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William Bryant Elementary’s All Kids Bike grant teaches kindergarteners to ride; older students served as leaders
Summary
William Bryant Elementary used a Blue Springs Education Foundation grant to run All Kids Bike, a balance‑bike program that taught kindergarten and first graders to ride and engaged fifth‑grade student leaders to run stations and support families.
William Bryant Elementary’s All Kids Bike program — funded by a grant from the Blue Springs Education Foundation — provided kindergarten and first‑grade students with hands‑on bicycle instruction in physical‑education classes and drew support from fifth‑grade student leaders.
“Balance bikes help the kids learn a lot,” said Kurt Lower, the school’s physical‑education teacher, who led the program at William Bryant. Lower told the board that the program teaches gliding and balance on a flat, forgiving surface and that families have come to him to say their children can now ride independently.
Student leaders described their roles to the board. “One of the best parts about being a bike leader is helping kids gain confidence,” said Macy Morgan, a fifth‑grade leader, who described giving pep talks, adjusting helmets and running practice stations. Bennet Johnson, another fifth‑grade leader, said the program made students “excited for school and PE” and that he enjoys helping younger students learn the skill.
School staff said the program produced quick, visible results and built classroom community across grades. A parent quoted in the program materials told staff that the child’s ability to ride independently had been a meaningful change for family outings.
Principal Abby Swisher brought student leaders to the board meeting to show a short highlight video and to invite board members to the program’s finale, the Glow Bridal Celebration, where board members were invited to join a short ride around the gym.
The district presentation credited the Blue Springs Education Foundation grant with making the program possible and noted that the program supports both physical development and student leadership opportunities. The school asked the board and audience members to consider advocacy and support for extending the program to additional schools.
The board praised the program during public remarks. “It’s such a good skill to learn. It’s so good for your muscles and your bones and your heart and your balance,” Board Member Mrs. Emmerson said to the students and staff in attendance.
