Community Outreach
Sam Fabian, Program Manager
Michele Tryon, Coordinator
CHKD School Partnerships
We are proud to be Partners in Education with the following Virginia Beach City Schools/Programs:
*CHKD received the 2010 Model Partnership Award from Virginia Beach City Schools and
the 2010 Virginia Association for Teachers of Family and Consumer Services
Outstanding Business Industry Award.
School-Based Programs
CHKD On Tour: A free school-based program for 1st graders
CHKD staff will come to your school to present a 40-minute program designed
specifically for first graders to demonstrate what to expect if they ever need to visit the emergency room or
are admitted to the hospital. This program helps to reduce
the fear and anxiety children may experience when visiting a medical facility.
Click here for more information about CHKD on Tour.
The CHKD On Tour program introduces children to the hospital setting using fun and interactive activities that include a short video and medical play. The program reinforces that CHKD is a friendly place filled with professionals who want to help them get well. In addition, the CHKD transport unit (ambulance) can be available on-site for students to visit the day of the presentation. The CHKD On Tour experience will create a sense of familiarity with the hospital environment and build confidence for each student, easing anxiety and promoting coping if children do need to visit the real hospital. The program is typically presented for two classes at a time with a maximum of 55 students for each tour session. It can be presented two to four times during one tour day, depending on your first-grade enrollment.
Each student will be given a souvenir bag that includes Healthy Bear Goes to the Hospital which is SOL-aligned, a surgery coloring book, pencil, band aid dispenser, stickers and other student and parent educational material to take home.
To request the free CHKD On Tour program for your first-grade students, contact Sam Fabian at
(757) 668-7402 or via email at
Sandra.Fabian@chkd.org or download the request form here and send it back via the instructions on the form. Program availability is on a first come, first served basis and can be scheduled September through June.
Steps to Fitness
CHKD is offering a new pilot program, Kohl’s Cares for Kids Steps to Fitness Project. Two school districts have been identified to participate in our essay and proposal writing contest for 5th grade students. The Steps to Fitness pilot is designed to enhance the well being of children and families by providing educational information and hands-on learning regarding personal and family fitness. 5th grade students and their teachers take on the role of learning and demonstrating family fitness concepts to their entire school body. All students involved receive the Healthy Bear Steps to Fitness publication.
In addition, CHKD has teamed up with Quiet Riot a theater arts group from Pennsylvania, to present Steps to Fitness a 50 minute assembly program combining the hospital’s research in Children’s Health and the Quiet Riot’s unique entertainment style.
For more information contact Michele.Tryon@chkd.org or call (757)-668-9304.