Walk to School Day | 10/2

9/28/2018 8:49 pm

Jefferson Elementary School will take part in National Walk to School Day on Tuesday, October 2, 2018. The entire Jefferson student body will be walking to school together from Orchard Park in Maplewood with parents, teachers, staff, and special guests from the District Administration and the Township of Maplewood to celebrate healthy habits, community, and safety.

Around the country communities are working to improve health and increase the appeal of walking and bicycling to school. And there are signs of success that help shed light on what could help bring positive changes to even more places. While there is much work to be done, we are on the right road.

• One-time events like Walk to School Day can increase the number of students who walk or bicycle to school even weeks after the day of the event.

• Walk to School Day events often turn into regularly occurring walking and bicycling programs, which over time can get significantly more students walking and bicycling to school.

• Parent survey data collected by 6,500 schools from 2007 through 2014 show that parent-perceived school support for walking and bicycling for the school trip increased from 24.8 percent to 40.8 percent from 2007 to 2014.

International Walk to School Day is a global event that involves communities from more than 40 countries walking and biking to school on the same day. It began in 1997 as a one-day event. Over time, this event has become part of a movement for year-round safe routes to school and a celebration – with record breaking participation – each October. This October, thousands of schools across America – from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico – participate every year.

Helping out as a crossing guard, Maplewood Mayor, Vic De Luca assists the Jefferson School students as they walk to school.

"Walk to School Day is a fun event that stresses the importance of pedestrian safety and, at the same time, reinforces a sense of community as our students walk through and learn more about our local neighborhoods.  The event creates a fun atmosphere filled with smiles and an infusion of school spirit." says Amy Straub, Jefferson PTA President.

"We're happy and excited for Jefferson School to take part again this year in Walk to School Day!" according to Kathy Greenstone, Walk to School Day Event Chairperson.

TO PARTICIPATE:

• WALKERS should report to Orchard Park on DeHart Road in Maplewood by 8:00 AM

• BUSSERS will be dropped off directly to Orchard Park from their usual stop

No child should be driven to Orchard Park. If absolutely necessary, children can be dropped off at Jefferson and they will be walked to the park by a chaperone. Please keep DeHart Road clear for busses.

Teachers and parent volunteers will be waiting for our students there. Once we are all assembled, we will begin our walk, class by class. 

IF YOU DO NOT WANT YOUR CHILD TO PARTICIPATE, or if you have any questions please email Kathy Greentsone at kathygreenstone@gmail.com Friday Sept. 28th. Children who do not wish to participate should report as normal to Jefferson by 8:05. Jefferson Staff will supervise any children who are not participating.

Anyone who would like to volunteer as a park chaperone or crossing guard, please log in our PTA website and sign up here.