International Walk to School Day was just the first step for students at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Shawano.
The school, among seven in the area that participated in the annual walk Wednesday, also is taking on a challenge issued by Transform Wisconsin, a nonprofit organization that promotes healthy communities by providing grants and funding.
“The Transform Wisconsin program challenges each child in our school to walk 20 minutes per day, and each child is given a pedometer to track their steps,” Principal Elisha Wagenson said. “We are going to convert these steps into miles throughout the school year.”
Olga Brener Intermediate School, which has participated in Walk to School Day since 2010, also has extended its commitment to student fitness past the annual event through a walking club and other activities.
“Kids do not walk enough,” said Rose Thiel, who walked to Olga Brener on Wednesday with her fifth-grade son, Tyler. “They spend more time on the computer these days.”
Thiel and her son have participated in Walk to School Day for three consecutive years. She called it a step in the right direction.
“I walk all the time, so it is a very good idea,” Thiel said. “I think it is good exercise for the kids.”
Other schools participating Wednesday were Hillcrest Primary School, Shawano Community Middle School, LEADS Charter School, St. James Lutheran School, which is also taking the Transform Wisconsin challenge, and — for the first time — Bonduel Elementary School.
Principal Peggy Jones said about 170 students and 35 parents walked to school in Bonduel. Enrollment at the elementary school is 320.
Walk organizers recruited the Bonduel Police Department and Shawano County Sheriff’s Department to help ensure students’ safety. Students who usually arrive by car could be dropped off at the Bonduel Fire Station, where teachers and support staff guided them to the school.
The high school’s Bear mascot also participated. Students were encouraged to wear the school colors (blue and gold).
“Community support was crucial to the success of today’s walk,” Jones said. “There were many staff members who assisted in helping students cross the streets and walking along Mill Street to school.”
Shawano County’s University of Wisconsin-Extension office helped organize Walk to School Day locally in collaboration with Shawano Pathways and the Safe Routes to School program, an initiative of the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission.
All students participating received giveaways such as bracelets, neon T-shirts, bicycle reflectors and Subway gift cards to promote healthy choices.
Nancy Schultz, UW-Extension family living educator, said she has seen participation in Walk to School Day increase over the years.
“I think that we have a lot more parents that are actively involved with their kids, including walking to school and biking to school,” Schultz said. “It is a real total community involvement.”
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