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CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) Parents in the Valley View neighborhood, just north of Jefferson School, recognized the value of walking to school and with the help of the Barnes ON THE MOVE Partnership started a Walking School Bus this fall.

A walking school bus is made up of one or more ‘drivers’ (adult leaders), who pick up students at designated stops along a specific neighborhood route and walk with them to school.
 
The walking school bus provides students with physical activity which is important for health as well as improves behavior and concentration at school.  It also provides social opportunities for students and adults to make friends and get to know families in the neighborhood which builds healthier, safer communities.  

Walking also reduces the number of short car trips which saves gas and money and is better for the environment because it lessens harmful emissions and air pollution.

Last spring Jefferson School partnered with the Barnes ON THE MOVE Partnership and offered parents the opportunity to complete an Interest Survey for Walking to School.  The survey helped to identify neighborhoods that might be interested in starting a Walking School Bus. 

One neighborhood that was identified was the Valley View loop.  This neighborhood had the greatest number of interested parents.

The Valley View Walking School Bus has been operating 4 days per week since the beginning of the school year and both students and parents seem to appreciate the benefits it offers.  “It’s refreshing to go on a walk in the morning.” stated Wendi Wilmes, a parent who helps lead the walking school bus.  When asked what her favorite part of the walking school bus is, one student shared, “its fun to be with my friends!”

Any parents interested in starting a Walking School Bus in other neighborhoods are encouraged to contact Andrea Winter at Young People’s Healthy Heart Program at CHI Mercy Health at 845-6456 for more information.