Partnership Provides Learning Opportunities

Sixth grade students from McKinley Middle School recently toured the heart-care areas of Mercy Medical Center as part of a science unit on the vascular system. The tour included a visit to the emergency department, lung center, catheterization laboratory, and the cardiovascular rehabilitation department. Along the way, the students also had the opportunity to participate in hands-on activities and ask questions about heart disease, risk factors, diet and exercise.

Mercy and McKinley are paired through the Cedar Rapids Community School District's School + Community Partnership Program.

“We are very proud of our partnership with Mercy Medical Center, and feel that it has been of great benefit to both McKinley and to Mercy,” said Dr. Kristen Rickey, McKinley Principal. “Together we are creating a stronger connection between the world of education and the world of work for our students, giving more relevance to classroom learning and inspiring our students to dream about their own roles in our community as they grow.”

“Mercy's partnership with McKinley is a win-win for both organizations. It's wonderful to have the middle school students come right across the street for field trips and other learning opportunities,” added Karen Vander Sanden, Mercy Public Relations Specialist. “Our staff also enjoys visiting McKinley and working with the students right in the classroom. Our hope is that we're learning from each other.”