Trips for Kids
Racing through the woods, bike wheels
spinning, dirt flying, cheers as students
worked together and shrieks of happiness
could all be heard on Saturday, October
5, at Francis Beatty Park in Matthews,
NC. This year, Albemarle Road Elementary
celebrates its fourth year of partnering
with Trips for Kids Charlotte. Trips for
Kids is a non-profit organization based in
Charlotte that provides mentoring through
bicycling experiences. Their vision includes
a focus on respect, honesty, teamwork,
overcoming challenges, healthy lifestyles
and service.
A partnership that began with bike
rides several times a school year has
developed into organized monthly rides
between Albemarle Road Elementary
students and Trips for Kids. Each month
5th grade students have the opportunity
to spend their Saturday racing through
the woods on mountain bikes. For many of
these students this opportunity wouldn’t occur without dedicated volunteers
and support from the community. Students who don’t have bikes don’t need
to worry as everything is provided. Teachers organize students getting to
the park and upon arrival students are greeted by smiling faces, their own
bike, helmet and water bottle for the day. Each day concludes with a lunch
provided by Trips for Kids.
“One of the most exciting things about this opportunity is watching
our kids faces light up as they challenge themselves to try something new,
succeed and realize they can do it. Their perseverance and positive attitudes
are incredible. Students who may be quiet in class or have trouble focusing
come alive outside as they become leaders
and are able to show off their talents in
ways not always seen when surrounded
by the walls of a classroom,” says teacher
organizer Anna Glodowski-Smith. Trips
for Kids also partners with other CMS
schools. For more information on Trips
for Kids Charlotte please visit www.
tripsforkidscharlotte.org.
Parent Teacher Magazine • Nov/Dec 2014 • 12