Cedar Falls Schools Foundation Supports
Water Safety Pilot Program
This spring, the Cedar Falls Community School District (CFCSD) has partnered with the University of Northern Iowa’s PAWS (Panther Academy for Water Safety) program to provide water safety instruction to students.
“We are so grateful to PAWS for providing this comprehensive aquatic experience for our students!” commented Jill White, CFCSD Executive Director of Student Services. “Because this first session serves as a pilot for potential future programming, we knew we needed to keep our numbers low, but also wanted to focus on students who have the most to gain from this instruction. We made the opportunity available to our Southdale Elementary preschool students who receive special education services. Twenty students signed up and are currently receiving a 30-minute lesson each week during school hours at the Peet Swimming Pool,” finished Mrs. White.
Lessons are taught by graduate level students from UNI’s Speech Language Pathology program as well as Allen College's Occupational Therapy program. Utilizing students fulfilling practicum hours helped keep program costs low, but remaining costs of $50/student were identified.
The Cedar Falls Schools Foundation supported the program’s remaining costs through its Slykhuis Family Fund, established in memory of Jane, Jerry and Steve Slykhuis. To learn more about the impact the Cedar Falls Schools Foundation has on the district, visit cfschools.org/foundation.
