International Walk to School Day

October 5, 2011

Hello All,

The 15th annual Walk to school day is drawing near. All schools are encouraged to participate in Walk to school day. All staff and parents are asked to spend time instructing students on pedestrian and bicycle safety prior to the Oct. 5 International Walk to School Day.

The event aims to encourage safer and improved routes to school, healthier habits, and environmental concerns.

Private automobiles are the primary way students travel to school, according to several national survey.

This is the worst type of transportation ecologically compared to walking, biking and bus riding. Those student that walk and bike to school get exercise in addition to the environmental benefits.

Statewide the event is sponsored by the Illinois Safe Routes to School Program and IDOT'S Green Initiative.

Here at Holmes School on the morning of the Oct. 5 Walk to School Day Event, parents and staff members meet those students walking to school at various street corners and/or landmarks just a few blocks north, east, south and west of our Holmes School building location.

* Join a Walking School Bus - Parents and/or staff members are then  encouraged to formulate these (Walking School Buses). Adults are in the front and at the back of the walking buses and the students are in the middle of the walking buses. The buses are supervised by adults to further ensure the safety of all students as they walk and/or bike to school. Even if your child rides the school bus, try to make arrangements to join a Walking School Bus.

* Lead a Lunchtime Walk - Students unable to walk to school can participate in a walk around the block at lunchtime. Parents and Teachers can volunteer to walk with students and support healthy lifestyles.

I hope to see a large number of walking school buses on the morning of October 5th and both parent and staff members of our Holmes School boys and girls leading the charge for better health and evironmental safety! See you there!

Mr. David Williams

O. W. Holmes Elementary School

Physical Education Department