MVSD students, staff and families laced up their sneakers and hit the pavement on October 4, in celebration of National Walk to School Day. Coordinated by Safe Moves, an organization that educates students about traffic safety, and empowers them to practice safe walking, bicycling and driving habits, and supported by the City of El Monte, MVSD’s event succeeded in encouraging children to be more active and addressing the need for safe routes to school.

Gathering early in the morning at five different meeting locations, groups from the District’s eight schools and Children’s Center formed “walking school buses” and made their way to each campus, cheering and having fun along the way. Led by staff members, volunteers, crossing guards, and El Monte Police Department escorts, students and other walkers showed their commitment to be physically active and healthy, while following safe walking practices.

“We had an amazing Walk to School Day with 170 total participants,” said Dr. Aileen La Corte, Payne School principal.  “It was wonderful to have our students, families and staff come together to support this event and we had a great time walking from Mt. View Park to our Payne campus.”

“Walk to School Day was a great way to connect with our kiddos and their families,” said Dr. Alberto Alvarez, Twin Lakes School principal.  “We had a great turnout and the kids really enjoyed walking from Zamora Park to our school.”

Baker School’s participants were joined by their Charger Mascot as they walked from Zamora Park to Baker’s campus. 

“I appreciate our staff, students and families coming together for this event,” said Leticia McCorkle, principal.  “It’s evident our Baker community is dedicated to creating a sense of belonging and caring.” 

Each student who participated received a reusable MVSD water bottle.  In addition to promoting wellness, Walk to School Day also raises awareness of the need to create safe routes for pedestrians throughout the community.

“We are grateful to Pat Hines and Safe Moves for partnering with us to coordinate our Walk to School Day event,” said Priscilla Figueroa, Director of Family Engagement.  “It was wonderful to also have the support of the El Monte Police Department and city crossing guards who ensured our walking school buses made it safely to their schools. It was a great way to start the school day!”