Goggles in hand and smiles all around, students at W.H. Adamson High School are diving into a new era of athletics.
By mastering the water, these students strengthen their physical endurance while securing their safety and claiming their independence both in and out of the pool.The inaugural adaptive swim initiative, a vital addition to the curriculum, is designed to provide essential water safety and aquatic instruction to students in the Functional Living Skills and 18+ Transition programs.
Jennifer Rottkamp, FLS teacher and special education co-department chair, says the program provides her students with an athletic experience enjoyed by their peers.
Beyond athletics, she emphasizes the program as a vital safety measure for a population that faces a higher risk of water-related accidents.
“The atmosphere during our first practice was really special,” Rottkamp said. “There was a mix of excitement, nerves, and pride. You could feel that this was a new experience for many of our students. As the session went on, that initial hesitation shifted into confidence, laughter, and genuine joy.”
Certified aquatic instructors and Dallas ISD teachers, including Rottkamp, jump into the pool themselves to provide one-on-one support, immediate feedback, and it’s an opportunity to deepen their relationships with students.
During these sessions, students learn and practice the fundamentals of water safety such as learning to hold their breath, blow bubbles, and float while kicking their feet.
“Once students built trust with their instructor and realized they were safe, you could visibly see their body language change. You could see trust develop quickly, which made a big difference in student engagement and success,” Rottkamp said.
Lessons are designed to build upon themselves week after week as students gain physical strength and fluency in the water. While some are perfecting their form, others are beginning to swim laps. As they build physical endurance and confidence, they sharpen their ability to follow multi-step verbal directions and practice teamwork.
While the goal is to someday see Dallas ISD students on a Special Olympics podium, the immediate victory is the growth happening on the pool deck. Students who may have once been hesitant to enter the water are encouraging each other to embrace the challenge and build confidence.
“The most rewarding part has been seeing something we advocated for and built from the ground up finally come to life for our students,” Rottkamp said. “This experience reinforces that they are capable, competitive, and part of a team representing their school.”
