Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1487796
Students operate a bike wash, lube and flat-tire repair station for students and community members. Project Dragon Paws helps Sprague's students relax — and work to get shelter animals adopted. H O W D O Y O U H E L P at-risk teens regain their equilibrium, improve their health and reduce their stress levels? It's as easy as riding a bike — in this case a mountain bike — asserts Keith Sprague. Sprague teaches at Alps View High School in Weaverville, a mountain town in the Trinity Alps. AVHS is a small continuation school for students who are not on track to graduate from traditional high school. In 2021, Sprague, a member of Trinity Alps Unified Teach- ers Association, received a $20,000 grant from CTA's Institute for Teaching to buy 16 mountain bikes for his students. The goal: to help break the vicious cycle of apathy, poor health habits and lack of exercise. He also bought an e-bike for stu- dents with special needs. "Despite the pandemic and wildfires, we finally were able to get many of the kids on bikes, using our county 's pristine trails that have always been there just calling to us," says Sprague, now in his 17th year as a public school educator. "It was very emotionally moving for me as a teacher to see these students, who are often unmotivated, enjoying a hands-on, outdoor activity with smiles on their faces." The idea came about when he was talking informally with his superintendent who asked, "Wouldn't it be great to see some of these kids on mountain bikes?" "I took that as a 'yes,' and applied for the grant," says Sprague. Riding the mountain bikes during school time counts as physical education. It also ties in with building confidence, social-emotional learning and encouraging healthy habits. "When we take a break on our mountain bike rides and find a shady spot and get comfortable, we have some open conversations while admiring the beautiful terrain," he says. "Many of these kids suffer from stress, trauma and anxiety. Some have issues related to substance abuse. When I began teaching here, I came to the realization that I can't touch their academic needs until I start focusing on their social-emotional and physical needs. The mountain bike pro- gram is definitely helping with that." Tenth-grader Trinton Gillespie says it's an "awesome" experience. "I love it when we get to ride trails that I have never been on before. I definitely focus more on my schoolwork, so I don't lose the opportunity to ride while at school." Sprague used part of the grant money to purchase pro- fessional bike repair tools. His students operate a bike wash, lube and flat-tire repair station for other " I am striving to be the teacher I wish I had when I was younger. I'll do whatever it takes to support these kids and help them get back on track." KEITH SPRAGUE Trinity Alps Unified Teachers Association 19 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 2 / J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 3 Students get a boost with two wheels, four paws