Students, parents and teachers in Bellevue participated in the nation-wide Walk to School Day last Wednesday, Oct. 10.
The nationwide event has grown steadily in Bellevue since it was introduced in 2002. This year, 11 elementary schools participated, including Wilburton Elementary School, Ardmore, Bennett, Cherry Crest, Eastgate, Medina, Newport Heights, Phantom Lake, Somerset, Stevenson and Woodridge.
Transportation staff and police work with the school district and Parent, Teacher, Student Association volunteers to coordinate Walk to School Day. In years past, hundreds of students have taken part in activities such as volunteer-led “walking school buses” and park-and-walks from a common meeting area.
An important purpose of Walk to School day is to promote walking as an active, safe and healthy way to get around. Other benefits include decreased congestion around schools and lower rates of tardiness.