HCS receives VSBA Food for Thought award

Hampton City Schools received the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) 2023 Food for Thought award in the category of wellness/physical activity. The recipients were recognized at a luncheon during the VSBA Conference on Education in Richmond, VA on July 13, 2023.

In partnership with the City of Hampton, Hampton City Schools initiated a Learn to Swim program for all second grade students in the school division during the 2022-2023 school year. Over 1,300 second grade students received five consecutive swim lessons consisting of more than 60 minutes of instruction over the course of one week from the Coast Guard Blue Dolphin instructors. The program took place during the instructional day at the new Hampton Aquaplex. It began in January 2023 and concluded at the beginning of June 2023.

The Learn to Swim Program utilizes the Swim America Curriculum. The swimming curriculum emphasizes water safety skills. The program promotes safe behaviors and attitudes on or around water and is built around activities involving four core components – basic aquatic skills, water safety, fitness, and aquatic recreation. The program not only promotes water safety, wellness and physical activity, it also exposes students to socialization and mental development.