Shawano area students will join schools worldwide in celebrating International Walk to School Day on Wednesday.
Shawano County’s University of Wisconsin-Extension helped organize the event locally with collaboration from Shawano Pathways and the Safe Routes to School program, an initiative of the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission.
The following local schools will participate in Walk to School Day: Hillcrest Primary School, Olga Brenner Intermediate, Shawano Middle School, LEADS Charter School, Sacred Heart Catholic School, St. James Lutheran School and Bonduel Elementary School.
“International Walk to School Day is both a far-reaching movement and a local event that encourages students, teachers, children and parents to come together as a community,” said Melissa Kraemer Badtke, regional Safe Routes to School coordinator. “On International Walk to School Day, people of all ages can help promote exercise, improve health, reduce pollution and create friendships in our East Central region.”
Olga Brener Intermediate School has participated in Walk to School Day since 2010. The school will offer prizes, including Subway gift cards, T-shirts, bracelets and reflective stickers, to encourage students to participate.
“The day originated to try to encourage parents and children who may drive to school to try walking for a day,” Principal Karen Smith said. “It’s a great opportunity for parents to bond with their kids.”
Susan Longmire, principal of St. James Lutheran School, agreed that the walk helps bring families together. The school has participated in the program since 2012.
“It gives the parents and students a chance to come together, because they don’t do that too often,” Longmire said. “It also promotes physical health.”
Bonduel Elementary School has ambitious plans for its first year of participating in Walk to School Day.
“Many people worked together to make this event happen,” Principal Peggy Jones said. “The Bonduel Police Department and Shawano County Sheriff’s Office will be supporting our walk. They will be present to help keep our streets safe.”
Students who usually arrive by car can be dropped off at the Bonduel Fire Station, where teachers and support staff will guide them to the school. The high school’s Bear mascot will participate, and students are encouraged to wear the school colors (blue and gold). Some of the high school athletes also might be on hand to guide and encourage the youngsters.
“We want to emphasize safety when walking on the streets, encourage students to make healthy choices and to have cleaner air,” said Jones, who hopes to see more than 200 students participate.
Sacred Heart Principal Elisha Wagenson hopes the entire school community gets involved for its second year in the walk.
“We are planning for 100 percent participation and are making time after the first bell so that all kids can walk some laps,” she said. “We hope the students continue to grow in their excitement and level of health consciousness as they develop lifelong healthy habits.”
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