written by: Matt Skinner, CCS Communications

Carrollton Elementary School student Samir Rivas laughs as water pours down during the PALS swim celebration at Midtown Water Park on June 26.

CARROLLTON, GA — Nearly 100 Carrollton Elementary School students wrapped up a summer of swimming and water safety instruction on Thursday, June 26. The Positive Academic Learning Stars (PALS) program celebrated the end of its summer session with a morning at the Carrollton Midtown Water Park, where students showcased their newly learned skills.

Now in its third year, the program is a partnership between Carrollton City Schools and the City of Carrollton, teaching students to swim and equipping them with basic water safety skills.

Carrollton Elementary School Principal Courtney Walker emphasized the program reaches far beyond the pool.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to witness our PALS students not only learn to swim but also gain confidence and a strong awareness of water safety,” said Walker. “This ongoing partnership with the City of Carrollton and the support from the Carrollton City Schools Education Foundation truly transforms their summer and empowers them with life skills they’ll carry with them.”

The Carrollton City Schools Education Foundation provided funding for this year’s instruction through their enrichment experience program.

“We were proud to support the PALS swim initiative this summer,” said Foundation Board President Melina Douthit. “Providing opportunities like this—where students learn beyond the classroom, gaining confidence and essential life skills—is at the heart of the Foundation’s mission, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to make it happen.”