Glendover sets pace on Walk to School Day

Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Wednesday, October 07, 2009

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Glendover students collected flashing red reflectors and necklace charms on Walk to School Day.

Glendover students collected flashing red reflectors and necklace charms on Walk to School Day.

Glendover students collected flashing red reflectors and necklace charms on Walk to School Day.Dozens of parents accompanied their children in the early-morning darkness.A mom trailed her third-grade daughter, who biked about three blocks to school.David Hayden, who pedaled alongside his son, greeted PSA Ron Eads, who was doubling as a crossing guard.Nearly 250 students crowded around the sign-in tables in the foyer.P.E. teacher Janie Delong (in red jacket) handed out necklace charms, which the children collect throughout the year on Walking Wednesdays.

Nearly half of the students at Glendover Elementary walked to school Wednesday morning as part of the national observation of Walk to School Day.

For physical education teacher Janie Delong, the goal was fresh air and fitness. For many of the kids, though, it was all about the bling.

As they entered the school foyer, the 243 students who signed in as walkers collected tiny plastic feet to add to chain necklaces, yellow stickers proclaiming “I walked to school today” and flashing red reflectors, which were perhaps the biggest hit.

Many Glendover parents accompanied their children on Walk to School Day – some because of the early-morning darkness, others to set a good example.

David Hayden pedaled alongside his third-grade son from all the way across Nicholasville Road. “Since he learned to ride his bike (two weeks ago), we can do more as a family,” Hayden said.

Hayden called Walk to School Day a strong incentive, noting, “It encourages kids to get up and get moving.”

Communities and schools choose to participate for various reasons, including to promote physical activity, to help improve air quality and to foster pedestrian/biker safety.

The National Center for Safe Routes to School offers guidance on how to create a comprehensive program to help make it safe and appealing for children to walk and bicycle to school every day.

At Glendover, it’s not just a once a year thing.  Students are encouraged to walk to school every Wednesday. On a typical “Walking Wednesday,” the school of roughly 570 students logs about 100 participants; bus riders can do laps in the gym to earn necklace charms.

“There are a lot of kids walking this year,” said Tisha Maynard, a PTA mom who regularly accompanies her daughter on the three blocks to school. “It’s really exciting. I hope they keep it up!”