“The Kilmer has participated in YETI for several years and each year, our students love applying the rowing skills learned at school with community rowing in a competitive setting. Not only do students love the competitive nature of the event, they love interacting with other schools and meeting new students across the city. The whole day is such a positive event, that it is now a part of our school culture. We take our 5th grade students each year, our rising 4th graders look forward to their turn on the trip as they hear the older students talking about it as they return to school. Thank you Community Rowing for giving us this opportunity each year!”

Shannon Wyman, Joyce Kilmer K-8, West Roxbury

“We have partnered with Community Rowing for [4] years now and have been able to introduce the program to over [500] student in grades 5-8!  The most significant changes that I saw in students was their ability to work together and show encouragement and support for each other. Something else that I heard from teachers was that students came back to class more focused and willing to work with one another because they had participated in vigorous physical activity and they had fun doing it! The past 2 years we have participated in the rowing championships/YETI and it brought such excitement to the school community! Both parents and selected participants were thrilled to be involved because rowing isn’t something that is typically offered as an activity in most public schools. I think one of the most exciting things about the rowing program is that it is accessible to all students no matter their academic ability and that makes them feel successful. At the Haley even the teachers got involved and had an after school rowing club during the time we had the ergs. Overall I know that this program is helping to build our school community and  The coaches in the program promote self discovery, team work, commitment and leadership skills.”

Angelica Scott, Haley Pilot School, Roslindale

“The CRI coaches are energetic, eager to work with our students and provide instant feedback which allows our students to make the proper adjustments to feel successful at a team sport they are not used to. The Community Rowing comes to our school in January, our students love the workout during the cold winter in Mattapan and best of all, they develop an enthusiasm, understanding and respect for Rowing. We love seeing their faces when they are competing with another group of students and they get so excited that they are literally cheering each other on so loud that we have to signal them to keep their voices down. Our students love competing, they love indoor rowing and they love when we get an opportunity to go the boathouse and row at the Charles.”

Sadie Soto & Kevin Gadson, Mildred Ave MS, Mattapan