Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) has been awarded a $15,000 grant from Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) to launch a new active-learning initiative at Eastern Montgomery Elementary School (EMES). The funding will be used to purchase a classroom set of innovative desk bikes, designed to merge physical wellness with academic instruction.

“This grant will allow us to purchase desk bikes for our classrooms, providing students with purposeful movement opportunities throughout the school day,” said EMES Principal Kate Stewart. “By integrating movement with instruction, we aim to increase student engagement, focus, and stamina—ultimately supporting stronger academic outcomes.”

The transition to active seating is backed by a growing body of neuroscientific research. For example, research published in the journal Pediatriecs indicates that for students with high sensory needs or ADHD, structured movement functions as a "compensatory mechanism," significantly improving "on-task" behavior and cognitive performance compared to traditional sedentary sitting (Hartanto et al., 2016).

“We are thankful for the support from MVP to help our students reach their full learning potential,” said MCPS Superintendent Dr. Kelly Guempel. “We are excited to find innovative and creative ways for our students to learn."

“We applaud Montgomery County Public Schools for pursuing this creative initiative to boost student wellness and academic achievement,” said Shawn Day, spokesperson for MVP. “Mountain Valley is committed to partnering with community groups and organizations that promote opportunity and stronger, healthier communities, and we are excited to support this new student-centered program at Eastern Montgomery Elementary School.”

About Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC

Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC, a joint venture led by EQT and NextEra Energy, owns and operates the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP), a 303-mile interstate natural gas transmission pipeline that provides affordable, reliable and lower-carbon natural gas supply access to customers across the Eastern United States. The company is also developing the MVP Southgate, an extension of the MVP into North Carolina, and the MVP Boost, an expansion of the MVP system through additional compression. More info:www.mvpboost.info.

Eastern Montgomery Elementary School

Eastern Montgomery Elementary School

EMES to Enhance Student Focus with $15,000 Grant for Classroom Desk Bikes