Scooping Knowledge at the YMCA: The

Abel and Adiel Arevalo enjoy an ice cream treat at the Little Learners program.

SCOOPING UP KNOWLEDGE

by Hannah Geaumont, Communications & Social Media Manager for the Tampa

Metropolitan Area YMCA and YMCA of the Suncoast

For 132 years, the

Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA has worked to create a healthier Tampa community, help kids and families and engage community members to work together to create a better tomorrow. The Y provides a place for people—regardless of age, income or background—to be healthier, more confident, connected and secure. From quality out-of-school programming to life-saving swim lessons, values-based youth sports and engaging healthy activities for the entire family, our programs and initiatives develop a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Many parents are likely aware of our fitness and youth sports programs. However, many may now know that we offer programs for children as young as 2 years old! THE LITTLE LEARNERS PROGRAM is generously funded by the Conn Memorial Foundation and provides children ages 2-5 with activities to enhance emotional, social and motor skills. The Little Learners program helps children engage in structured activities to help prepare them for kindergarten.

Grismeldy Rodriguez and her partner Albert Arevalo enrolled their sons in this program to socialize with other kids their age.

Abel and his identical twin brother Adiel were in a class with 10 other Little Learners. Rodriguez had fears going into the program: “We were worried the boys weren’t ready to be in a social setting with other children and considered pulling them out of the program, but Erica (the Program Director) assured us the boys were benefitting from it.” During the six-week class, the Arevalo boys had a steady yet robust social learning process.

Erica Brundidge is the Early Childhood Engagement Director at the Spurlino Family YMCA. She and her team work hand-in-hand to provide children with fun, developmentally appropriate educational activities.

“For many families, the Little Learners program is their child’s first experience in an early childhood education setting,” Brundidge says. “One of the primary reasons families enroll in the program is to provide their child with an opportunity to learn and socialize. On the last day of class, I was able to share a milestone I observed earlier in the day. One of the boys initiated play with a classmate, something he couldn’t do at the beginning of the six weeks. When I witness that type of growth, I know the mission of the Little Learners program is being fulfilled.”

Programs like Little Learners prepare our youngest community members for a bright future.

In 2021, through the support of donors and community members, the Tampa YMCA provided 26,349 children with education support through early learning, after-school care and summer camp programs.

Rodriguez and Arevalo are proud of their sons’ accomplishments and experience as YMCA members.

You, too, can become one of our fulfilled Y families today when you join now and register your child of any age for one of our programs!

Your Guide to: Tampa BayArea Schools

The Tampa Bay area is lucky to have such a wealth of incredible private, charter and magnet education options that make it easy to find the perfect school for your child.

ACADEMY AT THE LAKES 2331 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes 34639 813-948-7600; academyatthelakes.org/admission

The school’s ethic of opportunity and “You Matter Here” philosophy empower our students to become well-rounded individuals who have the confidence and the knowledge to change the world. With talented, dedicated, and caring teachers leading the way, Academy enjoys a 100% 4-year college placement rate.

ACADEMY OF THE HOLY NAMES 3319 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa 33629 813-839-5371; holynamestpa.org

The Academy of the Holy Names is a Catholic, coeducational elementary school and college preparatory high school for young women, sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary. Since 1881, the Academy has empowered students to be authentic individuals who engage in independent thought, are inspired by creativity, and lead culturally aware, spiritually rich lives.

BAYSHORE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 3909 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa 33611 813-839-4297; bayshorechristianschool.org

Bayshore Christian School is a college preparatory, accredited, non-denominational Christian school serving students 2 years old through 12th grade. Founded in 1971, Bayshore Christian School is located on 10 acres in residential South Tampa. BCS provides athletics and fine arts opportunities in addition to a rigorous and challenging academic curriculum.

BELL CREEK ACADEMY 13221 Boyette Road, Riverview 33569 813-793-6075; bellcreekacademy.com

A tuition-free public charter school proudly serving grades 6-12, Bell Creek provides a well-rounded college preparatory education. The challenging and rigorous curriculum includes a special concentration on math and science, a technology-rich atmosphere and a focus on character development. We are an “A” rated Florida School of Excellence offering the Cambridge Program for Advanced Studies and an award-winning athletic program and are Cognia accredited.

BERKELEY PREPARATORY SCHOOL 4811 Kelly Road, Tampa 33615 813-885-1673; berkeleyprep.org

Ranked as one of the BEST private schools in Florida (NICHE), Berkeley Preparatory School presents a safe, nurturing environment featuring inspiring teaching, engaged parents and alumni, and outstanding resources, including incomparable facilities on a beautiful campus. We develop and expect strong character, promote innovation and growth, and desire excellence in all that we do. Simply put, the educational journey at Berkeley is truly extraordinary.

BOWERS/WHITLEY BUILDING CONSTRUCTION ACADEMY 13609 N. 22nd St., Tampa 33613 813-558-1750; hillsboroughschools.org/buildingtampastomorrow

COMING 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR! The Bowers/Whitley Career Acceleration Academy will be transformed into our new Building Construction Academy for high school students. Students can participate in A/C Refrigeration, Heating Technology (HVAC), Plumbing, and Welding programs. For more details and the latest updates, please visit hillsboroughschools.org/ buildingtampastomorrow. Enrollment: 475 Class-Size: 7:1 Grades: PreK3-grade 12 Tuition: $14,000 - $26,500

Enrollment: 975 Class-Size: Varies Grades: PreK-grade 8 (Coed); grades 9-12 (All Girls) Tuition: $13,650 – $21,790

Enrollment: 340 Class-Size: 11:1 Grades: age 2 - grade 12 Tuition: $9,300-$11,340

Grades: 6-12 Tuition: FREE

Enrollment: 1,401 Fall 2022 Class-Size: 20 Grades: PreK-grade 12 Tuition: $19,400$29,390

Enrollment: 150 Grades: 9-12 Tuition: FREE