Ninety students at Gloria Marshall Elementary achieved an extraordinary milestone this semester, earning brand-new bicycles as a reward for their dedication to reading. The bikes, generously provided by CYCLE (Changing Young Children’s Lives through Education), brought excitement and joy to the campus. The sight of shiny red and blue bicycles lined up in front of the school cafeteria was enough to excite the students, but the real joy came when they were handed their new wheels. Their smiles stretched from ear to ear as they lined up, ready to claim their well-earned prizes.

At the beginning of the semester, second-grade students embarked on an exciting challenge designed to make learning both fun and engaging. They were tasked with completing reading logs, and tracking their progress as they worked toward their individual MCLASS goals. Each log required students to record their daily reading minutes, encouraging them to take ownership of their learning and build consistent reading habits. 

The process was carefully monitored, with teachers, administrators, and even classmates playing active roles in supporting the students. They read together during school hours, collaborated on their goals, and found creative ways to make reading a part of their daily lives. Data from the Middle-of-Year (MOY) and End-of-Year (EOY) assessments will be reported to CYCLE to track student success and ensure the program’s lasting impact.

“They earned this through their determination and love of reading,” Marshall Literacy Specialist Jessica Eatman said. “We don’t really consider it a gift, it is more of a reward. These students worked hard for their bikes and they deserve it.”

While the bikes were undoubtedly the star attraction, the greater focus remained on the importance of reading and achieving personal goals. The staff and volunteers emphasized that these life skills would open doors to endless opportunities for the students.

“We are so proud of those kids,” CYCLE President of Board of Directors Phillip Schneidau said. “It is so important that they understand how important reading is, and being able to provide them with something special for the holidays is a bonus.”

This event wasn’t just about bikes; it was about inspiring students to dream big, work hard, and realize that their efforts can lead to incredible rewards.