FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Rachel Colledge (801) 936-0318
7th Grade Teacher, Spectrum Academy
SEVENTH-GRADE STUDENTS FROM SPECTRUM ACADEMY WITH HIGH-FUNCTIONING AUTISM AND ASPERGER’S SYNDROME GAIN SKILLS FROM SALT LAKE CITY BICYCLE COLLECTIVE EARN-A-BIKE PROGRAM
October 16, 2009 --Spectrum Academy, the premier charter school in Utah that tailors learning environment and curriculum to accommodate the unique needs of children with Asperger's Syndrome and other high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders is partnering with the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective to provide unique learning opportunities for these students in the areas of bicycle mechanics and assembly, teamwork, project management and social skills.
The generous volunteers and staff of the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective offer their time twice per week for one hour sessions to instruct and assist 7th grade students in repairing and reconstructing bicycles that they will earn to keep upon the completion of their session. These amazing volunteers are working to ensure that these students with special needs have an especially-enriching experience.
Students are finding themselves accomplishing feats that they once thought impossible, thereby helping them to feel more self-reliant and capable of accomplishing a project. Some examples are: students with fine motor deficiencies are now reconstructing the inner workings of the bicycle tire. Students who are working on improving their social skills ability are now working in teams.
Spectrum Academy is ever so grateful for the generosity of the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective and its efforts to offer such wonderful hands-on education to those with special needs.
Class Days: Tuesday and Thursdays
Class Time: 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m.
Class Place: Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective: 2312 S. West Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah 84115