EMILY KALKA
Groups of children bundled up in coats, jackets and sweatshirts gathered in the chilly morning air as the sun slowly rose over Chandler on Thursday morning. They hopped around, chatted with their friends, and joked with the teachers who were directing them where to wait in bunches along the sidewalk in front of LaGere Park.
The students were gathered for the annual Walk to School Day. It’s part of a nationwide program called Walk & Roll to School Day, which encourages students to be more active and healthy. According to the Walk Bike to School website, over 2,500 events were held in 46 states this year.
The event at Park Road Elementary kicked off at 7:30 a.m. on Oct. 19, though some eager students began showing up about 10 to 15 minutes before that. Teachers and staff were already present and organized them into groups that walked down to the school in stages. A few parents even joined in the fun.
The event started last year with many kids taking part, said Park Road Principal Bridget Hughey.
“The Avedis Foundation wanted to do this to promote being healthy and active. Also showcasing the new sidewalk,” she said. The students had a choice if they wanted to participate, but Hughey estimated
walk down the street this year.
“They love doing it,” Hughey said. “It’s pretty fun. It’s cold but fun.”
She said last year, they weren’t sure what to expect as it was the first time the elementary school held the event. It was
unfortunately freezing, but the kids enjoyed it all the same. Even if they were all a bit frozen by the end of it.
Hughey said the teachers also took the opportunity during last year’s walk to start teaching the students road and crosswalk safety.
“We’re not a big town, so they don’t know how to use them very well,” she said.
Walk to School didn’t take very long to wrap up. By 7:50 a.m. or so, there were only a few stragglers showing up to do the walk with most students at the school.
Park Road Elementary intends to continue doing the event every year.