Community celebrates Walk to School Day
October 8, 2009
Wentzville School District
Green Tree Elementary in the Wentzville School District joined schools from around the world to celebrate International Walk to School Day on Oct. 7, 2009.
Approximately 200 students from Green Tree walked to school Wednesday along with parents, teachers, staff members and Lake Saint Louis Police Officers.
“We’re trying to promote healthy lifestyles and community cooperation,” said Community Resource Officer Susan Ochs of the Lake Saint Louis Police Department. “We’ll also use this opportunity to teach the students pedestrian and bicycle safety as well.”
The event began with a light breakfast at Boulevard Park. The long “parade” of walkers arrived at the school at approximately 8:45 a.m. Alex, a Green Tree 5th grader said, “I like it a lot, I got to talk to my friends and we got some exercise at the same time!”
In the U.S., International Walk to School Day is expected to include 5,000 schools from all 50 states. Walkers from the U.S. will join children and adults in 40 countries around the world.
Walk to School Day began as a simple idea—children and parents, school and local officials walking to school together on a designated day. It is an energizing event, reminding everyone of the simple joy of walking to school, the health benefits of regular daily activity, and the need for safe places to walk and bike. Schools focus on health, safety, physical activity and concern for the environment.
The event was organized by Officer Ochs, Green Tree Elementary, and the Lake Saint Louis Police Department as part of a “Safe Routes to School” grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation.
From the Wentzville School District
Copyright 2009 Neighbors About Town
