annualreport-2022v9 - Flipbook - Page 30
KCKPS Partner Highlight
KCKPS launched a new Learn to Swim program in partnership with the Unified Government Parks
and Recreation Department, YMCA of Greater Kansas City, and Warner Media.
The program, funded by a grant from Warner Media, provided swim lessons at no cost to
students in Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools. The first phase included six-week lessons for 200
K-6th grade students in the KidZone after-school program. The lessons aimed to prevent drowning,
focusing on life-saving swim skills and water safety. Plans are to expand the program to middle
and high schoolers.
The partnership is dedicated to the memory of Emmanuel Solomon, the 13-year-old who drowned
last summer at Parkwood Pool. He was a student at Carl B. Bruce Middle School in KCKPS.
“The death of Emmanuel Solomon impacted our entire community. The benefits of the Learn to
Swim program provide our students with water safety skills that will stay with them for a lifetime,”
said Dr. Anna Stubblefield, Superintendent of Schools.
The program’s official launch included a special guest appearance from Cullen Jones, an
African-American competitive swimmer and Olympic gold medalist who helps raise awareness
about the sport of swimming and youth of color.
This partnership is one of many we have. We value and appreciate all the community organizations,
companies, faith-based organizations, and neighborhood groups for their continued support of all
aspects of our district. You play a vital role in our educational mission. We invite you to further engage
with us as we strive for the best outcomes for our students and families.
DIVE DEEPER
Scan this QR code to watch a video and a
photo slideshow of this partner program:
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