Shocker Blast: Jan. 18, 2019

 
Shock the Future  Provost Rick Muma talks about the Shock the Future referendum

Provost Rick Muma talks about Shock the Future

Provost Richard D. Muma discusses the infrastructure needs on the ϱ campus that could be addressed with the passing of a referendum in early March.


College of Health Professions dean will host a Shock the Future Town Hall

Shock the Future

Sandra Bibb, dean of the College of Health Professions, will host a College of Health Professions Town Hall meeting to answer questions and spark discussion on the Shock the Future Referendum, a student-led campaign that identifies a list of academic and student success infrastructure needs.

You’re invited to attend the Town Hall at noon Tuesday, Jan. 22, in 200 Ahlberg, Hall.

This is your opportunity to share your thoughts with your dean, and to be a part of ϱ’s growth.


WSU honors the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

MLK Celebrations Jan. 2019

ϱ will celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a series of events on campus and throughout the city.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday honors a man who brought hope and healing to America.

This monthlong celebration begins Thursday, Jan. 17, and will last until Thursday, Jan. 24, through citywide collaboration with organizations such as Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., The Kansas African American Museum, Christian Faith Centre, and the Greater Wichita Ministerial League.

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Spring 2019 aid disbursements

Spring Aid Disbursements

Financial Aid Disbursement: Spring financial aid disbursement begins in mid-January, with direct deposits for excess financial aid beginning Jan. 16 and paper checks mailed yesterday (Thursday, Jan. 17). Please fill out your 2018-2019 FAFSA and submit any missing requirements or documents to the Office of Financial Aid as soon as possible to avoid delays in their financial aid.

To review your account balance, students can access the Student Account Suite on their myWSU account under the myFinances tab. There, you can also sign up for direct deposit under the Refunds tab.

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Transfer Monitoring Holds: Federal financial aid regulations require that when a student enters an institution in the middle of an academic year, the Office of Financial Aid must place a Transfer Monitoring Hold on the student's financial aid for seven days. This hold allows our office to verify that the student is not receiving federal financial aid at another institution (regulations limit students to receiving federal financial aid at one school each payment period). Students who are transferring to ϱ this spring should call their previous school's financial aid office to ensure that their spring financial aid has been canceled at that school so that they can receive their disbursement from ϱ.


WSU announces Innovation Award recipients

Innovation Awards Jan. 22, 2019

The university community is invited to attend the fourth annual ϱ Innovation Awards at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22.

The Innovation Awards, hosted by WSU Ventures and WSU Strategic Initiatives, recognize students, faculty, staff and partners who execute programs and initiatives that greatly impact achievement of the university mission and vision.

The event will be held in the Beggs Ballroom. It is free and open to the public. 

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Recipients of the 2018 WSU Ventures Innovation Awards include:

  • Ambassador Karen Davis
  • Community Partner Envision
  • Creative Works Gerardo Olivares
  • First Dollar Billy Martin
  • Innovation Partner Spirit AeroSystems
  • Patents Gerardo Olivares, Hyuck Kwon, Jie Yang, Khanh Pham, Vis Madhavan, John Tomblin, Brian Brown, Lamia Salah, Jibo He, Barbara Chaparro, Matthew Hannon, Zhiquan Ren, Ramazan Asmatulu, Heath Misak, Shang-You Yang, Paul Wooley, Vamsidhar Patlolla, Chandana K. K. Jayasooriya, Yang-Ki Hong, Ryan Syslo
  • Philanthropy WSU Foundation
  • Pioneer Vinod Namboodiri
  • President’s Innovation Award Jeremy Patterson, Masters of Innovation Design program and students
  • SBIR Brandon Hunt
  • Shocker Innovation Corps Breakout Heidi Bell
  • Shocker Innovation Corps Fellows Wei Wei, James Steck, Ernie Condon, Joel White, Nicole Stahl, Matt Goertz, Heidi Bell, David Hunsicker, Rui Ni, Bhisham Sharma, Li Yao, Scott Miller, Sergio Salinas, Ali Eslami, Vinod Namboodiri, Darren DeFrain
  • Shocker Innovation Corps Guru Gaylen Chandler, Chris Broberg
  • Trailblazer David Hunsicker
  • Visionary WSU Tech
  • Bright Future   Tyler Levesque, Kyle Kopecky, Holli Steiner, Ryan Becker, Seyed Ali Cheraghi, Amy Lightfoot, Dany Diaz-Sustaita, Jared Goering, Alejandro Arias-Esparza

