Rosa Parks Elementary Second Graders Build Confidence and Water Safety Skills Through YMCA Partnership

Rosa Parks Elementary second grade students recently had the opportunity to learn valuable life skills through a partnership with the YMCA that provided swim lessons and water safety education.

Throughout the program, students learned basic swimming techniques, water safety practices, and strategies for safely responding to situations in and around pools and other bodies of water. The experience helped students build confidence in the water while developing skills that can help keep them safe throughout their lives.

“We are excited to partner with the YMCA to provide swim lessons and water safety education for our Rosa Parks second graders,” said Superintendent Deborah Houser. “These experiences help students build confidence, learn important life-saving skills, and support overall wellness. Opportunities like this are an important part of supporting the whole child and ensuring our students grow both inside and outside the classroom.”

The program was truly a community effort. Students worked alongside YMCA staff, instructors, and volunteers who supported learners of all skill levels. MHS swim coach Ariel Lawson attended the lessons alongside members of the Middletown High School swim team, who assisted instructors and served as role models for younger students. Lawson shared that the experience was a valuable opportunity for different parts of the district to work together while encouraging and supporting students as they developed water safety skills and confidence in the pool.

Missy Schleicher, Executive Director of the Middletown Area Family YMCA, played an important role in making the program possible. She worked closely with Rosa Parks Elementary to teach water safety lessons both in the classroom and in the pool. Students especially enjoyed her enthusiasm throughout the program and will undoubtedly remember her cannonballs into the pool on the final day of lessons.

For Rosa Parks teacher Courtnie Puckett, the experience was especially meaningful to witness.

“Watching students grow from being hesitant to get in the water on the first day to confidently swimming and diving by the end of the program was incredible,” Puckett said. “As a former YMCA swimmer, it was especially meaningful to see our students have similar opportunities. Most importantly, every student left with basic water safety skills and greater confidence as they head into summer.”

The program also received support from generous community partners. The YMCA provided goggles for all participating students, while Girdwood Orthodontics donated drawstring bags and beach towels that students received on their final day of swim lessons.

“These thoughtful gifts help extend the impact of the program beyond the pool,” Houser said. “As students head into summer, they will have both the confidence and the tools to continue practicing what they learned while enjoying time safely in and around the water.”

Middletown City Schools is grateful to the YMCA, Missy Schleicher, Girdwood Orthodontics, Ariel Lawson, members of the Middletown High School swim team, and all staff, instructors, and volunteers who helped make this experience possible.

Through partnerships like these, students gain valuable skills, build confidence, and learn lessons that can positively impact their safety and well-being for years to come.