Highland, Rye Airfield bring some adventure to WRMS

TILTON — Winnisquam Middle School teachers Cenanne Sanders and Bob McNutt recently developed an opportunity for Highland Mountain Bike Park and Rye Airfield to bring biking and skateboarding to all physical education classes here at WRMS. On the same day, they also provided students who had earned positive rewards with a special session just for them, and an additional opportunity for kids to try out the equipment after school.

Highland brought bikes, helmets, and their Interactive Ride Zone (wooden ramps) which they set up in the gym. Both Mark Hayes, Highlands owner, and Chris Chmielewsi, the park's lesson coordinator, attended and provided instruction.

Beau Lambert, general manager of Rye Airfield, brought skateboards, pads and helmets. Lambert gave beginner skateboarding lessons to students and a lot of practice time to hone the skills they had learned. Over and over again, students commented about how much fun they had, all that they had learned, and a strong desire to do this again in the future.

"Learning to skateboarding with the kids was the highlight of my afternoon, energizing me the rest of the day," said teacher Jess Cobbett. "What an amazing opportunity for our students and staff to build relationships as we both became the learner side by side."

"My dad bought me a skateboard a long time ago, but I never knew how to ride it. But now that I've had that lesson I know how to ride a skateboard better," said sixth-grader Rachel Lake.

"The Winnisquam School District is fortunate to have an amazing group of individuals driven to provide healthy lifestyle opportunities for their students," said Highland's owner Hayes. "By partnering with others they are opening new doors and helping steer kids in the most positive direction. We look forward to a lifelong partnership with our school friends and working together as we help to do our part in growing a stronger, healthier, more active community."

Students at Winnisquam Regional Middle School get to try out skateboards as a special physical education class at the school recently. (Courtesy photo)

Some Winnisquam Regional Middle School pedal mountain bikes around the gymnasium during a physical education class. Equipment was provided by Highland Mountain Bike Park and Rye Airfield. (Courtesy photo)