Honors College Office will be housed in Hubbard Hall for spring and summer

Honors College office

The Cohen Honors College will be housed on the first floor of Hubbard Hall for the spring and summer during construction on Shocker Hall. You can find the main office in 113 Hubbard Hall.


WSU Honors course challenges students' mindsets

Honors courses and Peter Cohen

The Honors Leadership Challenge is a course taught by Peter Cohen whose mission is to challenge students and help them reflect on their interactions in class to prepare for life.

Students seek to identify ways to grow as individuals, and use their strengths to interact with the group. During one class session, students worked in pairs on an exercise known as Immunity to Change, in which students identify behaviors and beliefs which hinder them from achieving specific goals.

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Watch the latest episode of ‘In Focus’

In Focus January 2019

Take a closer look at the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences on the latest episode of “In Focus.” On this episode, we took a trip to Skeleton Acres where anthropology professor Peer Moore-Jansen and his students use forensic anthropology methods to study mock crime scenes, spoke with physics professor Nick Solomey about working with NASA to send a neutrino detector to the sun, and check out a popular first-year seminar where students get a taste of culture by sampling foods from other countries.

“In Focus” is a video series that features a different college within the university each episode, highlighting the amazing students, faculty, staff members and history of ϱ.

For more episodes, check out WSUTV on YouTube.


Enroll in ‘Introduction to Library Research’

Intro to Library Research spring 2019

University Libraries is accepting enrollment in our class LASI 170, ”Introduction to Library Research” for spring. This is a one-credit eight-week course offered online and F2F. The course objectives and other details about this class are online at .

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Whether you have little experience doing library research or are experienced and want to learn more challenging search tricks, you will enjoy this class because we tailor many assignments to your personal experience.

Students often say they wish they  had taken this class as a freshman because it has such practical information. View other course comments at .

 Late enrollments and over capacity will be accepted as deemed reasonable at the time of the request. Contact angela.paul@wichita.edu with questions or more information.


LaunchPrep applications are open

Launch Prep Apps Jan. 2019

LaunchPrep, a partnership between e2e Accelerator and ϱ’s Center for Entrepreneurship, provides your early-stage company access to a select group of local successful entrepreneurs and mentors. Their one-on-one mentorship will enable you to get your venture off the ground.

Applications opened Wednesday, Jan. 2. Find out more information at . 


Call for Fiscal Year 2020 Educational Opportunity and Student Fee funding requests

It's again time to begin the process for submission of funding requests through Student Government for the Educational Opportunity Fund and Student Services Fee for FY 20. Through student fees, these programs provide funding for financial assistance to students (Educational Opportunity Fund) or the funding of programs / activities delivered directly to students (student fees).

If you've submitted requests in the past, the Budget / Review Officer should have received an email from the Budget Office last week to kick-off the submission process. If you have not submitted requests in the past, but are considering submitting a new request, please contact Lauren Smith, Jason Post, or David Miller in the Budget Office at 978-3030 for more information.

Requests are due no later than Friday, Jan. 25.


CCHT announces January events of focused awareness

Human Trafficking Awareness Month Jan. 2019

Per Presidential Proclamation, January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. The WSU Center for Combating Human Trafficking (CCHT) invites you to join in on this month of focused awareness events that offers the opportunity to engage, educate, and inspire our community to combat abuse and exploitation. [Poster - attached] For more information and to stay up to date throughout January follow CCHT on , , and 

Located on the WSU campus, CCHT is a team of survivor-leaders and long-term multidisciplinary professionals who represent more than 140 years of combined personal, direct practice, advocacy and research expertise in the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Anti-Trafficking Movements. Together, they are committed to empowering the nation’s capacity to provide effective prevention, assessment, identification, intervention, restoration and aftercare / prosperity promoting responses to young people who are survivors of the streets.

