CINCINNATI — Nearly 1,000 students will hit the ice at the U.S. Bank Ice Rink on Fountain Square this winter, thanks to School Skates. First Student, the exclusive provider of school transportation services to Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS), is partnering with CPS, YMCA-led CincyAfterSchool and Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC) to give the students an opportunity to participate in one of the city’s most popular holiday attractions.
First Student will provide free round-trip transportation from each of the nine participating schools, ensuring safe and reliable bus service for the students to and from the ice rink. Thanks to 3CDC, students will skate free of charge. The program begins January 6 and runs weekdays through February 10. For many of the student in grades K through 12, this will be their first time on the ice.
“School Skates is a wonderful opportunity to experience the fun, downtown holiday atmosphere,” said Linda Burtwisle, First Student president. “We are very pleased to provide transportation again this season and look forward to helping to create happy memories for each student.”
“Because of transportation issues and lack of financial resources, skating on Ft. Square, an activity that has become a favorite Cincinnati pastime, would not be a possibility for many of the students in our CincyAfterSchool programs. School Skates is a great gift we can give which not only allows youth tohave fun, buttogain confidence, to improve their social skills, and toengaged in exercise as well.
Engaging young people in activities where they are growing and thriving academically, socially, and physically is what we are all about. We’re very appreciative of First Student and 3CDC for sharing in our cause,” said Sara Lewis, YMCA director of out-of-school time programs for the Community Services YMCA.
School Skates Schedule
NOTE: The best time to photograph School Skates is between 3:00 and 4:30 pm.
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January 6 |
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January 11 |
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January 13 |
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January 18 |
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January 19 |
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January 20 |
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January 27 |
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February 3 |
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February 10 |
About First Student
First Student, Inc. – a division of Cincinnati, Ohio-based First Student – is the leader in safe, reliable, sustainable transportation and the largest provider of student transportation services in North America. The company safely transports approximately six million students daily in the US and Canada, using a fleet of approximately 57,400 buses. The safety and security of its passengers is the company’s core value, and First Student was awarded the National Safety Council’s 2009 Green Cross for Safety Medal in recognition of its commitment to safety and outstanding safety record. For more information, please visit www.firststudentinc.com.
About CincyAfterSchool
With 32 sites, the nationally recognized CincyAfterSchool Network, led by the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, is a partnership between Cincinnati Public Schools, the YMCA, and other leading youth development agencies, school leaders, and volunteers representing the afterschool component of CPS’ Community Learning Center Initiative. The vision for the CPS Community Learning Center Initiative is to revitalize neighborhoods by leveraging schools as the hub for community services, programs, and enhancements to the quality of life, which will create the conditions conducive for learning.
About 3CDC
3CDC is a private, non-profit, real estate development and finance corporation focused on revitalizing Cincinnati’s urban core in partnership with the City of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati corporate community. 3CDC’s work is specifically focused on the Central Business District and in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. 3CDC also manages The Cincinnati Equity Fund (CEF) and the Cincinnati New Markets Fund (CNMF). These investment funds play an important role by providing needed financial capital to 3CDC’s development projects. For more information visit www.3cdc.org.