The Brookside PREP Academy is “hanging ten” now that it has partnered with Skudin Surf in Long Beach to bring a new experiential learning opportunity to students. 

Brothers Cliff and Will Skudin own and operate Skudin Surf and paired up with a local school psychologist, Jeanine Sorenson and the Bellmore-Merrick PREP Academy to create a first of its kind surfing program partnership. 

The 10-week voluntary program is ongoing this fall and the curriculum includes oceanography, environmental awareness, as well as increasing physical agility and adaptive physical education through surfing.

“Seeing students apprehensive at first, then growing more confident and getting up on boards in the water, actually surfing, during the first session was such a proud moment to witness,” said Eric Caballero, the Director of Physical Education, Athletics, Driver Education and Health.

Caballero and Emily Paluseo, the Director of Special Education and Pupil Personnel Services, jointly worked on this venture.

“We are looking forward to a continued partnership and growing this program,” Caballero added. Cliff and Will are such ambassadors for the not only the great sport of surfing, but also the therapeutic qualities of the ocean including its benefits to the environment and mental health.  

A future goal includes incorporating leadership students from the district’s Meadowbrook Alternative Program as peer leaders.

In order to develop a next-level education, recreational and vocational experience for students the CHSD through age 21, the department of special education and pupil personnel services created a PREP Academy in 2020 to help prepare them for adult life.