meets are a great opportunity for swimmers to get to know their teammates, cheer each other on, and build the kind of friendships that make Parklawn so special. 

Thanks for helping us create a positive and connected environment for all swimmers.

A Meet Availability

Meet entries for each A Meet close the Saturday before the meet. Coaches use this info to select lineups, so please take a moment now to indicate your swimmer’s availability for the full season if possible.

First B Meet – Monday, June 9

Our first B Meet is just around the corner. If your swimmer is interested in participating, sign up via Swimtopia by Saturday, June 7 at 3 PM. We expect lower attendance at this first B Meet due to school schedules, so if you sign up, please plan to volunteer as well.

Details will be sent by our B Meet Reps, Amanda Hungerford and Ali Goldwater.

Piranathon – June 10

Don't forget! Our annual Piranathon is Tuesday, June 10 during practice. This fun team-building and fundraising event showcases our swimmers’ endurance and team spirit. Mark your calendar and more information is coming soon.

Coach Kevin’s Clinics

The first few Sunday clinics will focus on starts, streamlines, underwaters, and breakouts. These are great sessions for swimmers looking to fine-tune technique.

Sign-up is required and spots are limited.

Interested in year round swimming?

If your swimmer is interested, Arlington Aquatic Club (AAC) is offering evaluations. Email Evan ([email protected]) and copy Coach Kevin ([email protected]).

Evaluation dates: 

• Wednesday, June 18 – Arlington residents only
• Wednesday, June 25 – Open to all

Coach Kevin may evaluate interested swimmers in advance—email to coordinate.

Let’s keep the momentum going, Piranhas! As always, thank you for your support and enthusiasm.