DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Lionville Middle School (LMS) has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering student health by renewing its partnership with the Lionville Community YMCA, a member of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine. This collaboration offers a significant advantage to LMS’s seventh-grade students, granting them complimentary access to the YMCA’s extensive fitness and wellness facilities.
In its second year, this partnership underscores the dedication of the Downingtown Area School District (DASD) and local community organizations to promote physical health and instill lifelong wellness habits among students. As part of the initiative, LMS Physical Education teachers will guide students through an orientation of the YMCA facilities, which includes state-of-the-art fitness equipment, recreational spaces, and a variety of wellness classes.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Lionville Middle School,” remarked Andrew Holets, Executive Director of the Lionville Community YMCA. The initiative is designed to empower students to take an active role in their health and wellness, encouraging them, and potentially their families, to engage with the YMCA community. By providing this opportunity, the YMCA aims to inspire students to embark on their fitness journeys and establish enduring healthy habits.
The collaboration not only encourages seventh graders to utilize their free membership but also motivates them to maintain their YMCA affiliation into eighth grade, with the hope that their families might join as well. The LMS PE department is actively promoting this unique opportunity to its students.
Kristen Del Grippo, Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Lionville Middle School, expressed, “The collaboration between Lionville Middle School and the YMCA aligns perfectly with our commitment to student wellness. We’ve witnessed numerous students benefit from this partnership, and we’re eager to see it expand. Our goal is to empower students to make healthier choices and provide them with resources that support their growth both in and out of school.”
This initiative serves as a model for how community partnerships can enrich student experiences. Justin Brown, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at DASD, highlighted the broader implications of this collaboration, stating, “This partnership exemplifies the power of community organizations working together for the well-being of our students. By connecting with organizations like the YMCA, we’re able to expand the resources available to our students, encouraging not just physical health but also community connectedness. It’s inspiring to see how this collaboration supports the whole child.”
The district sees this partnership as a testament to the potential of strategic collaborations in enhancing student wellbeing and community engagement.
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