Joining schools from around the world to celebrate International Walk to School Day, Mountain View School District’s 12 schools participated in the event held October 6. MVSD partnered with Day One, a community-based nonprofit organization to coordinate the Walk to School activity.
Hundreds of walkers, including students, parents, family members, teachers, staff members, volunteers and community leaders gathered at 6:30 a.m. at the six different meeting locations before beginning their walk to their school site. The walking school buses were impressive as they lined the streets by school making their way to each campus. Led by adult volunteers, crossing guards, and El Monte Police Department escorts, students showed their commitment to be physically active and healthy.
“We are excited to hold our 2nd Annual Walk to School event,” said Lillian Maldonado French, District Superintendent addressing the crowd of walkers at Mt. View Park. “Walk to School Day is a great way to promote being physically active as well as the importance of having safe routes to school. It’s a fun morning and great way to start the school day!”
On hand to recognize the District’s commitment to wellness, was Elena Robles, a representative from Congresswoman Grace Napolitano’s office who presented MVSD and Day One with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition for their dedication to promoting exercise and encouraging health, fun and community.
Among the community members joining the group of walkers at Zamora Park was El Monte City Councilwoman, Victoria Martinez at Cielto Lindo, South El Monte City Councilmembers Hector Delgado, Joseph Gonzalez and Gloria Olmos.
According to David Diaz, from Day One, in addition to promoting wellness, Walk to School Day events raise awareness of the need to create safer routes for walking.
“It’s imperative to have safe routes for walking and biking in the community,” said Diaz. “Events like this emphasize pedestrian safety, traffic congestion and concern for the environment and also build connections between families, schools, and the broader community.”
“This is a great event that brings the whole family together,” said Yvonne Elias, Maxson School’s Media Clerk. “I love seeing the students and their parents, grandparents, siblings, teachers, principals, and staff members all walking to school together. It’s beautiful and lets the kids know that we are all here for them.”
Enrique Garnica, a 2nd grader at Maxson had fun meeting up with classmates and walking with his Dad to school from Mt. View Park.
“I walk to school two or three times a week but today was fun with all the people walking too,” he said.
T-shirts were given to the first 100 students from each school to register for the Walk to School Day event.
Upon arriving at their school site, students enjoyed a healthy breakfast from MVSD’s Food Service Department and raffle prizes were given out to the walkers.
“It was nice to get out and walk to school with our students,” said Haile Ucbagaber, Kranz teacher. We had a good crowd walking from CVS to the school and it was a good way to kick off the day.”