Last updated: 28th September 2006

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FALL WALKING SCHOOL BUS PROGRAM:

Time to Register Your Child (at Selected Schools) ...
Adult Walking School Bus "Drivers" Needed

Dates of Program: Monday September 11 - Tuesday November 21, 2006

Walking School Bus brochure: view or download a PDF file of the Walking School Bus brochure and parent consent form.

Register Your Child for the Walking School Bus

Does your child attend:
Fairview or Grant Elementary?
Lee or Ridgeway Elementary?
Russell Boulevard Elementary?
West Boulevard Elementary?

In that case, sign him/her up for the Walking School Bus Fall Program:
Monday September 11 - Tuesday November 21

Benefits of Walking to School:
Improved health and fitness
Better behavior and focus in class
Reduced traffic congestion and air pollution
Social opportunity for kids (and adults!)

For more information and to register:
Click here for a brochure and registration form, or ...
See us at Back to School Night (Monday, August 21st), or ...
Contact Margy Tonnies at matonnies@hotmail.com or 573-864-2556.
Volunteer Walking School Bus "Drivers" Needed

Can you answer "yes" to these questions:
Do you enjoy the company of children?
Can you supervise 5-10 elementary age children?
Are you available 2-3 days per week between 8:00-9:00 am?
Would you agree to a criminal background check?
Are you at least 21 years of age?

The PedNet Coalition is recruiting volunteer Walking School Bus "Drivers" to lead groups of children on a daily, morning walk to school during our Fall Program:
Monday September 11 - Tuesday November 21

Rewards will include:
Daily exercise for you!
Participation in a community program
that promotes children's health and wellbeing
Volunteer Appreciation Awards Dinner

For more information and to apply:
Contact Margy Tonnies at matonnies@hotmail.com or 573-864-2556.


THANKS to our Walking School Bus T-Shirt Sponsor: Boone Hospital Center.

Contents:

What is a Walking School Bus?
What are the benefits of the Walking School Bus program?
What does a Walking School Bus "Driver" do?
How do I apply?


What is a Walking School Bus?

A Walking School Bus is a group of 5-10 children who are accompanied by one or more adult "Walking School Bus Drivers" on their walks to school. Usually, the children live near one another, so the adult "Driver" will walk the group through the neighborhood, picking up students at designated "Walk Stops." The program is very popular and effective with elementary age children (K-5).

Walking School Bus programs are popular in England and New Zealand, and in a number of U.S. cities - for example, Chicago and Atlanta. For more information, visit:

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What are the benefits of the Walking School Bus program?

The Walking School Bus program provides a consistent, supervised system in which children can walk under the supervision of adults - either parents or other adult mentors. A Walking School Bus program increases safe passage of students who already walk, and encourages additional students to walk, introducing them to an important and easy form of exercise.

Walking to school is a seamless way for kids to achieve the 30-60 minutes of physical activity they need each day to maintain a healthy weight. It reduces automobile traffic, particularly near schools during drop-off and pick-up times, and thereby increases pedestrian safety and reduces air pollution. It strengthens communities by getting families to work together for a common good. It introduces children to an increasing number of caring adults. It is an activity that is greatly enjoyed by students and parents.

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What does a Walking School Bus "Driver" do?

The Walking School Bus "Driver" is the responsible adult who leads a team of children on their daily walk to school. Generally, two qualified Walking School Bus "Drivers" will be assigned to share a route of about 1.0 mile, and given a schedule for picking up the 5-10 children living along that route.

The "Driver" will call each family to confirm the child's participation in the program, let the family know the pick-up time and location, and answer any questions the family may have. The two "Drivers" will then work out a rotation for who will lead the walk on each day. If the designated "Driver" is sick, the first substitute should be the other "Driver" for the same route if available. It will be important for the Walking School Bus "Drivers" to be punctual and thoroughly reliable.

Because Walking School Bus "Drivers" will be responsible for groups of children, all applicants must be 21 years of age or older, and agree to a criminal background check. All candidates must also attend a Walking School Bus "Driver" Training Session. A packet of information will be provided to each "Driver" describing program policies on children's behavior, cancellation due to bad weather, etc. and including games and activities to make the walk more fun for the kids. Walking School Bus "Drivers" will also be required to keep attendance records and report to PedNet's Walking School Bus Coordinator once a week.

At the end of the program, all Walking School Bus "Drivers" will be invited to attend the Volunteer Appreciation Awards Dinner.

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How do I apply?

For more information about the program and to apply to be a Walking School Bus "Driver" or to register your child, please contact Margy Tonnies at matonnies@hotmail.com or 573-864-2556.

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