WATSONVILLE — School kids at Radcliff Elementary School were given a special treat Thursday by two world-class BMX stunt bicyclists who performed a stunning array of bike tricks that brought on waves of excited applause.
The event, which falls under the Summer Showcase summer school program and is part of the Extended Learning program, serves as a way to highlight new summer learning partnerships, said instructor Jen Bruno.
Hosted by the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, the Summer Showcase brought in guests from California Department of Education’s Expanded Learning Division, the County Office of Education and PVUSD board members to observe classrooms and learn about the expanded enrichment opportunities being offered this summer.
For the past 17 years, the PVUSD Extended Learning Department has been providing a variety of summer learning opportunities. The 2017 Extended Learning program host more than 4,000 students at nine sites. In addition, they work with the Migrant Department, Special Education Department, and Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance to provide specialized summer support for students.
The BMX event not only served as a daredevil showcase for thrills, bicyclists Pete Grant and Bryce Tryon peppered the audience with helpful information about bicycle, skateboard, scooter and rollerblade safety.
“If you are riding a bicycle, skateboard, scooter or rollerblade the most important part of your equipment is your helmet,” Grant said. “Always wear a helmet and wear the chin strap nice and tight.”
The elementary and middle school Extended Learning Summer School curriculum is Common Core aligned, hands-on and project-based, Bruno said.
“This curriculum has an emphasis on science-based language arts while also focusing on building foundational skills in math,” she said. “STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) and enrichment offerings provide unique opportunities for students to take ownership of their own learning and for students to reflect on new learning in the context of their own lives.”
Carol Ortiz of the Summer Showcase program said she was excited about the BMX show and how well the program was going.
“It’s just nice to see these kids excited and here having a good, safe time,” Ortiz said.
