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District praises YMCA partnership after second-grade swim lessons; plans to continue program
Summary
MSD Steuben County trustees heard reports that a new partnership with the YMCA provided structured swim lessons and water-safety instruction to second graders, supported by community donors and grant-funded staff, and the district plans to continue the program next year.
The MSD Steuben County Board of Trustees on June 17 heard a detailed report on a district partnership with the YMCA that provided swim lessons and water-safety instruction to all second-grade students this spring.
A district presenter summarized the program and credited Kelly Bailey, YMCA aquatics director, for planning the program and securing grants to fund staff and expenses. The presenter said every second grader was invited; some families opted out. The program included eight in-pool lessons and two "land days" of focused safety instruction, plus rotation logistics that allowed three classes per day with transportation provided by the district.
The presenter said donors provided bright orange swim shirts sponsored by Cameron Hospital so students would be visible in the water, swim bags sponsored by Fort Wayne Metals, and towels and swimsuits when students lacked them. Teachers'post-program feedback was read into the record and described the initiative as "well run, worthwhile, and fun," with small groups, knowledgeable instructors and measurable skill growth. The district reported applied-skills instruction and special-training instructors for students with disabilities were part of the effort.
Board members and staff discussed continuing the partnership. The YMCA is working on lifeguard training opportunities for high school students, and the district said it plans to continue the swim program next year with further funding work by the YMCA.
