The Riding for Focus Bike Program will begin Fall 2018
BETHLEHEM, PA (June 19, 2018) – The Specialized Foundation announced that Nitschmann Middle School is one of the select nationwide schools to receive a grant to begin the Riding for Focus cycling program for the 2018-2019 school year. The Riding for Focus curriculum integrates cycling into physical education classes as a way to help students achieve academic, health, and social success.
“In addition to 36 new schools across the nation, we are delighted to have Nitschmann Middle School join The Specialized Foundation family,” said Ted Theocheung CEO, The Specialized Foundation. “With this years’ additional schools, our foundation will reach over 20,000 students, across 77 schools, in 30 states. We look forward to working closely with Nitschmann Middle School to improve their students’ lives through cycling.”
As a recipient of this year’s grant, Nitschmann Middle School will gain access to the Riding for Focus program curriculum, a fleet of bikes, a starter maintenance kit, and helmets to activate the program. Additionally, a select program champion will attend an in-person training hosted by The Specialized Foundation to ensure success as the program is integrated into classrooms this Fall.
“Our expected program will include morning bike rides with faculty and students, all students 6 to 8 learning how to ride mountain bikes in physical education classes, and hopefully to build a competitive team of mountain bikers to learn & compete with other schools,” said Peter Mayes, Nitschmann Middle School Principal.
Nitschmann Middle School teacher, Cristin Miller, who applied for the grant, said she hopes some students find a lifetime hobby.
“My ultimate goal is to share my love of riding and provide a lifetime sport to the students of Nitschmann,” she said.
Riding for Focus is designed to introduce middle school students to cycling’s positive effects on academic performance, health, and social success. The curriculum was developed based on studies conducted by a third-party research organization that investigated the impact of cycling on middle school students. Students that follow the curriculum have seen improvements in their standardized test scores, and the increased physical activity helps to establish life-long habits for exercise, fitness, and wellness. The program has been found to be an inclusive experience for all students, across all ethnographic, demographic, and geographic factors, and is flexible enough to deploy in all types of schools with class sizes from ten to fifty.
About the Bethlehem Area School District
The Bethlehem Area School District, in partnership with the home and community, is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment in which each student will attain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become a productive citizen and lifelong learner in our technologically demanding and culturally diverse society.
Information provided to TVL by:
Barbara Clymer
Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent
Bethlehem Area School District
1516 Sycamore Street
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18017
