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Janice Dismas students launch Outride bike program under national grant; staff trained by Specialized
Summary
A national Outride grant provided Janice Dismas Middle School with 30 bikes, helmets and curriculum; teachers received training at Specialized headquarters and student "bike leaders" described immediate benefits for exercise, engagement and social-emotional learning.
Janice Dismas Middle School leaders told the board they secured an Outride grant through the nonprofit arm of Specialized that supplied 30 bikes, helmets, lesson plans and professional development for staff.
Principal Dr. Laura Matthew credited assistant principal Abe Alakone and P.E. teacher Mr. Laruso with securing and implementing the program. Mr. Laruso described being flown to Specialized headquarters for four days of training and said the curriculum is organized into 13 lessons designed to pair physical activity with social-emotional learning and classroom standards. "This is to be honest one of the coolest things that I've ever been a part of," he said.
Students who have taken part in the lunchtime rides and the curriculum called the program engaging and calming. Student Justin Guzman Molina told the board he liked "how you could work together as a team to help each other." Leaders said the program also includes adaptive equipment—the district obtained a hand cycle for a student with a physical disability—and community partnerships for route planning and safety.
The school invited board members to visit and ride; administrators said the program is intended to expand off-campus rides as safety and routes allow. Presenters described the program as research-based, tied to social, emotional and cognitive outcomes and intended to increase student agency and engagement.
Ending: School leaders asked for board members' participation and promised progress updates as the Outride curriculum expands.
