Two minutes spent registering your bike can save you time and money down the road. That's what Pierce Downer students recently learned from Downers Grove police officers Marion Heinz and Mary Wennerstrom. The officers joined parent volunteers to host an after-school bicycle registration and safety event on October 3. Sponsored by the PTA Healthy Kids Committee, the event also highlighted National Walk/Bike to School Day, which was coming up the following Wednesday. 

More than 20 students provided basic information including the make, model and serial number of their bike and rode off with a bicycle registration number, as well as a booklet covering bike rules of the road. Students learned that most often it is kids who steal other kids' bicycles. After a joyride, the bike is dumped in the bushes when it's time to head home. When a lost or stolen bike is recovered by police, returning it is simple if the bike was registered.

"Bike registration is like a car license plate," Wennerstrom explained. "We are able to look up who the bike is registered to and give them a call."

Highland senior volunteers get first-hand look at new technology   

Highland School's senior volunteers recently got a firsthand look at how technology is transforming teaching and learning.  

On September 27, the school hosted its annual appreciation luncheon for the school's Older Adults and Kids (OAK) volunteers. The luncheon always occurs on the school's Picture Day. The volunteers get their photos taken, have lunch with the classroom teacher they work with, and meet with Principal Judy Kmak for curriculum and district updates.

"Each year the presentation is different depending on what the new initiatives are at the district level," Kmak said.

The sixth grade is one of three grades at Highland participating in the District's 1:1 device pilot program, and six of the sixth-graders met with the six OAK volunteers to present what they have been learning. 

"Each sixth-grader used the Apple TV to show an activity or lesson they have done with their iPad Mini, then worked one-on-one with the OAK volunteer to show them the device and let them try it out," Kmak said.

Lester School Fun Run a fitness success

Encouraging fun physical activities for families is of the utmost importance, and the Lester School PTA created fitness fun and family memories at the fourth annual "Running of the Leopards" 5K Fun Run and 1-Mile Kids Dash October 6. Along with promoting a healthy lifestyle, the fundraising event generated more than $10,000 towards Lester school programs and activities.  

Downers Grove Mayor Martin Tully joined more than 185 children, some as young as four years old, and 135 adults on a beautiful course through the neighborhood surrounding Lester School. Among those who completed the 5K race was the "Lester Fit Girls Club," a group of 30 fourth and fifth grade girls who trained together for weeks leading up to the event.

"The Lester Running of the Leopards Fun Run was a truly special gathering for our school. We celebrated a great family event on a beautiful fall day and created lasting memories for our students and the community," said Principal Carin Novak.  

Afterwards, students, families and staff celebrated the Fun Run with an awards ceremony and door prizes, and DJ Yianni hosted a dance party.

Click here to view more photos from the event, and to view the full list of event sponsors!