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 lessons for 200 kindergarten through 6th-grade students in the district's after-school KidZone program. The inaugural classes started with six weeks of lessons on February 2, 2022.

The lessons aim to prevent drowning, focusing on life-saving swim skills and water safety. Plans are to expand the program to include students throughout the district, including 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.

"Partnerships like the one we are witnessing today demonstrate positive collaboration across multiple entities within our community, said Dr. Anna Stubblefield, Superintendent of Schools. "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."

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 with various organizations and community groups. We value and appreciate all the community organizations, companies, faith-based organizations, and neighborhood groups for their continued support of our students, schools, and school district. You all play a vital role in our educational mission. I invite you to further engage with us as we strive for the best outcomes for our students and families.