Schools Program Encourages Walking

By Eliza Hallabeck

Driving to work at Newtown High School one day, Judy Blanchard, the district health coordinator for Newtown Public Schools, realized there were a large number of cars at one bus stop.

“There would be five cars at the end of these cul-de-sacs, and there would be a child in each car,” said Ms Blanchard.

She said this got her thinking.

“Walking to the bus stop would have a lot of positive effects for students,” said Ms Blanchard.

Soon the Newtown Public Schools Wellness Committee was involved, and, Ms Blanchard said they thought of creating a kickoff for the project.

The effort is sponsored by the Newtown Public Schools Wellness Committee to increase exercise, create a model of responsible behavior, reduce gas waste from idling cars, reduce exhaust pollution, encourage positive social skills with others, and start and end the school day with a stress relieving burst of exercise and fresh air, according to the Walk To The Stop flyer.

A flyer went out to all of the schools, excluding Newtown High School, that describes the committee’s reasoning behind the project. The flyer describes most children as being naturally physically active with a love to move around, but even walking short distances can go a long way toward a lifetime of being active.

“It’s a nice stress reliever as well,” Ms Blanchard said. As a new program Ms Blanchard said she hopes it will catch on. “The impetus for change sometimes has to start with the youth,” she said.

As part of the initiative, bus drivers in the district have been given yellow and black school bus key chains that read “I Walk to the Stop!” to be distributed to students who have walked to their stop. Those student can attach the key chain to their school bag or use as they please.

Ms Blanchard said as a society Americans do not walk enough, and this is particularly true in Newtown where there are a limited number of sidewalks for pedestrians.

“It’s societal,” said Ms Blanchard, “so the message we are giving our children is ‘don’t walk unless you have to.’”

The small number of sidewalks and crosswalks in Newtown means everyone needs to find even more opportunities to walk, according to Ms Blanchard. “It’s a little step in trying to get us more healthy,” she said.

Walking the small way to the bus stop is beneficial for students, weather permitting, Ms Blanchard said, adding, “I’m really hoping families will start thinking about walking more.”