As a not-for-profit functioning under the structure of WSU, CCHT is unique in that they work and provide training all over the country on their Lotus Anti-Trafficking ModelTM in addition to investing in the Wichita community by providing direct services and training opportunities locally. 

January Human Trafficking Awareness events


First-generation student never gave up on his dream

David Bustos-Morales

College graduation can be an emotional time, not only for students, but for the family who supported them along the way.

Wichitan Yesennia Vielmas is married to a man who, until recently, didn't think college was for him. But spurred on by his desire to make her and their daughter proud, David Bustos-Morales persevered. On Dec. 16, he graduated from ϱ with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.

Read from David in his own words what going to college and earning his degree meant to him.


GRASP student abstracts are due by Feb. 18

GRASP Abstracts due in Feb. 2019

Graduate Research & Scholarly Projects (GRASP) student abstracts are due by Monday, Feb. 18. View GRASP deadlines and instructions at .

Graduate student research is showcased at a university-wide annual poster symposium on Friday, April 26. Prizes are awarded.


Participate in Kansas Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol

Undergraduate Research Day

Undergraduate researchers from all disciplines are encouraged to submit their application for the annual Kansas Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol poster symposium on Wednesday, Feb. 20, in Topeka.

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Researchers must:

  • be undergraduates during the 2018-2019 academic year;
  • have completed research under the guidance of a Kansas 4-year public institution faculty mentor;
  • follow the methodology of the appropriate academic discipline;
  • be of sufficient quality to be presented at a professional academic meeting;
  • have the skills, resources, and capacity to produce a professional academic poster;
  • agree to undergo presentation training and rehearse their presentations prior to the Capitol event.

Go to  for a submission form. More questions? 
Email undergraduateresearch@wichita.edu.


Student input sought on future of Safe Ride program

The Prevention Services Advisory Board requests student input about the future of the Safe Ride program. Please go to /saferide and complete the survey. Thank you for your input!


Submit your applications for Senior Honor awards

Senior Honor awards

Applications are being sought for ϱ’s 2019 Senior Honor awards. This is considered to be one of the most prestigious honors a student can receive at WSU. Up to 10 students are chosen for this honor each year. The application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8.  To review the eligibility requirements and application process, go to .


Part-time tutors needed

Part-time tutors

TRiO-Student Support Services (SSS) is accepting tutor applications for the spring 2019 semester in accounting, biology, chemistry, English and upper level math.

Applicants are considered for interviews if they meet the following criteria:

  • Enrolled as a sophomore, junior, senior or graduate student at WSU
  • Have a cumulative 3.0 GPA or better
  • Earned a grade of B or better in the courses s/he will be tutoring

Applications for the position, and instructions for submitting your application can be found on the SSS website.


Get a New Year’s membership with Campus Recreation

Campus Recreation membership

Join Campus Recreation! Achieve your fitness resolution! Membership benefits include access to all ShockerFit classes, access to intramural sport participation, access to F45 classes, and more. Click on Campus Recreation for more information and to join us.


Americorps VISTA opportunities

Americorps VISTA

Anyone wanting to get involved with Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA) can apply at my.Americorps.gov.

AmeriCorps VISTA members have a mission to bring individuals and communities out of poverty. Members make a year-long, full-time commitment to serve on a specific project at a nonprofit agency. For more information, contact WSU VISTA Leader, email shyla.thompson@wichita.edu.


Course in Japanese film and culture will be offered this semester

JAPN 300B, a course in Japanese film and culture, will be offered this semester at WSU South.  The course will cover a variety of movies, from classics such as “Godzilla” and “Rashomonto modern movies like “Princess Mononoke” and “Nobody Knows.” The class is open to anyone with an interest in Japanese film, and knowledge of the Japanese language is not a requirement. Shuttle buses will run to WSU South for students who do not have transportation.

