Decatur Newsletter
February 13, 2026
Dear Decatur Parent/Guardian:
The Cascade Bicycle Club (www.cascade.org) supports a bicycle and pedestrian safety curriculum called “Let’s Go”. It’s delivered district-wide in 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade Physical Education class. Our Decatur unit will be from Wednesday, March 4 to Monday, March 23.
Volunteers are needed and greatly appreciated during this important unit. Please be sure you are already preapproved and have volunteer this year at Decatur. If not, check with the main office on getting approved. I truly hope volunteers will sign up for days and times they are available, even if it’s helping a class that is not your own. Volunteers do not need to be “bike people” or even know how to ride a bike. For example, volunteers help kids put their helmets on correctly, manage a part of the lesson by checking for hand signals or kids obeying a certain traffic sign, or helping one student learn to ride while I teach the rest of the class.
What is the schedule?
The 4th and 5th Grade Schedule is not consistent and hard to paste and cut.
3rd Grade P.E. – Mondays and Tuesdays
Ms. Kleinhanz, 12:20-1 p.m. Ms. Adams, 1:05-1:45 p.m.
May I use my own bike?
No. Due to equity and liability policies in the agreement between Seattle Public Schools and Cascade Bicycle Club, students may not use their own bikes.
A set of 30 bikes and helmets will be at our school for this three-week unit, 5 or 6 P.E. lessons.
May I wear my own helmet?
With caregiver permission, students may choose to bring their own bike helmet to school. It must be approved for bicycles, so check for a sticker inside that says something like “Complies with CPSC Safety Standard for Bicycles”. Some skateboard helmets are not approved for biking. Students wearing school district helmets will also be provided a protective hair liner to wear with it.
What should I wear?
Please wear safe biking clothes and shoes (NO flip flops, NO dresses). Be aware that wide pants can get caught in the chain. Also, please be prepared for the weather. Some of the bike lessons we be outdoors.
What if I don’t know how to ride a bike yet?
I have taught many kids how to ride a bike in my 25 years as a P.E. teacher. I am especially good with kids who are anxious, who are afraid of falling, or struggle to learn at home. We can meet on a weekend or after school to learn. Some kids may have told you they don’t want to learn how to ride a bike, but perhaps preparing for this bike unit will motivate them. Teaching kids to ride a bike is an absolute passion of mine and I love it! Please reach out if you’d like some help learning to ride!
Questions, comments, or concerns please contact Jeannie Bastasch, P.E. Teacher
