Sonora Elementary School is teaching kindergarteners to ride bikes during physical education classes through the All Kids Bike Learn-to-Ride Kindergarten PE Program.
The school received the bikes and supporting materials Sept. 22 through the generous support of donors Alff Construction, Cornerstone Wealth Management.
Physical activity is a fundamental part of childhood development, and Sonora Elementary is taking a pioneering step by introducing bike riding as a part of its curriculum, according to an All Kids Bike press release.
Nonprofit Strider Education Foundation operates the program and provides schools with comprehensive learning packages that include a fleet of 24 bikes, pedal conversion kits, helmets, one teacher instruction bike and certified curriculum teacher training.
The program equips Sonora Elementary to teach students how to ride a bike in just eight lessons, according to the release.
Lisa Weyer, Strider Education Foundation executive director, emphasized the significance of the program.
"Teaching kids to ride a bike in kindergarten isn't just about physical fitness; it's about building their confidence and enhancing classroom focus,” Weyer said. “We're excited to empower Sonora Elementary students through this program and are grateful for supporters like Alff, Cornerstone Wealth Management and Trailblazers, who are helping bring more smiles to these kids' faces."
Partnering with community partners is an important aspect of the program.
“Collaborating with fellow supporters to bring the All Kids Bike program to Sonora Elementary is a testament to our shared commitment to enriching the educational experience of our young learners,” said Kevin Yingst of Cornerstone Wealth Management. “We firmly believe that investing in initiatives like this not only empowers students with valuable life skills, but also strengthens the bonds within our community.”
Jake Betsworth, Alff Construction COO, said the business is a proud supporter of Sonora’s biking initiative.
"We are thrilled to be part of a program that not only promotes physical fitness but also enhances the overall well-being and self-confidence of these young learners,” Betsworth said.
Sonora Elementary is the 11th school in Springdale to join the All Kids Bike Learn-to-Ride Kindergarten PE Program, according to the press release. The initiative impacts about 100 kindergarten students annually, providing them with valuable skills for life. With equipment designed to last 7-10 years, it's estimated that up to 1,000 kids will benefit from the program over the next decade.
"We are eager to begin the program this year," said Janelle Harp, the Sonora Elementary counselor who applied for the school’s participation in the program. "This program is designed to level the playing field for students both academically and through enrichment. Most of our students do not have bikes and no opportunity to learn to ride. This program allows these students to gain this skill.”
ABOUT ALL KIDS BIKE
The All Kids Bike Learn-to-Ride Kindergarten PE Program launched in 2018 with a simple mission: to give every child in America the opportunity to learn how to ride a bike in school. The program includes everything needed to teach thousands of students at a school for 7-10 years: teacher training and certification, a fleet of 24 bikes, pedal conversion kits, helmets, an instructional bike for the teacher, 2 rolling metal bike storage racks, and access to a resource portal and live support for the life of the program. Substantially underwritten by the Strider Education Foundation, All Kids Bike Learn-to-Ride Kindergarten PE Programs are active in over 1,000 schools across all 50 states, teaching over 100,000 kids to ride each year. For more information, please visit www.allkidsbike.org.
ABOUT CORNERSTONE WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Cornerstone Wealth Management is dedicated to providing exceptional financial solutions that prioritize their client’s unique needs and aspirations. As an esteemed independent firm, they are unwavering in their commitment to align services and investment selections exclusively with their client’s best interests. With a steadfast focus on financial well-being, they offer perspective as a nationally recognized leader in the wealth management community.
ABOUT ALFF CONSTRUCTION
ALFF Construction, a family-owned and operated enterprise with deep-rooted values, conducts all business with unwavering commitment to the highest standards. With origins as a small Iowa startup, ALFF Construction has grown into a nationwide leader in landscaping and construction, specializing in facility maintenance across all 50 states. Alff prioritizes relationships over revenue, grounded in small-town principles and decades of industry accomplishment. The ALFF team's hallmark traits of prompt service, customer loyalty, and exceptional execution define their commitment to superior results. Through meaningful, long-lasting partnerships, Alff stands ready to navigate any challenge that comes their way, affirming promise of unparalleled service.
