Superintendent's Article

 Marcellus Community Schools is pleased to announce that Marcellus Elementary Third Grade Swim Camp will take place, during school hours, on May 29- June 5.  The swim camp, developed and facilitated by the YMCA of Greater Michiana, is a six-day water safety program available to all Marcellus third grade students.  

Swim camp participants, along with their teachers, will be bused to an area pool or local lakefront where participants will learn essential water safety and swim skills from experienced YMCA swim instructors and lifeguards.  The aquatics instructors focus on life-saving swim skills and conduct both a pre and post swim skills assessment for each student participant.  The final day of swim camp will take place at the Nile-Buchanan YMCA where the third graders will enjoy indoor poor facilities. All participants need parental permission to attend the camp.   

The Marcellus Elementary Third Grade Swim Camp began nine years ago with a goal to provide life-saving swim lessons for students.  In 2018, the program was awarded an Education Excellence Award and a $2,500 grant from the Michigan Association of School Boards and the SET SEG Foundation. After a COVID-19 hiatus, I am pleased that the district is able to continue this important, applied learning opportunity for our students.  

Those interested in supporting the effort to continue water safety and swim skill instruction to Marcellus Elementary School students may donate to the cause.  Tax-deductible donations can be sent directly to Michigan Gateway Community Foundation at 111 Days Avenue, Buchanan, Michigan 49107 or may be dropped off at the Superintendent’s office or to Principal Sarah Bischoff at the elementary school office. Please note on the information line that your gift is to the Marcellus Swim Camp.  Donations in any amount are helpful and appreciated. 

Many thanks to Curriculum Director Mindy Bohan, teacher Joyce Tone and school retiree Debbie Paolasso for donating the use of their pools and lakefront for the program.  Thanks also to the YMCA of Greater Michiana and Chief Operating Officer Denise Peters for their continued support of this worthwhile program.