WALKING THE WALK
International Walk to School Day has students hoofing it to class
Students all over the world walked to school during International Walk to School Day Oct. 4, and here in Pottstown, they were walking all over town.
About 1,500 students in total from all district school buildings walked to school, according to John Armato, the district’s community relations director.
The students gathered at pre-determined meeting spots and enjoyed a walk together before the start of the school day.
This day was also the start of this year’s Walking School Bus program at Rupert Elementary School, which promotes healthy behaviors for young people and takes advantage of volunteers from the community to accompany the children.
“The Walking School Bus gives students a chance to have good social interaction and physical activity in the morning” said Shelby Iezzi, the district wellness coordinator.
There are 2 routes this year, pink and orange, and the students walk approximately 1.5 miles.
According to the national organization Walk & Bike to School, International Walk to School Day “highlights the benefits of walking and the priority for safety, offering communities and elected officials a chance to highlight the importance of safe options for walking or biking for the trip to school and beyond.”
Safety was a priority in Pottstown School District; police officers from the Pottstown Police Department and teachers accompanied the students on their walk, and crossing guards were on duty as always.
On a related note, the school district is participating in Pottstown Borough’s Walk and Bike Pottstown initiative. Superintendent Stephen Rodriguez has been actively promoting our bike-able district in videos that can be found on Pottstown School District’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.