March 18, 2024

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you regarding a new initiative at Southern University Laboratory School that aims to promote water safety and physical activity among our students. We are pleased to announce our partnership with the YMCA of the Capital Area to introduce a comprehensive swimming lesson and drowning prevention program.

At Southern University Laboratory School, our leadership is deeply committed to the well-being of our students and the broader community. We recognize the importance of instilling essential life skills, particularly those related to water safety. Therefore, we are enthusiastic about the potential impact of this program on our students and their families.

The swimming program, offered in collaboration with the YMCA, will provide accessible swimming lessons at no cost to our students from Kindergarten to 8th grade. This initiative will positively impact approximately 200 children within our school community. We extend our sincere appreciation to the funders who share our commitment to promoting health and well-being in our community.

By offering structured swimming lessons, this program aims to mitigate the risk of water-related accidents while also encouraging an active lifestyle among participants. Furthermore, its emphasis on inclusivity ensures that individuals from all backgrounds have the opportunity to acquire this vital life skill. The scheduling of the lessons will take place during the school day. Schedules will be posted soon.

Southern University Laboratory School is truly excited about this partnership with the YMCA of the Capital Area. We believe that expanding access to drowning prevention education and swimming lessons aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are grateful for the opportunity to offer this program to our students.

We look forward to seeing the positive impact of this initiative on our students' lives and the broader community.

Warm regards,

Herman R. Brister