SPLASH. The adapted Physical education program for Sycamore Community Schools offers Swimming in their curriculum. “We teach kids all over the Sycamore School district who are disabled how to swim. We work with them about once a month at the Mason Community center pool or at SHS. “ Said Lindsey Stevens,9. All photos courtesy of the physical education department.

ADAPT. Mrs. Paula Anstaett is in charge of the adapted physical education program for Sycamore. She plans out the curriculum for the kids to help build skills while still having fun. She is also a physical education teacher and coached volleyball for a number of years.

FLOAT.The helpers stay with the kids and assist them through the entire lesson. “When we got to Mason, the other helpers and I set up what we need for the day and wait until the students show up. Once we help them into the pool we work on our floating skills” Said Meegan Gould, 11.

STROKE. The helpers have a specific plan they follow during the lesson to help with certain things“ During the lesson we work on multiple skills. We teach them freestyle, backstroke, kicking on back, blowing bubbles and more.” Said Lindsey Stevens, 9.

TOGETHER. “A special bond is created between us [the helpers] that really helps the dynamic of the lessons. Because of this bond we can better work together and help our kids to the best of our ability” Sail Abigail Hausfeld,11.

HARD WORK.“ We use centian steps and we individualize them to each students strength and weaknesses. We focus on the weakness to help them grow and improve. At the end of the day, we get free time where we get to play with the kids.” Said Meegan Gould. 11.

WORK HARD, PLAY HARD. “The kids do great hard work that helps them with their strength and swimming skills. Because we work so hard it is important to pay it off with some fun play time and the last day is entirely just a free day where they can test their skills” Said Meegan Gould,

REFRESHING.“Getting the opportunity to expand the kids physical education experience into the water is a really great thing. Learning how to swim is a life long skill that is fun and very useful for them. Its a refreshing and new way to have fun and splash around while still learning and accomplishing a goal” said Abigail Hausfeld, 11.