McDill Elementary School celebrated Walk to School Day, a national event coordinated by the National Center for Safe Routes to School. However, event coordinators understand that not all students can walk or bike to school safely, and that many students ride the bus. To acknowledge this, McDill celebrated all safe routes to school Wednesday, Oct. 14, by providing each student with a certificate and a small token of appreciation to remind students to walk, bike, or get to school safely.

Walk to School Day also promotes physical activity as it is recommended that children get 60 minutes of exercise daily. When students were dropped off, they were encouraged to walk, run or play on the playground to get their heart rates up before going into class.

Benefits of riding the bus

Every school bus on the road eliminates approximately 36 cars and less cars on the road equals safer roads and less traffic congestion. For more information, visit www.americanschoolbuscouncil.org.

Using one school bus instead of 36 cars reduces the pollution emitted from vehicles traveling to school.

Time on the bus before and after school provides students an opportunity to get a head start on homework/studying or spend time reading. Students also get to spend additional time socializing with friends before and after school on the bus.

Walking and riding a bike

Walking or riding a bike to school enables children to incorporate the regular physical activity they need each day while also forming healthy habits that can last a lifetime and allow parents and children to appreciate things they don’t notice while driving, such as listening to the sounds of the neighborhood, seeing friends and neighbors and feeling connected with their community.

Students who walk or ride a bike decrease traffic congestion and improve conditions for pedestrians and bicyclists.

The event was coordinated by Physical Education teacher Courtney Vaughan and supports McDill Elementary being a Green & Healthy School Awards, a statewide program meant to reduce environmental impact and costs, improve health and wellness, and increase environmental and sustainability literacy.

For more information about McDill’s Green & Healthy School efforts, visit its website through the Stevens Point Area School District website at www.wisp.k12.wi.us.