10-3-17 walk to school day

Walk to School Day also hopes to address the growing concern with lack of physical activity as well as increase awareness in protecting our environment. Over the last 30 years, the percentage of children biking and walking to school has declined from 50% or more to where it is now closer to about 15% that bike or walk.  For some families, this is an opportunity to give walking and bicycling to school a try. Walk to School Day is not a new initiative. The Partnership for a Walkable America sponsored the first National Walk Our Children to School Day in Chicago in 1997, modeled after the United Kingdom’s walk to school events. In the U.S., Walk to School grows in numbers and relevance each year. Whatever the motivation, Walk to School boils down to families and community.    “October is Child Health Month and walking or bicycling to school gives children time for physical activity and a sense of responsibility and independence; it also creates an opportunity to be outdoors and provides time to connect with parents, friends and neighbors. The entire community benefits when there is less traffic congestion,” says Marian Sheridan, School Health and Safety Programs Coordinator for the Fond du Lac School District. “We encourage students and parents to review the list below and take the opportunity to participate in Walk to School Day.” Schools will also be providing incentive prizes and/or raffle drawings provided through Safe Routes to School for students who choose to participate in this activity.