Ivywild kids' hard work earns them new bikes

Eighteen Ivywild Elementary School fifth-graders figured out Friday how they'll spend much of their summer vacation: riding their new Mongoose bicycles.

The students received the bikes, along with locks and helmets, from Kids on Bikes, a Colorado Springs-based nonprofit that motivates children to aspire to excellence.

But they had to work hard to get their free prizes.

As part of the Kids on Bikes' annual ABCs program, the students had to achieve academic, behavioral and character-based goals they set when school started last fall.

With the help of their teachers, students tracked their progress throughout the year.

Eleven-year-old Fabian Pelayo said it was a "beneficial challenge." He said he does "less talking and more listening" and stopped entertaining his classmates behind his teacher's back. And he's improved his math abilities.

"I'm definitely riding my bike tonight," he said.

Fabian's mother, Angelica Pelayo, said she noticed improvement in her son's attitude and behavior.

"He always gets his homework done now, and he's been helpful cleaning up around the house," she said. "I'm so proud of him."

Ivywild was selected for the program on the recommendation of the Pikes Peak Community Foundation, said Susan Pattee, who directs a revitalization project for the Ivywild neighborhood through the foundation.

"We're working to improve the vibrancy of this area, and the school is the heart of the neighborhood," she said. "The program helps children strengthen their character and see the value of persistence in achieving goals. It's a lesson they'll carry with them."

While reading statements about their achievements and what the program meant to them during a ceremony Friday, the kids said they learned to respect others, act properly in school and at home and get better grades.

"I focus on my school work more," said Irma De Niz. "I used to get less than 80 percent on tests, and now I get more than 80 percent. This was the only year I think I really tried."

Irma also said she "didn't get snotty toward others" and paid her teacher the same respect as her teacher pays her.

Dominic Bushway said the program motivated him to improve his multiplication and division skills and "be good in class."

Kids on Bikes conducted several fundraisers to pay for the bicycles and locks, said Leslie Rutberg, director of the ABCs Program. City-owned Memorial Health System donated the helmets, she said.

On Wednesday, 81 fifth-graders at Sand Creek Elementary School will receive bikes through the program, which originated at the school in 2006. In three years, the program has distributed more than 200 bikes.

This is the first year the program had been offered at Ivywild, which is one of several elementary schools that District 11 is closing at the end of this school year to cut costs.