Stationary bikes sought for reading sanctuary

Bordewich-Bray Elementary School officials are hoping stationary bikes will help peddle literacy to their students.

"In order to improve our students' fitness and reading scores, we would like to implement Reading and Riding," said vice principal Susan Squires. "This would be an area in our school where we have placed stationary bikes for students to ride during homework club and recesses while reading."

Physical education teacher Linda Hurzel said she is seeking community donations of 10 bikes students can ride for 20 minutes at a time while reading.

She said studies have shown a connection between physical activity and increased brain function.

"You get the blood flowing and the oxygen levels up," she said. "It all makes sense."

She said it's the same way with adults.

"When you're in a meeting, the longer you sit there, the less focused you are," she said. "It's the same way for the kids."

And the benefits go beyond the short-term, Hurzel said.

"Studies show kids who have higher physical fitness scores tend to do better on standardized tests."

She said one school that adopted a similar biking and reading program showed reading scores doubled and math scores improved by 20 percent.

"If a child can read, everything is at their fingertips," she said. "At the same time, you need your health to be able to put that knowledge to use."

The school will accept both new and used stationary bikes. To donate, call Squires at 775-283-2400.