South Side Academy is seeking donations for its kindergarten biking program. Children could soon be riding bikes in their physical-education classes, but they need to raise the funds first.
All Kids Bike, a national program that seeks to teach children in America how to ride a bike, is working to bring the physical-education program to the Youngstown charter school.
South Side Academy started the initiative late last year. If successful, the program would benefit approximately 100 students. South Side Academy is a K-8 charter school with 191 students, and is located at 1400 Oak Hill Ave. on Youngstown’s South Side.
South Side Academy Dean of Students Kristine Hunchuck said the bicycles would be used onsite (indoors and outdoors) and at Irma Davis Park, which is adjacent to the school. Bicycles would be housed at the school.
All Kids Bike equips schools with the materials they need to teach children how to ride; teacher training and certification, a structured eight-lesson curriculum, a fleet of Strider® 14x Bikes, pedal-conversion kits, fully-adjustable helmets, and a five-year support plan.
Launched in March 2018, there are 343 schools in 42 states with All Kids Bike Kindergarten PE Programs.
“Bike-riding has many mental health benefits that would be a positive addition to the lives of our students. Riding a bike can help to increase a child’s self-esteem and aide in goal-setting behaviors,” said Hunchuck.
“One of the best ways to get kids active is to get them excited about bicycles,” said All Kids Bike board member Ryan McFarland, “It’s a skill that is going to serve them in life.”
To learn more about the program or make a donation, visit here. Donations are tax deductible. South Side Academy is also interested in local program partners. For more information, call 330-774-5562 or email kh*******@so**********.org.
About Strider Education Foundation and All Kids Bike – All Kids Bike is a national movement led by the Strider® Education Foundation to place Kindergarten PE Learn-To-Ride Programs into public schools for free, using donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations. The Strider Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, was formed in 2017.
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