We have all heard the stories about how ‘back in the day’, people had to walk to school both ways uphill. From the morning traffic in Bridgeport, there is evidence that suggests that very few students ever walk to school at all now. The International Walk to School Day on Wednesday, October 8, hopes to change that.

 

“There are so many benefits to walking to school,” said Simpson Elementary Principal Lori Reid. “Children learn good traffic safety skills and it promotes the fact that physical exercise is a great way to stay strong and healthy.” 

 

For Simpson students and their parents, the plan is to meet at the Church of Christ parking lot at the corner of Center Street and East Philadelphia Avenue. The group will then walk to school at 7:35 sharp.

 

For Simpson, the celebration will continue each Wednesday during October. 

 

“Students will receive their “Walk to School Passport” and each week they will receive a “stamp” of approval for traveling.  The class with the most traveling students will receive the “Golden Shoe of the Week” award”, says Reid. 

 

“Families really benefit from walking with their children to school as well,” said Johnson Elementary Principal Vicki Huffman.  “It reminds us to maintain safe spaces for walking and biking and to have fun spending time together in a way that doesn’t involve morning traffic.”

 

Johnson families are offered two locations in which to park their cars and walk the rest of the way to school on Oct. 8.  “Families can park at the Johnson Avenue United Methodist Church beside the middle school or at the St. Barnabas Church on Hall Street and then walk the rest of the way to the school that morning.  Both schools are requesting that a parent or guardian walk along with their child during the event.