This course will count toward the new minor in Japanese that began in the fall semester. 


Sign up for Springfest 2019

Springfest 2019

Student Involvement and Campus Recreation invite you to register for Springfest 2019. Springfest is a kick-off for the spring semester for both student organizations and university departments. Located in the Heskett Center gym, this event is a way for WSU students to check out the different organizations we have on campus, as well as discover the amazing resources this campus offers. Along with informational tables, Springfest includes music, inflatables, food, prizes and contests for all students to participate. To register, go to .


Ulrich Museum of Art spring exhibitions / programs / events

Ulrich Museum

The Ulrich Museum of Art has announced its spring 2019 exhibitions, programs and events.

The exhibitions “In the Wake” and “Solving For X = Sustainability” will run from Thursday, Jan. 24-Sunday, March 31. The Frederick Judd Waugh: “Waterscapes” will run now through Sunday, March 31.

The spring exhibition party will be held from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, at the Ulrich Museum.

Ulrich Museum spring exhibitions / programs / events


WSU places eight student interns in D.C. and Topeka

Department of Political Science

The Political Science Department has placements for all of its D.C. / Topeka interns this semester.

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The eight WSU students are working for a mix of legislative and interest group offices:

Ariel Khosravipour – Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kansas)

Alexandria Arthur – Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kansas)

Kathlynn Short – Sen. John Thune (R-South Dakota)

Alejandro Arias-Esparza – Fairvote.org

Adrianna Somerville – ReflectUS

Franciso Salgado – National Migrant and Seasonal Headstart Association

Jaiden Soupene – Agenda Clerk to Kansas Senate Democratic Caucus (Topeka)

Hannah Chegwidden – State Rep. Brandon Whipple (D-Wichita), (Topeka)

The students are a diverse group by age, race and ethnicity, gender and partisanship. Through the support of our departmental donors, including former Gov. Mark Parkinson, and the Cohen Honors College, the Political Science Department covers housing and transportation costs for all interns. 

For more information, contact Neal Allen, chairperson, Political Science Department, at neal.allen@wichita.edu or call 978-7133. 


Upcoming Office of Diversity and Inclusion events

ODI events

Almost every day of the year, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion hosts opportunities for our students, faculty, staff and community members to meet, experience and engage with people of various cultures, identities, perspectives and experiences. As the work of our office in partnership with programs, units and individuals across campus continues, we are hopeful that you will take time out of your busy schedule to join us at one of our upcoming events. Go to  for a full list of events.


New InBody270 Body Composition Analyzer at the Heskett Center

InBody

Campus Recreation and the Heskett Center are offering a January only deal for their new InBody270 body composition analyzer. This new machine provides exact, in depth results in only 15 seconds, allowing you to understand and train for your desired fitness like never before.

In January, you can get a single scan for $5, or purchase a monthly scan (a pack of 12) for $50. Here is more information about the . Make sure you act on this offer before the month is up!


League coaches pick Shockers to finish second

Softball preseason poll 2019

Coming off an NCAA Regional appearance a season ago, the ϱ softball team was picked to finish second in the 2019 American Athletic Conference Preseason Poll, it was announced last week.

ϱ picked up three first place votes and 43 total points from league coaches, just two points behind USF. The Bulls are the preseason favorites after going 39-23 in 2018 and falling in the American Athletic Conference Championship game to Tulsa.


Child Development Center is hiring teacher assistants

CDC openings

Looking for a job that is close, fun and flexible….then the ϱ Child Development Center is the right place for you.

The ϱ Child Development Center is currently hiring teacher assistants!  We are also hiring for our substitute list. If you are interested please contact us at 978-3109 or stop by and fill out an application. We work around your current class schedule, we’re fun, and it’s a great atmosphere to work in.  Come see us soon!

Visit us on our .


