What Walk to School Day Can Do For You

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What if you could do something that helps students arrive at school ready to learn? And helps strengthen connections between families and the school? And helps children get some of the physical activity they need every day while fostering skills they’ll use for a lifetime?

What if that something was as simple as walking to school?

Yes, walking to school provides all of those benefits. And Walk to School Day is a great way to begin a walking program at your school. Of course, many of you know that already.  After all, PTA leaders are prolific Walk to School Day event organizers!

This year’s official event date is Wednesday, October 9.

If you are already planning a Walk to School Day event at your school – Great! Please make sure your event is registered at the official Walk to School Day website, www.walkbiketoschool.org. It’s quick and easy!

For those of you who want to know more, Walk to School Day is a one-day event that is a part of an international effort throughout the month of October to celebrate the many benefits of walking and bicycling to school. While the main event is October 9, schools may celebrate any day in October that fits their schedules. Walk to School events can be as simple as a few kids and parents meeting to walk to school or very elaborate celebrations.

Last year, more than 4,200 schools in the U.S. registered Walk to School Day events at www.walkbiketoschool.org. By registering your school’s event, you’re joining thousands of other schools across the country and around the world.

Schools that register get access to resources like sticker, badge and certificate templates. They let others interested in walking to school know what’s happening nearby. They provide an opportunity for media outlets to find and publicize their event. And they get counted in the National Walk to School Day event tally.

Still need a little more info? Walkbiketoschool.org has lots of resources to help you get started.

You can also see who’s walking near you this year and reach out to them, share ideas or find ways to work together. Most events get registered in September, so it may also be helpful for you to see who participated last year.

Do you have any questions? Email us at walk@walkbiketoschool.org. We want to hear from you!


Lauren Marchetti is the Director of the National Center for Safe Routes to School.

 

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