Deer Park introduces bicycling to daily curriculum

June 11, 2020

Deer Park Middle School is excited to announce that Deer Park Middle School will be participating in Outride’s Riding for Focus program starting in the Fall of 2020 school year.

This is the second school in the district to participate in the program. St. James Santee Elementary Middle School will begin their second year. More than 143 schools and 33,000 students across the country are already benefiting from the Riding for Focus program.

Deer Park Assistant Principal Ricardo Robinson was instrumental in obtaining the grant this year as well as last year at St. James Santee.

“I am very excited about being the second school in the district with the program,” said Robinson. “I look forward to the potential partnerships and impact that Riding for Focus could have on Deer Park.”

The Riding for Focus program uses cycling as a tool for children to achieve academic, health, and social success. Students enrolled in the Riding for Focus program will have access to a fleet of bikes, helmets, maintenance equipment, and the Riding for Focus curriculum.

“I am thrilled that Deer Park has been afforded this opportunity,” said Principal Shanitra Deas. “I’m excited that our scholars will have the chance to learn a new skill and embrace challenges and adventures. It’s a great opportunity to allow our scholars to put their futures into focus.”

In addition to weekly riding, students will complete a dedicated curriculum created through a partnership with Central Michigan University. Riding for Focus provides a combination of cycling, fitness, and academic performance, all while instilling a lifelong passion for cycling for students who participate.

Additionally, the program explores and tracks how cycling can positively affect student learning, health, and socio-emotional well-being.

The goal is to establish a sustainable school cycling program that will help students succeed, as well as grow and connect the community.

For more information, visit the Riding For Focus website.

 

About the Charleston County School District

Charleston County School District (CCSD) is the second largest school system in South Carolina representing a unique blend of urban, suburban, and rural schools that spans 1,000 square miles along the coast. CCSD serves more than 50,000 students in 87 schools and specialized programs. With approximately 6,100 employees district-wide, CCSD is the fourth largest employer in the region.

CCSD offers a diverse, expanding portfolio of options and specialized programs, delivered through neighborhood, charter, magnet, IB (international baccalaureate), and Montessori schools, and is divided into three Learning Communities. Options include specialized programs in science, engineering and mathematics; liberal arts; music and other creative and performing arts; career and technical preparation programs; and military and other public service enterprises.