The students participated in the Smith Opportunities for Activities and Recreation (SOAR) swimming program at the Smith Family YMCA. Fifth grade students from T.E. Culbertson, M.J. Cunningham, Edna Keith, A.O. Marshall, Isaac Singleton, and Woodland Elementary Schools attended the after-school program. The students and teacher chaperones traveled by bus from school twice a week to the YMCA for the swimming lessons for eight-week sessions. During the swim classes, students learned important lessons about water safety and developed a variety of swimming skills. The free program was open to all fifth grade students at the above mentioned schools on a first come, first served basis. The SOAR partnership with District 86 and the Smith Family YMCA began in 2008.