On Thursdays mornings at JAIS, students in preschool through eighth grade arrive with an extra bag in tow, all prepared
for our swimming program. The JAIS swim program is a unique component of our physical education curriculum.
The preschool class focuses on developing the students’ confidence, balance, and basic movements in the water. The activities are centered around play, using flotation devices, games and fun activities to practice techniques and enjoy being in the pool. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade begin the year with a basic swim assessment to determine their level. The students are then grouped in beginning, intermediate and advanced groups as they build skills at their own pace. Skills are developed cumulatively, beginning with balance, floating, breathing and gliding, and then moving on to legwork and advanced strokes. The emphases of the advanced lessons are technique, endurance, and timing.
The pool is covered most of the year, but the roof can open in the sunnier months. The pool area is lifeguarded and heated. The water temperature is maintained at around 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The swim instructors, hired and trained by the swim school at the Goldstein Youth Village, give feedback about the students’ progress.
If you would like to know more about the swim program at JAIS or have questions, please let us know. For more information about the swimming pool availability (for private use) you can visit the pool website or email hapoel.swim@gmail.com.
