The program is designed to promote walking as a health activity and reinforce pedestrian safety.
“It was a great start to the Walking School Bus,” said Maura Gedid, the Safe Routes to School coordinator. “We had sunshine and a lot of participants. There was a lot of enthusiasm for the first walk.”
Dows Lane participants received "I walked to school” stickers on the first day. One group was guided by Irvington police detective Michael Toolan to cross the street at Harriman Road and Broadway.
“Many thanks to Detective Toolan and all of the staff at the District who have contributed to getting the Walking School Bus started,” Gedid said. “District families seem really excited about the program. It helps students practice safe walking and get a little outdoor time before their day at a desk begins. It also helps parents to get some exercise and spend a little unplugged time with the kids before school. Finally, it reduces car traffic around the schools at rush hour. ”
As part of the Walking School Bus program, Main Street School students also walked to school on April 22 to celebrate Earth Day. The program, which works like a car pool with parent volunteers conducting the group, will continue weekly until the end of the year. Any parents who are interested in joining a route to Dows Lane or Main Street can contact coordinator Maura Gedid at irvingtonsaferoutes@gmail.com.
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