ϱ names new coordinator for Esports

Matthew "Tyler" Levesque

Matthew “Tyler” Levesque has been named the coordinator for Esports at ϱ University. Levesque completed his Bachelor’s in Government at the University of Texas and recently earned his Master’s in Sport Management from ϱ.

Starting this spring, WSU will have competitive varsity Esports teams and will compete in intercollegiate play through the National Association of Collegiate eSports (NACE). ϱ will compete against schools ranging from division 1 institutions to NAIA affiliated schools, including Miami, Boise State, Georgia Southern University, University of North Texas, and hundreds of others belonging to NACE. An Esports Café is being added in the Heskett Center, room 109 and will serve as the home for varsity teams along with gamers from all over ϱ’s campus.   

For more information on Esports at WSU, go to wichita.edu/esports


A challenge to give blood and save lives

Blood Drive January 2019

January is National Blood Donor Month, declared by President Richard Nixon in 1970, to pay tribute to voluntary blood donors and increase donation by others. Winter weather and illness can make it difficult for the American Red Cross to maintain a sufficient blood supply this time of year. Healthy, eligible donors are urged to give now!

All presenting donors will receive a free T-shirt.

Upcoming Blood Drive:

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, and Thursday, Jan. 31, in the Heskett Center.

To view available times and to schedule your donation appointment, go to  and enter the sponsor code: ϱ.

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You can also call 1-800-RedCross to schedule your blood donation appointment. Walk-ins are welcome.

Photo ID or Red Cross Donor Card required.

  • Be sure to complete a RapidPass prior to your next blood donation to save time at your next blood drive. RapidPass lets donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from the convenience of a computer at home or work. To get started, visit  and follow the instructions.
  • Blood donors with the most recent version of the Red Cross Blood Donor App can now view their health history information, including blood pressure, hemoglobin levels and pulse rate, on their donor card within the app. The donor card in the app can also be used as a donor’s official form of identification when donating. Download the app by texting “BLOODAPP” to 90999 or searching “American Red Cross” in app stores.

Free suicide prevention training to be offered

Suicide Prevention Training Jan. 24, 2019

Learn to help your community with the WSU Counseling and Testing Center’s free #WSUWeSupportU Preventing Suicide Training. This hour-long training will prepare you to recognize the signs and respond appropriately to at-risk individuals. The next class will be from 11 a.m.-noon Thursday, Jan. 24.

To register: Students – go to


Weekly Briefing update

Weekly Briefing

Here's a recap of the news from yesterday's (Thursday, Jan. 17) Weekly Briefing.

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Shock the Future website / upcoming deans featured

With the student referendum on infrastructure improvements set for March, we want to let you know that the Shock the Future website is now live at . There you’ll find a FAQ, videos about the proposed improvements, ways you can have your voice heard and more.

In addition, our weekly briefings through the end of February will feature the deans of Health Professions, Fairmount College, University Libraries, Applied Studies and Engineering—as well as Provost Rick Muma on Feb. 28—to share what the referendum means to their colleges and the entire student body.

We encourage everyone to visit the website, attend these briefings, ask questions, and learn more about the positive impact these improvements will make for current and future students.

ROTC at WSU

If you’ve been on campus recently, you may have noticed that there have been uniformed Army personnel visiting Shocker Nation. Today we are excited to announce that we are in the beginning stages of bringing ROTC to ϱ. We look forward to this exciting new initiative and will announce further details as they transpire.

Campus update

As the campus continues to develop, we’re happy to announce that work on the next partnership building, known as P3, and the new Crash Dynamics Lab is underway. Both will be located at 18th and Innovation Blvd.

  • Also, the Hyatt Place hotel is scheduled to break ground this spring near 19th and Oliver.
  • There are active negotiations with other retailers at Braeburn Square.
  • Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is scheduled to open at Braeburn Square this August.
  • Our newest living option, The Suites, will be open by summer.
  • And Wilkins Stadium is currently adding a landscape drainage area to handle a hundred-year rainfall.

