Photo: woodleywonderworks/Flickr
While the kids may still be splashing in the pool or deep into other summer fun, parents already have an eye on the calendar as it creeps toward the start of school.
Whether you’re launching a young one into kindergarten or have a more seasoned student, you might consider livening up the school commute with a Walking School Bus — an option that helps your child meet the neighbors while getting in some daily exercise.
A Walking School Bus “is a group of children walking to school with one or more adults, picking up students along the way,” says the city of Seattle’s Department of Transportation. “A Walking School Bus can be as simple as a few neighbors taking turns walking their kids to school. Or it can be formalized, with schedules, routes and official stops.”
You can find basic information on how to get started at walkingschoolbus.org and on the Safe Routes to School website at saferoutesinfo.org.
Feet First (feetfirst.org), which promotes walkable communities throughout Washington, has worked with Seattle elementary schools that received Safe Routes to School grants.
If you need help connecting with your neighbors, Feet First’s Ruby Stacey suggests talking with other parents at a school event to start your planning.
