Three schools in Shawano County will participate in International Walk to School Day on Wednesday.
The event promotes safe school routes, pedestrian safety and the importance of physical activity. Each school has a unique event planned involving students, parents, community leaders and school staff.
Pastor Luke Ferris and parents will join students in walking to Sacred Heart Catholic School, 124 E. Center St., Shawano.. Those who don’t walk to school will have the option to walk 10 laps around the school parking lot in the morning or during recess. Any students who participate will be entered in a drawing to win a door prize.
After students arrive at Shawano Community Middle School, 1050 S. Union St., they will gather for an assembly celebrating International Walk to School Day.
At Bonduel Elementary School, 404 W. Mill St., all elementary school students who live in town will be encouraged to walk to school. Students who reside in Navarino and Cecil will be bused to the local fire station and will walk to school from there.
Safe Routes to School programs encourage children grades K-8 to walk and bike to school by creating safer walking and biking routes. Federal funding is provided to state departments of transportation to help administer the programs.
By improving walking and biking travel options, Safe Routes to School promotes healthier lifestyles in children at an early age and decreases auto-related emissions near schools.
For information,visit www.eastcentralsrts.org.