Kutztown Strong worked at easing the transition back into school mode for Kutztown high and middle school students with a Farewell to Summer Pool Party at the Kutztown Pool Aug. 24.
“We tried this last year and it went over really well,” said Kelley Neyhart, Kutztown Strong board vice president. “Hopefully, in addition to a fun evening, it will set students up to think about Kutztown Strong for the coming year.”
Kutztown Strong runs programs for students throughout the school year directed at helping them cope with the enticements of substance abuse during these vulnerable years. Neyhart said studies have shown that the most dangerous time for students is the period between when they get out from school and the time that their parents get home from work.
In addition to educational and other programs run by Kutztown Strong, Neyhart, along with his wife Celine, work at filling some of those hours with fun activities that will help them avoid problems just because they don’t have anything to do. The afternoons when teacher conferences or other commitments cause the school to close early are especially targeted. Activities during the past year have included game and creative days at the high school, parent and student trips to Kutztown University basketball games, movies and afternoons at the KU recreation center.
Kutztown Strong is supported in all these activities by the Kutztown Community Partnership, grants and their own fundraising efforts. Last Christmas the students, with the help of Celine Neyhart, raised more than $3,000 selling Pa. Dutch redware Christmas tree ornaments designed and produced by themselves.
