Prattville Elementary launches Read and Ride movement-based program after $5,000 Whataburger donation

Prattville Elementary School has launched a movement-based learning and behavior incentive program called Read & Ride after receiving a $5,000 donation from Whataburger that funded the purchase of several new stationary work bikes.

The Read & Ride program integrates physical activity into the school day by combining short bursts of movement with reading and learning tasks. School materials and district posts describe the stationary work bike program as a tool for sensory breaks, academic support, positive behavior reinforcement and classroom rewards, aimed at helping students improve focus, regulate behavior and enhance learning through movement and reading.

Prattville Elementary Principal Katie Lindsey framed the donation as a community partnership. “We are incredibly grateful to Whataburger for their support of our program. These stationary work bikes give our students a healthy outlet for movement, and the excitement we see from our students every day shows just how meaningful this partnership has been,” Lindsey said.

Student response at PES has been upbeat, with pupils describing quick engagement and enjoyment. Bekah-Jean Thomas said, “I liked it. When I looked at how fast I was going it kind of encouraged me to go faster. I think it’ll help me learn how to ride my bike better.” Stephanie Cardenas added, “At first it was kind of hard, but then I got the hang of it. It was fun.” School posts note that “since their introduction, the impact on students has been meaningful, and excitement around the program continues to grow.”

Autauga County Schools posted the announcement on the district site with the headline “PES Receives Grant to Support ‘Read and Ride’ Program” and a timestamp of Fri Feb 06 08:35 AM, while the district and school copy both state explicitly that Whataburger donated $5,000 in support of the program. The contribution “made the purchase of several new bikes possible,” according to school materials; no exact count of bikes is provided.

Prattville Elementary is part of the Autauga County Schools district. Parents and community members seeking more information can contact the school at 153 W 4th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 or by phone at 334-365-5706. School posts indicate event photos accompany the announcement.

For local readers, the Read & Ride rollout signals a classroom-level approach to addressing attention and behavior through movement rather than increased screen time or larger programmatic changes. The partnership with a local Whataburger underscores a trend in Autauga County toward private support for in-school wellness and instructional tools. School leaders say the program’s early reception encourages continued use, and families can follow district announcements or contact Prattville Elementary for details about classroom scheduling and participation as the program develops.