In the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Seattle, Maple Elementary school students arrived alert and ready to learn after participating in the Walking School Bus Friday morning.

On a normal day, only 10% of kids walk to school; most are dropped off by their parents in cars or take a regular school bus, even though gas prices are high and our children are sedentary. The Maple school community, with the help of Feet First, is taking these matters in their own hands.  Funded by a grant from the Group Health Community Foundation, this school has been working with Feet First to assess their environment, plan educational events, and get going on the walking school bus to change that percentage.

Seattle City Councilmember David Della was brought up in the neighborhood and showed up at the kickoff to show his support. Also present was the Feet First chicken (who was helped across the road by several students).

KING5 TV was there to observe the kickoff.


 
How the Walking School Bus works:

Rather than ride a car or bus to school, students will join the Walking School Bus from two locations in their Southeast Seattle neighborhood. Participants walk to school together with family members and staff along set routes. Children on the bus will be able to join the walk rather than being dropped at the school, and parents that drive their children will be able to alter their destination and join in at the starting point or along the route. 

 Maple is one of four new elementary schools participating in a joint Feet First and Injury Free Coalition for Kids of Seattle “Start Strong” program.