Community News
Helping Kids Stay Safe in Water – YMCA Swim Lessons
Vacations are happening for a number of families this time of year, and some are gearing up for trips to pools, lakes, and beaches. While these water adventures bring excitement and fun, they also highlight the critical need for water safety. Drowning remains one of the leading causes of unintentional death for children, making swimming an essential life skill. The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis is committed to helping families prepare their children for safe, enjoyable experiences in and around water through comprehensive swim lesson programs.
The Importance of Water Safety
According to a national survey, 9 in 10 parents recognize the importance of swimming as a life skill. However, 24% of parents admit they lack confidence in their child’s ability to stay safe in the water. The statistics are sobering: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause among children ages 5 to 14. These risks highlight the urgency of equipping children with fundamental swimming and water safety skills.
How the YMCA is Making a Difference
The YMCA has been a leader in swim instruction and water safety for decades. Each year, Ys across the country teach over one million children how to swim through programs designed to build confidence and lifesaving skills. The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis offers progressive swim lessons tailored to different age groups and skill levels, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn water safety basics and advance their swimming abilities.
YMCA swim lessons focus on:
- Water acclimation and comfort.
- Basic swimming strokes and techniques.
- Survival skills, including floating and treading water.
- Emergency preparedness and rescue techniques
By participating in these programs, children not only learn how to swim, but also develop confidence in the water—an essential factor in preventing panic and accidents.
Real Impact: Saving Lives Through Swim Education
The benefits of YMCA swim lessons extend far beyond skill building. There are countless stories of children who have applied their Y swim training in
real-life situations. Parents often share how their kids have gained the confidence to navigate water safely or even help a friend in distress. Learning to swim doesn’t just offer peace of mind—it can be the difference between life and tragedy.
Get Your Kids Water-Ready This Spring Break
The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis offers swim lessons throughout the year, with special programs available leading up to spring break. Whether your child is a beginner or looking to refine their skills, now is the perfect time to enroll. Many Ys also offer financial assistance, ensuring that swim lessons are accessible to all families.
Together, we can make a difference in ensuring every child enjoys a fun and safe vacations in the water. For more information, visit https://indymca.org/programs/aquatics/swim-lessons/ or contact us directly 317-266-9622 to learn how you can enroll your child in swim lessons today!
Westfield Education Foundation’s Impact Grant: Empowering Every Student
Through strategic funding initiatives, the Westfield Education Foundation (WEF) empowers students and educators across Westfield Washington Schools. As part of this commitment, WEF has launched the Impact Grant, designed to create transformative educational experiences, enhance student engagement, and equip educators with resources that drive academic success. With an allocation of $10,000 for Spring 2025, this grant funds impactful projects that benefit students across the district.
What is the Impact Grant?
The Impact Grant is available to Westfield Washington Schools’ administration, certified staff, and counselors to fund initiatives that enrich education, build life skills, promote global awareness, and foster employability skills. By focusing on projects that benefit a broad range of students, the Foundation ensures that its grants create lasting and meaningful improvements within the school community.
Spring 2024 Grant Awards
This spring, WEF proudly awarded several Impact Grants to educators across the district, providing essential resources supporting student learning and development.
Expanding Musical Access Through Ukuleles
Awarded to: Sara Lefler, Westfield Intermediate School.
Objective: This grant funds the purchase of ukuleles to enhance music education at Westfield Intermediate School. Currently, students learn to play the guitar, but the instrument’s complexity and size challenge younger learners. More students can successfully participate in musical instruction by introducing ukuleles, which are easier to handle and learn. This initiative particularly benefits students with fine motor skill challenges or special needs, creating a more inclusive and engaging learning environment.
Expanding Foreign Language Resources at Westfield Middle School
Awarded to: Farrah, Washington Woods Elementary School
Objective: This grant will help expand the collection of foreign language books at Westfield Middle School. With the increasing number of students from various nationalities joining the WWS community and only about 20 Spanish books available, there is a pressing need to update the foreign language collection. While WMS prioritizes English learning for its English Language Learners (ELL), it is equally important to empower all students to read in their native languages. Providing books in various languages would enrich students’ reading experiences and support their academic growth.
Enhancing Communication for All: Classroom Core AAC Vocabulary Boards
Awarded to: Angie Wall, Early Learning Center & all elementary, intermediate, middle, and high schools
Objective: This project provides augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) support for students with communication disabilities. Classroom Core AAC Vocabulary Boards will be distributed across the district, enabling non-speaking, minimally speaking, and language-delayed students to express themselves and engage in classroom activities. This initiative supports students with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and other conditions that impact verbal communication.
Empowering Educators Through Collaborative Learning
Awarded to: Laura Mates, Monon Trail Elementary
Objective: To enhance student engagement, this grant funds the purchase of professional development books and vertical whiteboards that encourage interactive learning. As an instructional coach, Mates will use these resources to train educators in research-based strategies that foster collaboration and critical thinking. The goal is to transition classrooms from isolated learning spaces to dynamic, student-centered environments where engagement and participation thrive.
Investing in the Future of Westfield Washington Schools
Through initiatives like the Impact Grant, the Westfield Education Foundation continues to play a crucial role in shaping the educational experience of students and educators. By strategically allocating funding, the Foundation ensures that Westfield Washington Schools remain at the forefront of innovation, inclusion, and student success. Since its inception, WEF has provided over $2.5 million in funding to support academic excellence and enhance educational opportunities for the district’s growing student population.
The Westfield Education Foundation is proud to partner with educators who foster a rich and engaging learning environment. As the Foundation looks toward the future, it remains dedicated to expanding resources, supporting students, and strengthening the schools that serve as the heart of the Westfield community. Above all, WEF remains focused on ensuring that All Rocks are Life Ready—equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed for lifelong success.
For more information on the Impact Grant and other funding opportunities, please visit wwswef.org or contact Ashley Knott at knotta@wws.k12.in.us.