We’ll keep you updated on these developments, and more, when details become available.

Innovation Awards, Jan. 22

With innovation at the center of everything we do, we invite you to ϱ’s fourth annual Innovation Awards on Jan. 22.

The Innovation Awards, hosted by WSU Ventures and WSU Strategic Initiatives, recognize students, faculty, staff and partners who execute programs and initiatives that greatly impact achievement of the university’s mission and vision.

The event is from 3-4 p.m. in the Rhatigan Student Center Beggs Ballroom. It’s free and open to the public.

University closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Monday, Jan. 21

In honor of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the university will be closed on Monday, Jan. 21.

The university will also celebrate Dr. King with events on campus, and through a citywide collaboration, from today through Jan. 24. Capping off this series of events is the Office of Diversity and Inclusion’s 11th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Commemoration at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, in the Rhatigan Student Center Beggs Ballroom.

Many of these events are free, and we encourage everyone to attend.

For a compiled guide to this year’s events, visit .


‘Teaching in the American Classroom’

Teaching in the American Classroom Jan. 23, 2019

“Teaching in the American Classroom” is for anyone who is currently teaching at WSU or who wishes to teach at WSU in the future, and is not familiar with higher education institutions in the United States. The presenter will be Freh Wuhib in Instructional Design & Access, from noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, in 142 RSC. Lunch will be provided for the first 30 students.

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Join us and learn about different classroom formats in American higher education institutions, diversity in the American classroom, and cultural interactions with students, colleagues and faculty. Also covered will be available resources to support challenges that arise within the American classroom and academic assessment strategies.

* This event is eligible for a digital credential (noncredit badge). Want more information? Visit the ProfDev Series section of the Blackboard class.


Students need to apply by Jan. 25 to present at Capitol poster symposium

undergrad research deadline Jan. 25, 2019

Applications to present at the annual Kansas Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol poster symposium are due by Friday, Jan. 25.

For more information about this opportunity to showcase student research to legislators and members of KBOR, visit  or email undergraduateresearch@wichita.edu.


MLK Day bowling special

MLK Bowling Special Jan. 21, 2019

Enjoy $1.50 bowling games from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 21, at the Shocker Sports Grill & Lanes. Rental shoes are included free of charge! 


‘Men Rising: Courageous Conversations to Restore our Community’ event coming Jan. 24

Men Rising Jan. 24, 2019

The WSU Center for Combating Human Trafficking along with One Love Unified Foundation and Real Men Real Heroes will host “Men Rising: Courageous Conversations to Restore Our Community.” The event will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, in the CAC Theater.

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In conversations regarding human trafficking and sexual exploitation, men are oftenonly viewed as the problem. However, to effectively fight against all types of violence,our community is in desperate need of men who will stand up for those who experienceabuse and exploitation.

This event will feature men in our community engaging in courageous conversationsto explore how men can become greater champions of change to combat these injustices,and to uplift our community in the name of accountability, brotherhood and love, endingwith a musical performance!


Sign up for pre-season intramural basketball tournament

Pre-season basketball tournament intramurals

The pre-season 5v5 basketball tournament is an intramural sport tournament. Register to participate on imleagues.com/wichita now to Saturday, Jan. 26. The event begins on Jan. 26.


 2v2 intramural Rocket League coming soon

Rocket League for intramurals

Rocket League is a 2v2 intramural league beginning Sunday, Jan. 27. To participate, register on imleagues.com/wichita now to Friday, Jan. 25. 


Give pickleball a try

Pickleball intramurals

Pickleball is an intramural league beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 29. To participate, sign up on imleagues.com/wichita now to Friday, Jan. 25.


Aqua Shocks spring 2019 swim lessons are available

Swim lessons spring 2019Spring 2019 swim lessons are available for the following periods: Feb. 4-March 2, March 4-April 6, and April 8-May 4. Questions should be directed to Tonya Blattner, Shocks Swim School director, at tblattner11@gmail.com or at 316-833-6544.