Lessons they can use for a lifetime

Janet Prins is trying to bring some old-fashioned, two-wheeled fun to the physical education curriculum at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Elementary.

The longtime PE teacher is working to bring the All Kids Bike Kindergarten PE Program to the elementary school. The program equips schools with everything they need to teach children how to ride a bicycle, which would be new territory for Prins.

"This would be something that's totally different for the kids and for me," she said. "I think they would love it.

An online fundraiser has already netted $480 of its $4,000 goal. If H-M-S crosses the threshold, the All Kids Bike organization will provide teacher training and certification, a structured eight-lesson curriculum, a fleet of Strider Bikes, pedal conversion kits, fully-adjustable helmets and a five-year support plan.

Designed to be taught in eight integrative lessons, the curriculum begins with the simple goal of teaching a child how to move, balance and stop while on a two-wheeled balance bike. Midway through, the bikes are converted from balance-mode to pedal-mode with the goal of each student pedaling a bike independently. This progressive-based approach aligns with national physical education standards, so it can seamlessly be integrated to H-M-S's year-long physical education programming.

Prins said she learned about the program from one of the many physical education pages she follows on social media. She noted that learning how to ride a bike is a life skill that will benefit students as children and adults.

"I think right now we're in kind of a sedentary age where they don't get out and do things outside that we used to do as kids," she said. "I think this would help and foster being outside more and being more active, which is something we try to get kids to do all the time."

H-M-S Elementary Principal Cathy Jochims gave Prins the thumbs up to move forward with the bike fundraiser. She was thrilled at the opportunity to teach kids a skill they can use to stay healthy well beyond their school years.

"H-M-S understands the importance of physical fitness and activity," she said. "It plays a critical role in developing the whole child, physically, mentally and socially. This unique opportunity to bring bicycles to our students will help us meet the needs of our students."

There are already 225 schools in 35 states with All Kids Bike Kindergarten PE Programs. If funded, H-M-S would be the third school in Iowa to launch the program.

Prins hopes to secure funding by spring so the bikes can be here next fall for the 2021-22 school year.

"This will benefit not only next year's kindergarten class, but the next year's kindergarten class and the next year's and the one after that," she said.

If you'd like to make a donation to help H-M-S reach its fundraising goal, checks can be made out to Strider Education Foundation, Inc. Drop it off at the elementary building or contact the school and staff will make sure it gets picked up.