CINCINNATI — First Student, provider of school transportation services to Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS), is partnering with CPS, YMCA-led CincyAfterSchool and 3CDC to give more than 500 students an opportunity to participate in one of the city’s most popular outdoor attractions ice skating at the U.S. Bank Ice Rink on Fountain Square. For many of the students, grades K through 12, participating in the first School Skates Program will be their first time on the ice.
First Student is providing free round-trip transportation from each of the 16 participating schools, ensuring safe and reliable bus service for the participants.And thanks to 3CDC and its subsidiary Fountain Square Management Group, participants will skate for FREE. The program began January 5 and runs weekdays through February 19.
“We are very pleased to participate in the School Skates Program and look forward to helping to create happy memories for each student,” said Linda Burtwistle, First Student president. “Fountain Square is such a lively and exciting place with the addition of the U.S. Bank Ice Rink. Every child should have the opportunity to experience this fun.”
“With the help of community partners, CincyAfterSchool offers students diverse activities that have led to improved grades, social skills and self confidence, and healthier lifestyles. The School Skates Program is giving our students an opportunity they may not otherwise have, and providing them with fun activity to put play in their day,” said Rebecca Kelley, YMCA district vice president overseeing CincyAfterSchool.
About First Student
First Student, Inc., a part of Cincinnati-based First Student, is the leader in safe, reliable, sustainable transportation and is the largest provider of student transportation services in North America. First Student was recently awarded the National Safety Council’s 2009 Green Cross for Safety Medal in recognition of its commitment to safety and outstanding safety record. First Studentsafely transports more than 4 million studentswith afleet of 60,000 yellow school buses in North America.For more information, please visitwww.firststudentinc.com.
About CincyAfterSchool
The CincyAfterSchool Network is a nationally recognized partnership between lead agency, the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, Cincinnati Public Schools, and other nonprofits, school leaders and volunteers representing the after school component of CPS’ Community Learning Center initiative. With 28 sites, CincyAfterSchool serves students in grades K through 12. Tutoring/mentoring; telecommunication/technology; career exploration; service learning; fine arts; leadership training; recreation; multi-cultural/diversity; non-school day programs including Saturdays, holidays, summers, evenings and family sessions are offered at each one.CincyAfterSchool program goals include: increasing student achievement, reducing risk-taking behavior, and providing balanced programming opportunities for all children, youth, and their families.
About 3CDC
The Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC) is a private, non-profit corporation formed in 2003.Its mission is to revitalize Cincinnati’s Center City as a regional center of high value employment and real estate by developing a diverse mix of housing, culture and entertainment. 3CDC is funded privately through business contributions, foundations and other philanthropic sources.For more information visitwww.3cdc.org.Fountains Square Management Group (FSMG) is a subsidiary of 3CDC charged with managing and programming Fountain Square.For more information visitwww.myfountainsquare.com.
School Skates Schedule
NOTE:All schools will depart Ft. Square at approximately 5 p.m. Arrival times will vary.
DateSchool Fountain Square Arrival Time (approx)
January 12 John P. Parker School 2:45 p.m.
January 13 Rees E. Price Academy 2:45 p.m.
January 14 South Avondale School 3:00 p.m.
January 15 Westwood School2:45 p.m.
January 18 MLK Jr. Day2:00 p.m.
January 19 Chase School2:45 p.m.
January 20 Silverton Paideia2:45 p.m.
January 21 Rothenberg Preparatory Academy 2:45 p.m.
January 22 Winton Montessori School 4:15 p.m.
January 25 Winton Hills Academy2:45 p.m.
January 26 Ethel M. Taylor Academy 2:45 p.m.
January 27 Hays Porter School 2:45 p.m.
January 28 South Avondale School 3:00 p.m.
January 29 Westwood School2:45 p.m.
Feb 1Mt. Airy School 2:45 p.m.
Feb 2Roberts Paideia Academy 4:15 p.m.
Feb 3Roberts Paideia Academy 4:15 p.m.
Feb 4Roberts Paideia Academy 4:15 p.m.
Feb 5Winton Montessori School 4:15 p.m.
Feb 9Sayler Park School 2:45 p.m.
Feb 10Hays-Porter School 3:15 p.m.
Feb 12Rockdale Academy 3:00 p.m.
Feb 19Rockdale Academy3:00 p.m.