Crestwood School District Partners with Huron-Clinton Metroparks to Launch the Metroparks & Me Initiative
Dearborn Heights, MI – March 11, 2024 – Crestwood School District is proud to announce its partnership with the Huron-Clinton Metroparks in launching the Metroparks & Me initiative, a groundbreaking program aimed at enhancing swimming and science learning opportunities for students across Southeast Michigan.
The press conference held on Monday, March 11th at Highview Elementary School marked the official launch of the Metroparks & Me initiative, which seeks to raise $2.4 million over three years to fund the Supplemental Science program and the Everyone in the Pool program. This initiative aligns with the Metroparks’ commitment to breaking barriers that limit access to health, wellness, education, and quality of life opportunities.
In attendance were notable figures including Metroparks Director Amy McMillan, Wayne County Parks Director Alicia Bradford, Crestwood School District Superintendent Dr. Youssef Mosallam, and representatives from the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit and the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.
We extend a special thank you to Mrs. Linda Taleb, the principal of Highview Elementary, for her exemplary coordination of the press conference. Additionally, we commend our 4th grade teachers, Mr. Brian Paul, Mrs. Wendy Ellis, and Mrs. Marisa McNulty, for their efforts in securing the GOAL grant that made this partnership possible.
Dr. Youssef Mosallam, Superintendent of Crestwood School District, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “It is an honor and with much excitement that Highview Elementary was selected to take part in the G.O.A.L. Scholarship with Metroparks. This initiative fits directly into our curriculum and our vision of accelerating S.T.E.A.M. learning in our schools.”
The Metroparks & Me initiative aims to expand the reach of the Metroparks’ educational programs, which have already taught more than 4,000 youth life-saving water safety skills and facilitated over 2,000 field trips and 800 classroom programs. Amy McMillan, director of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks, emphasized the importance of expanding access to life-saving water skills and science learning beyond park boundaries, stating, “We’ve set an ambitious goal to continue eliminating the disparity in swimming and access to science learning. We’re determined to meet it.”
Through the Metroparks & Me initiative, Crestwood School District and the Huron-Clinton Metroparks aim to create lasting educational impacts and provide students with invaluable experiences in nature and science learning.
To learn more about partnering with or providing funding support to the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Foundation, please visit www.metroparks.com/metroparks-and-me/