To the Editor:

Thank you to Newtown Parks and Recreation for an excellent program offering summer swim lessons to children at Treadwell pool. My daughters, 8 and 6, just completed their classes for the second summer in a row, and I cannot speak highly enough about their experiences.

Each two-week session is made up of daily, 30-minute lessons that teach children skills, stroke technique, and games that develop their confidence in the water. What is most striking is the staff members' enthusiasm. The instructors, aides, and aides-in-training, many of whom are current or former Newtown High School students and swim team members, are outstanding. Their cheerful encouragement and gentle, thoughtful corrections provide a positive environment that encourages young children to meet each new challenge.

I teach at Newtown High School and have had the privilege of working with several of the teenagers who teach and assist these swim classes. It was an absolute joy to watch them work so well with my own children. This is one of the many wonderful programs offered by Newtown Parks and Recreation that benefits Newtown families and allows many of our talented teenagers and young adults to shine.

Sayward Parsons

10 Checkerberry Lane, Sandy Hook         July 5, 2017