Despite a flawless blue sky and bright sun, it was a little chilly at 8:15 a.m. as Belmar Elementary students and teachers gathered at nearby Addenbrooke Park to walk to school together.
"We wanted to organize something to promote walk- and bicycle-to-school safety," Principal Meredith Leighty said. "We've been having safety lessons throughout the week for the kids."
The special occasion was International Walk to School Day, which this year fell on Oct. 5.
Students wore jeans and heavy coats. A few even broke out gloves or a hat. Of course, the easiest way to stay warm was to get moving, and elementary school children never have a problem with that.
Physical education teacher Karen Schroeder was right in the middle of the action with her students. She leapt for a football with the boys who were tossing the pigskin around and then led a dance party to Major Lazer's "Lean On."
"Today's event is a united effort to get the word out about health and community," Schroeder said. "The fact that it's an international day means we can talk to kids about how students all over the world are participating, and that really broadens their horizons."
Some students created neon art with chalk on the pathway, while others played on a nearby playground. Teacher's voices were nearly drowned out in the kind of roar only a large group of children having a great time can make.
When 9 a.m. rolled around, it was time to form everyone up and safely walk to school for a day of learning.
"I walk four blocks to school and home," fifth-grader Andrew Mashburn said. "I like getting outside and seeing all the nature."
from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Taking-a-celebratory-walk-to-school,236858
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