Students walking the walk to school as part of a greater plan

October 2008

When Chase Elementary School PTO parent Jennifer Kozielski received notification that her son was going to have to walk to school due to changes in this year’s Monticello Schools transportation schedule, she had mixed feelings. Her first concern was for her child’s safety, so she began to research what others were doing. What she found surprised and pleased her so much, she decided to organize a local Walk to School Day.

On Wednesday, Oct. 8, more than a dozen kids and their parents joined Kozielski, PTO President Lauralyn Radlein, Chase Elementary School Principal Susan Gottlieb and Monticello Board of Education member Tara Buckstad-Russo and walked to school together.

The initiative, sponsored by the federally funded National Center for Safe Routes to School, suggests that children be encouraged to walk to school, whether it is required or not, as part of their daily exercise. In addition to increasing physical activity and its benefits, the Safe Routes program promotes walking as a way to teach safety, increase environmental awareness, reduce traffic congestion and pollution, share time with others, fight childhood obesity, decrease speeding near school buildings and take back neighborhoods from crime. Other reasons, including why Monticello School District changed its transportation plan, include saving money on fuel costs and decreasing wasteful spending.

The Chase PTO plans to apply for a Safe Routes grant next year to add sidewalks and better signage for walkers. Until then, they are looking for volunteers to work as crossing guards before and after school. PTO members also have ideas for creating a walking school bus and a bike train.

For more information or to volunteer, please call Chase Elementary School at 888-2471 or visit www.saferoutesinfo.org.